IMPACT SNAPSHOT 2022:

A GLIMPSE AT THE IMPACT WE’RE MAKING

IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT 2022 WAS A HUGE YEAR FOR OIO - OUR BIGGEST TO DATE!

We’re proud to share with you our Impact Snapshot for 2022. Find highlights below of the impact we’ve generated in the 2022 calendar year and in our lifetime to date (since 2020) or access the full impact report.

We executed our first full calendar year of events and programs in 2022, here are some highlights of their impact:

We launched the inaugural Ocean Impact Accelerator Program in 2022, and supported the raise of over one million dollars into Australia’s first early-stage investment fund dedicated to ocean impact innovation. Driving increased capital into the space, and directly supporting six game-changing startups marked a key milestone for OIO. Applications are currently open for the Ocean Impact Accelerator Program 2023, with a goal to recruit ten ocean impact startups.

We ran our third year of The Ocean Impact Pitchfest, and celebrated ten innovative startups as Finalists with $50,000 for the Winner and a total of $100k in cash prizes awarded. We secured sponsorship from the NSW Government for the inaugural NSW Ocean Innovation Award as part of Pitchfest 2022, which saw six fantastic startups announced as Finalists. We announced the results of Pitchfest live at our inaugural INNOVOCEAN event in Sydney.

We refined our Ocean Impact Ideation Program (OIIP) to target emerging early-career ocean academics, awarding 15 scholarships to participants across Australia for the virtual program. This was made possible by generous grants from Bank Australia and the Kirby Foundation.

For the first time, all of our programs and campaigns culminated in our big, bold INNOVOCEAN showcase event in Sydney, sponsored by the NSW Government. The event brought together startups, impact investors, Government, industry and the broader ocean health community, with 200 invite-only attendees.

PARTNERSHIPS

We welcomed new Major Partnerships with Minderoo Foundation and Builders Vision. These partnerships will empower us to effectively double our previous goal of accelerating 100 ocean impact startups and entrepreneurs in five years, with OIO now targeting a total of 200 startups and entrepreneurs supported and accelerated by 2027.

OUR AREAS OF IMPACT

OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE

Here are some key numbers for our three Areas of Impact to date:

SUMMARY

OUR ECOSYSTEM APPROACH

Startups are at the core of our ecosystem. After all, our mission is: to support and accelerate ocean impact businesses.

In 2022 we worked with the NSW Government, our Philanthropic Partners and key corporate Partners including HP Australia, Zip Water, Dicker Data and Austral Fisheries to continue to build our ecosystem. We welcomed new Mentors, Investors, Partners and Advisors to increase the impact of our programs and ensure startups are supported.

We grew our Partner Network, including welcoming ZeroCo. and SARAH & SEBASTIAN as OIO Official Supporters.

THE IMPORTANT NUMBERS

1. ACCELERATE OCEAN IMPACT BUSINESSES

2. INCREASE FUNDING IN OCEAN IMPACT SOLUTIONS

3. INSPIRE INDIVIDUAL ACTION AND BUILD A THRIVING OCEAN IMPACT COMMUNITY

WRAPPING IT UP

It feels incredibly rewarding to look back on a wonderful year; to reflect on our successes and feel the momentum swelling around us. We’re thrilled that we’re on track to not only meet but exceed the ambitious goals we set ourselves at the start of the journey, and to make a genuine impact in our target areas.

Without our diverse community of members, partners, supporters, stakeholders, ocean lovers, and our incredible team - none of this would be possible. Thank you for helping us in our bold pursuit to transform ocean health.