Brilliant Blue 2024: Global Innovators Crowned Winners of Prestigious Ocean Science Challenge

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Atlantic Canada — Brilliant Blue 2024, the global virtual competition empowering youth to solve real-world ocean challenges, has announced its winners. Students from more than 16 countries showcased innovative solutions to critical issues, from marine conservation to renewable energy and autonomous systems. This year’s competition proved once again that the future of ocean science is in brilliant hands.

Brilliant Labs, an Atlantic Canadian-based charity, hosted the event. Brilliant Labs is a hands-on, experiential learning platform dedicated to helping youth develop coding and digital skills. By integrating creativity, innovation, and technology into projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Brilliant Labs empowers educators and students to make an impact in classrooms, communities, and beyond.

Erjeller team from Turkmenistan. Healthy Marine Life category, 1st place winners. Dayanc (Project Lead), Emirhan (Environmental Officer), Hajyguly (R&D Lead), Davut (Operations Manager), Ymammuhamet (Financial Analyst

The Healthy Marine Life category saw an exciting finish, with Erjeller from Turkmenistan claiming 1st place, followed by Scotian Stellar Systems from Halifax West High School in Nova Scotia securing 2nd place (The Starfish Sensor System aims to revolutionise monitoring and data collection in field
research of aquatic plants), and Champions des Bioloops from École secondaire publique Louis-Riel, Ontario, claiming 3rd. These teams presented projects focused on marine ecosystem preservation, using cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to combat ocean pollution and protect biodiversity.

(Halifax West High School, Brilliant Blue team. Left: Kaelyn, Sara, Harsheen, Zlata, and Dana Sweeney/Teacher/Advisor). The Starfish Sensor System is designed to transform the way field research on aquatic plants and marine life is conducted, offering a sustainable, cost-efficient, and versatile solution for monitoring and data collection. Originally developed to monitor eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds in eastern Nova Scotia, this innovative system is now optimized for use in shallow coastal environments across various aquatic ecosystems.

Other local teams participating in Brilliant Blue 2024 included Cahmarine from Centre d’apprentissage du Haut-Madawaska (NB), Team Sapphire from Halifax Regional Centre for Education (NS), and Team Royal Robotics from Riverview High School (NB), showcasing the strength of regional talent. Also represented were Cetorhinus maximus from École Carrefour Beausoleil (NB), Lacs et Rivières du Québec from Ontario, and Ocean’s Way from Elsipogtog School, Elsipogtog First Nation.

Marine Autonomous Systems category, Lobster Bots from the USA took home the 1st place prize with their innovative autonomous vehicle technology for monitoring marine life. NEPTUNE Drifter is a versatile, cost-effective marine research platform designed to empower organizations with real-time environmental monitoring and data collection. By offering an open-source, modular design, NEPTUNE Drifter allows users to customize and integrate various sensors, making it ideal for diverse applications from aquaculture to climate research.

In the Marine Autonomous Systems category, Lobster Bots from the USA took home the 1st place prize with their innovative autonomous vehicle technology for monitoring marine life. Team Hope from Lebanon and Syria earned 2nd place for their autonomous underwater drones, designed to assist in marine research and environmental protection.

This video comes from Team Hope, a team of refugees in Lebanon, who competed in the 2024 Brilliant Blue Challenge under the Marine Autonomous Systems category and won second place within their category. Congratulations to Team Hope and their advisors!

The Marine Renewable Energy category was dominated by Marine Dynamics from Lebanon and Syria, who won 1st place for their creative solutions in harnessing renewable energy from ocean currents, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions for the future.

This video comes from the Marine Dynamics Brilliant Blue team. They are a group of refugees from Lebanon, and chose to compete under the Marine Renewable Energy Category. Within this category they won first place. Congratulations to Team Marine Dynamics!

The Ecosystem Excellence Award was awarded to The Travelers of the Blue Forest from Colombia for their work in ecological restoration and sustainable coastal management. Marine Masters from Lebanon and Syria secured 2nd place for their eco-friendly technology aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.

This video comes from The Travelers of the Blue Forest, a team from Columbia who competed in the 2024 Brilliant Blue competition under the Marine Autonomous Systems category. Their project was awarded the 1st place Ecosystem Excellence Award by the judges! Congratulations to The Travelers of the Blue Forest!

Check out this video from the Marine Masters Brilliant Blue Team sharing their prototype and discussing how their project can make a difference. The Marine Masters team competed under the Brilliant Blue: Healthy Marine Life category.

As part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, Brilliant Blue aligns with the global effort to raise awareness and inspire action for ocean sustainability. Kent Smedbol, Senior Director of Science Programs at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and UN Ocean Decade representative, praised the event and its impact on young innovators:

“Brilliant Blue has been endorsed as an official activity under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, making all of you part of a global community working in science and technology to promote a sustainable blue economy. The future of our oceans depends on the ideas, ingenuity, and creativity of the next generation, and Brilliant Blue is providing the platform for these young innovators to shine.”

The event not only celebrated the achievements of young innovators but also highlighted the importance of fostering careers in ocean science and technology. Omar Hussein, Director of Brilliant Blue, emphasized the significance of youth involvement in the blue economy:

“The future of ocean science and technology is being shaped right now by young minds with fresh ideas and boundless energy. Brilliant Blue is giving these students the tools to make a lasting impact on our oceans, and it’s inspiring to witness their passion and creativity come to life.”

As the event concluded, participants were left with a sense of hope and determination to continue their work in ocean science. Brilliant Blue 2024 has proven that the next generation of innovators is already equipped to create lasting change. Subscribe to follow teams as we interview participating teams to learn more about their projects and motivation.

Looking ahead to Brilliant Blue 2025, the event continues to offer a unique opportunity for students to explore careers in ocean science, technology, and sustainability — fields that are critical for the health of our planet.

Stay tuned for Brilliant Blue 2025! Registration and updates are available on the official website.

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