The Trident Prize
Powered by SoFar Ocean and Conservation X Labs
The Trident Prize empowered participants to creatively tell the story of microplastic pollution in their communities. We awarded Trident underwater drones to ten finalists who used the device in a storytelling project to compete for a $5,000 grand prize. This competition runs in parallel with our Microfiber Innovation Challenge.
Trident Prize Winner
Conservation X Labs awarded the $5,000 Grand Prize to a team who created a documentary film Inside the Tide: An Exploration Of Microplastic Pollution Via Kayak. This team, led by Natasha Sing, created the documentary with the help of Ocean Wise to explore the microplastic pollution issue in British Columbia and the power of youth to fight for action on environmental issues.
“The Trident allowed three people, who thought that they were fairly educated about the ocean surrounding where they live, to experience once again the awe and wonder we felt as kids poking around in tide pools. That was a powerful thing, and the use of the Trident as well as the creation of this film as a whole has cemented in our minds that we must continue to fight for these places that we love.”
What is a Trident?
The Sofar Trident is a rugged and easy-to-pilot underwater drone with an attached camera, LED lights, customizable sensors, and associated mobile app. It can be operated in both marine and freshwater environments at depths of up to 100 meters. Learn more about the Trident here.
Trident Prize Finalists
In the summer of 2021, ten finalists were awarded Trident Underwater Drones to explore microplastic pollution in their communities around the world.
Prize Details
Applications to the Trident Prize are now closed.
Trident Prize Application
The first application to be considered for a free Trident Underwater Drone and be eligible to compete for the $5,000 grand prize opened on February 17, 2021 and closed on Friday, April 30, 2021.
Trident Prize Finalists
In the summer of 2021, ten finalists were notified and sent Trident Underwater Drones. Over the next few months, these finalists sent Conservation X Labs photos, videos, and/or shared updates on their own channels using the #TridentPrize hashtag.
Trident Prize finalists were required to submit a second-round application to be eligible for the $5,000 grand prize which included:
A digital portfolio of visual displays of microplastics and/or its wildlife and human health impacts that were created with the use of the Trident. This may include, but is not limited to, underwater photos and videos, data visualizations from collected water samples or sensor data, artwork based on your exploration, etc.
A short story (two pages maximum) about your team’s exploration of microplastic pollution in your community.
Trident Prize Winner
Trident Prize Finalists were evaluated using selected criteria. The winning team will be invited to present their project at the Microfiber Innovation Challenge Solutions Fair and Awards Ceremony in early 2022. Depending on circumstances, the final presentation may be presented live or digitally.
Questions? Contact microfibers@conservationxlabs.org.
This prize is administered by Conservation X Labs.
Thank you to Sofar Ocean for supplying the Tridents for the prize.