Attendees help XPRIZE refine and iterate how they tackle global challenges, learn from one another about breakthrough efforts being conducted across the world, and hear and experience new exponential technologies that are reshaping society. Participating teams had an opportunity to present and pitch their ideas to help shape the next XPRIZE. This year’s event focused on four main areas: the future of food and agriculture, the future of housing and infrastructure, the future of human health and longevity, and the future of waste in the circular economy. Nancy participated as an ocean plastics expert and helped teams refine their ideas for a prize competition. Teams pitched ideas on removing plastic before it enters the ocean, redesigning packaging to reduce waste, and designing robots to consume trash at landfills and turn it into energy.

The Oceans Team at XPRIZE will continue to refine the four main concepts and hopes to launch an XPRIZE focused on reducing the impacts of ocean plastics in the coming year. The NOAA Marine Debris Division will continue to engage with this team and will provide advice on the scope of the prize. 

For additional information, contact Nancy.Wallace@noaa.gov.

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