Australia's oceans face immense challenges due to climate change, but young Gen Z entrepreneurs are working on solutions. The Generation Impact Incubator, a partnership between HP and the nonprofit Ocean Impact Organization (OIO), supports their ambitious ideas to protect the continent's 22,000 miles of coastline and marine life.
 
These innovators focus on diverse issues such as single-use plastics, oil and gas infrastructure, chemical leaks from batteries, and sustainable consumer product manufacturing. Emile Theau, co-founder of Sine Surf and winner of the top prize, recognized the environmental impact of surfboard materials and manufacturing processes. He founded Sine Surf to create hand-shaped, hollow wood boards from sustainably sourced Paulownia timber, making them over 95% biodegradable. The manufacturing process, including the board's hollow infrastructure, the nanosilica bio-epoxy composite coating, and a new CNC machining method, generates one-twelfth the plastic waste of conventional surfboard production. As the winner, Sine Surf will receive funding, technology, and expert mentorship from HP and OIO to grow the business.
 
Other incubator participants are working on projects such as ocean-powered renewable energy, sustainable fishing and aquaculture, transportation and supply chain management, and ecosystem protection and restoration. Curtis Sciacca, co-founder and chief strategist of Nurtured.co, aims to create scalable artificial reef structures to help repopulate coral colonies and rebuild the Great Barrier Reef.
 
First runner-up Sian Murray, co-founder of Pleasant State, focuses on creating concentrated, just-add-water cleaning products that reduce plastic waste and avoid harmful chemicals. Her product lineup includes refillable spray bottles, microfiber cleaning cloths, and dissolvable bars that produce cleaning sprays for various rooms when mixed with water.
 
By providing these young innovators with the resources, mentorship, and support they need, The Generation Impact Incubator is fostering the development of groundbreaking solutions that will contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all.