6 Ocean-Saving Technology Projects Awarded $1.5 Million in Funding from SMTP

SMTP is excited to announce the latest round of grant-funding for innovative projects that enable ocean research, promote habitat health, address coastal pollution and maintain sustainable fisheries.

Congratulations to our February 2022 cycle’s recipients and projects:
● Takachar: Smart technology using agricultural waste to produce biochar as a fertilizer alternative, reducing nutrient runoff, increasing crop growth, and sequestering CO2
● Mango Materials: Testing potential of PHA-based tech for direct nutrient removal in wastewater treatment facilities
● Scripps Institution of Oceanography: For the continued sharing of coral reef monitoring technology around the globe, led by Stuart Sandin
● ReefGen Inc/Good Machine: Robotic systems to enable automated seagrass planting
● Experiment Foundation: Provides ocean-focused microgrants for early-stage ocean research and technology projects
● Ocean Exchange: To support the Ocean Exchange Awards program for innovative ocean technologies

Grant selection is competitive and highly selective: only 10% of reviewed projects are awarded funding. The majority of SMTP grantees have received continued support from Schmidt Marine for 3 years or more.

“There is an often-fatal gap in support available for the development of ocean technologies, which typically require something beyond traditional grants in order to achieve full potential and availability,” said SMTP Director Mark Schrope. “SMTP is proud to provide this additional support to promising ocean solutions and the brilliant people developing them.”

Schmidt Marine Technology Partners is part of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Network that includes The Schmidt Family Foundation, Schmidt Futures, The 11th Hour Project, Schmidt Ocean Institute, 11th Hour Racing and Remain Nantucket.