Collegiate Innovation: Call for Solutions

November 4th - 6th, 2026 Broward County, Florida

18th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit

The Student/Collegiate Pitch Competition invites students from across Florida to imagine and present the innovations that will shape a more sustainable and resilient future. Participants will showcase creative solutions addressing real-world challenges in Coastal and Ocean Innovation, Green Technology, and Stormwater Innovation.

Who Can Participate

Open to students from any accredited Florida college or university
Individual or team entries are allowed
Participants can submit concepts, prototypes, or research solutions
No company or business information is required

Ideas, Innovation, and Impact!

Competition Categories

Coastal and Ocean Innovation – Solutions for coastal resilience, marine technology, and the ocean/blue economy
Green Technology – Innovations in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable systems
Stormwater Innovation – Ideas for flood prevention, stormwater capture, and water reuse

Prizes for the top idea in each category!

Key Dates

Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
Student Semi-Finalists Notified: Early May 2026
Student Semi-Finalist Pitch Event: Early June 2026
Innovation Day & Finalist Pitch Event: November 4, 2026
Finalist Showcase at Summit: November 5-6, 2026

Prizes

Semi-Finalists

Attendance (x2 per semi-finalist) at Compact Summit
Travel Stipend (hotel, flights/travel, $100 per day food stipend)
Seaworth Collective Pitch/Entrepreneurship Course
Poster Display @ Compact Summit
Recognition @ Compact Summit

Finalists

Winner Banner Acknowledgement over Poster
Group Finance Session with Lil Roberts (Xendoo)
Group Risk Management Session w/ Anita Byer (The Human Equation)
Group Business to Government Mentorship Session
Invitation to CEO Roundtable

Sponsorship Opportunities

Innovation Day Sponsor

$30,000.00
Exclusive sponsor of Innovation Day on November 4
Prominent Branding opportunities, including display posters, step-and-repeat backdrop, and other signage
Opportunity to distribute sponsor-provided promotional gift to attendees
Opportunity to provide welcome remarks at Innovation Day
+ Includes all benefits of Dolphin Sponsor
$10,000.00

Student Training Partner

$30,000.00
SOLD: Florida Office of Ocean Economy
Exclusive sponsor of student pitch/entrepreneurship training provided by Seaworth Collective
Prominent Branding opportunities, including display posters, step-and-repeat backdrop, and other signage
Opportunity to distribute sponsor-provided promotional gift or material to attendees
Opportunity to speak @ Innovation Day for up to 3 minutes

Main Track Partner

$10,000.00
2 REMAINING - Florida Office of Ocean Economy - Oceans
Exclusive sponsor of one of the main tracks (first come first serve basis)
Logo on award and banner above winner
Opportunity to be on stage with award winner with photos
Acknowledgement at Compact Summit during 1-Minute Pitch by Winner
+ Includes all benefits of Tropical Fish Sponsor
$3,000.00

Innovation Day Partner

$3,000.00
Logo on sponsor slide at Innovation Day

One Compact Registration

$465.00
+ Conch Sponsor
$1,000.00

Questions? Reach out to Kate at MRH:
katherine@marineresearchhub.org

Apply Now

Our Goals

Facilitate collaborative research among university partners.
Attract capital investment for the commercialization, monetization, technology transfer, spin-offs, and job creation opportunities research offer.
Build a local talent pool to support the growth of the marine research industry and Blue Economy businesses.
Become a magnet for student attraction and retention.
Be recognized globally as the premier geographic location for marine research & development of research-based solution companies.
Establish South Florida as the Blue Economy Hub.

Contact Us

The Marine Research Hub of South Florida Inc. is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. EIN (Employer Identification Number): 82-3626190

For more information about becoming a supporter or partner of the Marine Research Hub, contact Katherine O'Fallon.

Katherine@marineresearchhub.org

786-778-4453