Living bay challenge
Beneath the surface of San Diego Bay, something extraordinary is happening and most of the world can't see it
The Living Bay Challenge is looking for the innovators who can change that
San Diego Bay is one of the most ecologically significant working ports on the US Pacific Coast supporting a highly diverse ecosystem of more than 300 bird species, 640 marine invertebrate species, 100 fish species, and at least four species of marine mammals, alongside 11 federally or state listed threatened or endangered species and 50 special status species. Extensive habitats span the bay floor and shoreline: from 1,500 to 2,000 acres of eelgrass beds and 823 acres of salt marsh, to nearly 1,000 acres of tidal flats and more than 9,000 acres of mud and sand bottom assemblages; all coexisting with one of America's busiest working waterfronts.
The Port of San Diego knows it is there. What it lacks is a continuous, living picture of it; the data, imagery, and AI-powered insight to understand it, protect it, and actively grow it alongside a thriving blue economy.
That's what this challenge is about.
What can you bring to the Living Bay?
CHALLENGE STATEMENT
How might we build a continuous, living picture of San Diego Bay's underwater and coastal ecosystem — combining automated monitoring, AI-powered analysis, and compelling public storytelling — so that the Port can actively enhance habitat and biodiversity, make evidence-based stewardship decisions, and establish San Diego as a global model for ports where a thriving marine ecosystem and a flourishing blue economy are built together?
AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for solutions across four interconnected areas. You don't need to address all of them, we actively match applicants with complementary capabilities to co-design holistic solutions.
Underwater monitoring and imaging
Camera systems, autonomous underwater vehicles, sonar, and sensing technologies that provide continuous visual coverage of species, habitats, and conditions across San Diego Bay.
AI-powered species and habitat analysis
Machine learning and computer vision tools that classify species, detect anomalies, track populations, and interpret change over time from imagery and sensor data.
Animal movement and behavioural tracking
Technologies that improve on existing tagging and telemetry approaches, enabling real-time or near-real-time understanding of how fish, turtles, seahorses, and other species move through and use the bay.
Data integration and ecosystem intelligence
Platforms that bring multiple data streams together, making them interpretable and actionable for Port staff, researchers, regulators, and partners.
You don't need to solve the whole challenge. We are actively looking for companies with a piece of this picture and will facilitate collaboration between complementary applicants. Apply with the part you do best.
About the blue economy incubator
The Port of San Diego Living Bay Challenge, is the second innovation challenge presented by the Ocean Impact Organisation, offering startups a unique opportunity to showcase their solutions for potential entry into the Port of San Diego’s Blue Economy Incubator (BEI).
Launched in 2016, the BEI is one of the world’s leading platforms for testing and scaling innovative ocean and port technologies in real-world conditions on San Diego Bay. To date, it has supported 12 startups, helping them validate concepts, refine technology, and progress toward commercial readiness.
By opening up port infrastructure, waterfront sites, and operational expertise, the BEI provides startups with the environment they need to demonstrate measurable environmental and economic benefits. Its focus spans critical areas such as water quality, coastal and marine resilience, aquaculture, decarbonisation, and infrastructure innovation, accelerating solutions that shape a more sustainable and resilient blue economy.
Why apply
Startups that are admitted to the Blue Economy Incubator receive:
Funding support
Selected companies typically receive between US$100,000 - $250,000 in pilot funding (may be more dependent on scope and nature of the pilot).
Regulatory assistance
Startups receive guidance in navigating relevant regulatory and compliance requirements.
Test-bed and pilot sites
Startups gain access to real-world Port of San Diego assets and environments to test and pilot their solutions.
Expert guidance
Participants benefit from targeted feedback and mentorship from Port staff and sector experts.
Project facilitation
The Port provides hands-on support with contracting, coordination, and project management to enable efficient pilot delivery.
Networking & Public relations
Connections to a global network of innovators, agencies, and partners, plus visibility through the Port of San Diego’s communications and media channels.
Evaluation Criteria Placeholder
Current BEI Portfolio companies
Voltsafe inc.
Founded: 2015
Founders: Trevor Burgess, Sanad Aridah
Solution:
VoltSafe is bringing next-generation electrification to marinas by replacing traditional shore power plugs with a safer, magnetic connection system that reduces electrical hazards and improves efficiency for marina operators.
MarineLabs
Founded: 2017
Founder: Scott Beatty
Solution:
MarineLabs is a coastal intelligence startup providing real-time environmental data from sensor networks to support decisions around coastal resilience, climate risk monitoring, and marine operations.
Founded: 2017
Founders: Graeme Rae, Costas Soler
Solution:
HyperKelp develops Kelp Smart Buoy sensor platforms that collect and transmit near-real-time ocean data, including water quality and underwater acoustic measurements, to help ports and partners monitor critical marine conditions.
HyperKelp Inc.
FAQS
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We welcome submissions from startups, scaleups, science and research institutions, and small-to-medium enterprises with a solution relevant to one or more of the Living Bay Challenge areas of opportunity.
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No. We are actively looking for companies with a piece of the picture. If your solution addresses one or two of the four areas, we encourage you to apply. We will facilitate collaboration between complementary applicants.
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The Ocean Impact Organisation will actively facilitate introductions and co-design sessions between selected applicants whose capabilities complement each other. You will have the opportunity to develop a combined approach to the challenge before final selection.
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Submissions from consulting and services firms without a defined technology or data product, advocacy groups, or solutions that do not directly address the monitoring, analysis, or tracking gaps described in the challenge.
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All submissions are reviewed by a panel of domain experts including the Port of San Diego team and OIO advisors. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual showcase before final selection.
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Finalists will be invited to apply directly to the Blue Economy Incubator (BEI), fast-tracking past the initial screening stage and straight into the application process. While selection as a finalist doesn't guarantee acceptance, it's a meaningful step forward and a direct pathway into the Port of San Diego's blue economy ecosystem.
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Yes, the Living Bay Challenge is a global challenge. We welcome applications from companies and research teams worldwide.
Key Dates
Application
Period Opens
TBC
Applications
Assessed
TBC
Final selection announced
TBC
Finalist notified
TBC
Application
Period closes
TBC
Co-design & collaboration sessions
TBC
