Ocean Exchange Kicks Off for 2026

As Ocean Exchange enters its first full season as a fully integrated program within the MTS family, I want to briefly reintroduce our mission for anyone still getting acquainted with us — and outline how members can engage in the months ahead. Ocean Exchange identifies and supports solutions that improve ocean health, strengthen coastal systems, and advance the broader blue economy. Joining MTS last July has expanded our reach and strengthened our ability to advance these innovations with the benefit of MTS's global network and technical community. 

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 round of our signature Neptune Awards. Each award carries a $100,000 prize and recognizes solutions with potential for meaningful impact at scale. Application deadlines vary by region, and we encourage the MTS community to help us surface strong candidates by sharing this opportunity widely.

Our collegiate cycle begins April 1. Our multiple $10,000 Collegiate Awards are open to undergraduate and graduate teams developing early-stage, high-impact concepts. 

This year we are also launching a "Solution Spotlight" series highlighting past Ocean Exchange finalists and winners. These profiles will showcase what real impact looks like — how promising ideas become operational technologies, and how innovators continue to advance their solutions long after the awards cycle concludes. You can read them on our website or find a selection periodically in the ON&T magazine. 

Finally, I invite MTS members to get directly involved in Ocean Exchange this year. Our selection process relies on the knowledge and expertise of our reviewers, and there are several ways to participate: serve on one of the many 2026 review teams, sign up as an observer during evaluations, or join us as a delegate at the 2026 Ocean Exchange event in Fort Lauderdale, October 25-27. If you're interested in any of these roles, please reach out to me directly. I would welcome a conversation. 

For questions concerning both Neptune and Collegiate Awards, please contact [email protected]. 

Thank you for helping us advance solutions that matter.

Millicent Pitts
Executive Director, Ocean Exchange
[email protected]