The Economist Events is delighted to announce the final winner of the first Ocean Innovation Challenge is: Liquid Robotics. Liquid Robotics' energy-efficient wave glider collects real-time data that can be used to track weather, to conduct oceanographic research and to curb illegal activities in MPAs and EEZs. For more information, please visit http://liquidr.com/.

Below are the three finalists of its first Ocean Innovation Challenge, part of World Ocean Summit 2015: Eyes on the Seas, Liquid Robotics and Rightship who presented their innovations at World Ocean Summit. Eyes on the Seas Can technological solutions end illegal fishing? Project Eyes on the Seas believes that strategic use of data for surveillance and tracking can put a stop to suspicious fishing activity. Sylvia Earle, explorer-in-residence of National Geographic Society shared her views on the innovation: “The existence of this facility should make illegal fishers (with their links to human, drugs and arms trafficking) wary as they know their activities can be tracked and ships apprehended when they arrive at port. [This is] truly a breakthrough vital to building a sustainable blue economy, already in operation and scalable to include a focus on especially sensitive ocean areas. “ Liquid Robotics Liquid Robotics' energy-efficient wave glider collects real-time data that can be used to track weather, to conduct oceanographic research and to curb illegal activities in MPAs and EEZs. Margot Kane, vice-president of strategy at Calvert Foundation commented on this innovation, “This presents a case for a product that could underpin an open source, global data mine of all things ocean – spurring regulatory, science & conservation and business markets to respond to create more effective policies, informed conservation strategies, and new business opportunities." Rightship Rightship aims to reduce greenhouse gases in the shipping industry by employing efficiency ratings to freight and shipping vessels similar to ratings applied to motor vehicles. Kelly Wachowicz, partner at EKO Asset Management said, “RightShip’s GHG Emissions Rating fosters greater accountability among shipping owners and investors, and empowers customers to choose more cost effective, fuel efficient vessels.  Given the enormous impact that climate change is likely to have on ocean and coastal habitats in the form of rising sea levels, rising water temperatures, ocean acidification, and their consequent impacts on biodiversity and total fisheries biomass, the shipping industry’s role in reducing GHG emissions is essential.”   Winner of the special social edition As part of the Ocean Innovation Challenge, we also invited fans and followers to pick their winner among the top 12 shortlist entries via an online voting. The campaign closed on May 1st with 3,800 votes. The winner of the Ocean Innovation Challenge - social edition is Community Fishers who will be invited to World Ocean Summit as a delegate.