EMODnet 2023 Highlights: At the Intersection of Innovation and Ocean Data

In 2023, The Carbon Games had the opportunity to actively participate in a series of high-impact EU marine data events, following our first-place win at the EMODnet Open Sea Lab 3.0 Hackathon. These events provided a platform to present our marine-focused prototype and engage in dialogue around sustainable innovation, open data, and the future of Europe’s blue economy.

Winning the EMODnet Open Sea Lab 3.0 Hackathon

In March 2023, we participated in the EMODnet Open Sea Lab 3.0 Hackathon, a fully online competition focused on encouraging creative uses of open marine data. Organized by EMODnet (European Marine Observation and Data Network), the event brought together multidisciplinary teams across Europe to explore how ocean data can be transformed into actionable tools for science, policy, and society.

Our team developed the GreenWave Navigator — a prototype for an eco-conscious marine mobility solution. It leverages EMODnet’s publicly available datasets to recommend low-impact marine routes based on wave activity, protected areas, and ecosystem sensitivity. The tool is designed to support both recreational sailors and small-scale marine operators in making more sustainable navigation decisions.

Out of the international teams participating, The Carbon Games was awarded first place by an expert jury for the innovative use of data, clear sustainability impact, and technical execution.

Showcasing at European Maritime Day 2023 – Brest, France

As part of the hackathon award, we were invited to present the GreenWave Navigator at European Maritime Day (EMD) 2023, which took place from 24–25 May 2023 in Brest, France. EMD is the European Union’s flagship event for maritime stakeholders and brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators working on ocean sustainability.

During the event, we presented our project as part of the EU's Blue Economy initiative, engaging with EU decision-makers and fellow innovators on the role of digital tools in driving ocean conservation and marine spatial planning. The conference provided an opportunity to connect the hackathon prototype to ongoing policy efforts around maritime decarbonization and digitalization.

EMODnet Open Conference 2023 – Brussels, Belgium

Our year of collaboration with EMODnet concluded at the EMODnet Open Conference 2023, held from 29–30 November 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. This event marked the closing chapter of the EMODnet Open Sea Lab 3.0 cycle and served as a convergence point for the EU marine data community.

As hackathon winners and external stakeholders, we were invited to contribute to the opening panel session, where we shared the process behind building GreenWave Navigator and the broader relevance of open-access marine data for innovation. The conference offered deep insights into the evolving landscape of EU ocean data services and sustainability goals under the EU Green Deal and Digital Ocean strategies.

Beyond formal presentations, the event also modeled best practices in sustainability by ensuring a fully vegetarian catering menu, aligning environmental values with operational choices — a small but meaningful gesture appreciated by all attendees.

These experiences throughout 2023 reinforced the vital role of open data, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public-sector innovation in addressing the challenges facing our oceans. For The Carbon Games, these events have served not only as milestones for GreenWave Navigator but also as stepping stones toward new collaborations and future-facing digital solutions for marine sustainability.

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