These twenty projects are changing the future of conservation.
We're proud to announce the finalists for the Con X Tech Prize, our microgrants program to bring revolutionary ideas from blueprint to prototype. From cargo shipments to machine learning to microfinance, we've selected twenty innovations that have the potential for exponential impact and help end human-induced extinction.
Each team will be receiving $3,500 to develop their idea into a first prototype for the next round of the competition. Then, one grand prize winner will be awarded $20,000 to support the future of their project. Click each project to find out more.
Want to hear when we open submissions for the next Con X Tech Prize?
Tool that enables to more efficiently detect unwanted and illegal shipping of shark fins and other wildlife products by calculating compliance risk scores for individual shipments.
Application for a financial reward scheme through tour operators working collectively in an area and logging marine life sightings with tourists, who pay a small fee per selected animal sighted.
Develop new automated image analysis methods using object-based feature extraction and machine learning algorithms & establish an online platform to host high resolution aerial imagery for engaging citizen scientists in marine debris identification and cleanup efforts.
Using image analysis techniques (facial recognition) to combat Internet-facilitated wildlife trafficking.
Develop a diagnostic LAMP based genetic method for chytrid that could be used in the field and simple enough to be used by anyone.
Use a CRISPR system to disrupt production of MIB, a compound that leads to the current foul taste of spirulina.
New open source and open access tool called Marxan Connect to help conservationists operationalize connectivity within Marxan, the globally most used decision support tool for conservation planning.
Network of mobile CCTVs & other crucial surveillance data coming from well-trained patron at sea, enabling bionic eyes and ears at sea.
Computer vision based camera trap that makes use of advances in both low-power embedded technology and machine learning. By training a classifier algorithm to look for a specific invasive species (in this case, feral cats), the work of sorting through data is done by the camera's on-board computer.
Establish and populate an open source database with two major categories: consortiums of organisms in resilient coral microbiomes, and mechanisms to modify more susceptible coral populations to better withstand the changing climate.
Advanced microcontroller specifically designed for marine animal tags, with low power, inbuilt communication and a custom RTOS (realtime operating system).
Fitbit for Orangutans. Tracking apes using a hardened custom-designed, satellite-linked anklet.
New satellite-derived datasets to rapidly assess and quantify current status and trends of seagrasses using powerful cloud processing to develop maps, warnings and support future threat scenarios.
IoT based network of sensors coupled with a software system network to detect and track movement of elephants close to villages, and alert villagers with information on where the elephants are dwelling or moving.
Re-train our neural network on whale sounds, and provide a user interface for researchers to input audio for auto detection.
"Green Yelp" that enables users to find, rate, and promote businesses that demonstrate sustainable practices
Autonomous Camera for Kraken Bating and Recording (ACKBAR): develop easy to use and low cost deep-sea platforms that can be readily shipped in a ‘toolkit’ that can be deployed by volunteers from any seagoing vessel to rapidly explore a deep-sea area that is threatened.
Next generation Olfactory & Scent Evaluator – robust, low-cost, portable, multi-purpose device - an artificial "dog nose" - that can function in all conditions to confirm evidence of the presence of wildlife and animal parts.
Want to find out about our next round of Con X Tech Prize?
You could win $3,500 to bring your idea to life - and one winner will get $20,000 to bring their prototype to reality.
Join our community.
Over 120 conservation technology projects collaborate on the Digital Makerspace to bring their solutions to life.
Thanks to our partners and supporters
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