Science Impact Challenge

The Problem

Ocean scientists rarely interpret data in isolation. Biological patterns often make sense only when viewed alongside bathymetry, seafloor structures, CTD profiles, chemistry, and circulation. Today, these data streams are typically inspected in separate tools and views, breaking spatial intuition and slowing down hypothesis formation. In a 3D Digital Twin, the challenge becomes one of orchestrating multiple complex layers without overwhelming the viewer or obscuring causal relationships—especially when mixing volumetric data, surfaces, points, and time series.

The Goal

Create a 3D multi-layer visualization system that allows users to seamlessly explore how different datasets interact within the same spatial context:

• Develop techniques for layer compositing in 3D space, such as:

  • eDNA presence volumes intersecting with bathymetric features

  • CTD-derived structures (thermoclines, plumes) visualized alongside biological signals

• Enable linked interactions across layers (selecting a feature in one data type reveals correlated signals in others)

• Support multiple levels of complexity—from exploratory scientific analysis to curated “story states” that explain why patterns occur

• Prioritize clarity, legibility, and performance within a real-time or near–real-time 3D environment

The Prototype

The prototype should help users answer not just what is there, but why it is there, using spatial logic rather than disconnected plots.

The Problem

CTD and environmental sensor datasets underpin much of ocean science, yet they remain visually constrained to 2D plots, profiles, and sections that are difficult to reconcile with the true three‑dimensional nature of the ocean. In a Digital Twin, CTD data is often reduced to annotations rather than treated as a first-class spatial phenomenon. Scientists struggle to intuitively see gradients, layers, and anomalies, while non-specialists have difficulty understanding how invisible water-column structure shapes life and processes.

The Goal

Prototype 3D-native representations of water‑column data that transform CTD measurements into intuitive spatial objects:

• Visualize temperature, salinity, oxygen, and related parameters as:

  • Volumetric fields, iso-surfaces, or animated transects embedded in the 3D ocean space

  • Structures that can be navigated, sliced, and compared directly in the 3D visualization.

• Preserve scientific rigor by clearly encoding:

  • Measurement resolution and uncertainty

  • Differences between observed data and interpolated volumes

• Support both expert analysis (cross-cast comparisons, derived metrics) and explanation modes that clearly communicate phenomena like stratification, mixing, or anomalies

The Prototype

The goal is to make water‑column structure visible, explorable, and spatially intuitive, unlocking faster insight and clearer storytelling.

The OceanX Science Impact Challenge is a multi-phase initiative created to accelerate ocean discovery and protection by leveraging the expertise of data scientists and AI professionals. Participants will work remotely in teams over several months to create data solutions and prototypes that address critical marine science issues, with the goal of contributing to pioneering new ways to understand and protect our oceans. The challenge will culminate in a finale on the U.S. East Coast where the winning team will be selected to join the crew aboard the OceanXplorer. OceanX will coordinate and cover domestic travel, meals and accommodation for attendees of the in-person events.

The Challenge is a unique opportunity to build critical skills and create a standout portfolio project that showcases your impact. You'll connect and network with fellow innovators and gain direct insights from OceanX leadership, leading marine scientists, and AI experts, all while contributing to groundbreaking research with a tangible, real-world ocean impact. Beyond the immediate competition, those shortlisted for the Challenge will also benefit from professional development opportunities, including potential internships and a place in the OceanX contract pool for future projects. The winning team will then get to board the OceanXplorer to experience a real mission and test their solution at sea.

Teams will develop data-driven tools, solutions or prototypes based on OceanX mission data. The goal is to address real-world challenges in marine science, like the ones outlined in the Project Ideas & Inspiration section above.

Finalists will gain access to real mission data collected by OceanX. This data is diverse and often unstructured, reflecting the wide range of equipment used on the OceanXplorer. (A list of the equipment and sensors typically on the OceanXplorer has been provided on the Application page). This includes high-resolution mapping data, eDNA samples, ROV footage, and environmental sensor data. You are also welcome to use other open-source datasets.

This competition is open to university students, emerging professionals, and data practitioners of all levels who are passionate about ocean conservation and have skills in data science, data engineering, or computer science. Applicants should be eager to apply their technical skills directly to urgent marine science challenges. Note that domestic travel and accommodation for in-person challenge events are covered by OceanX (see details below).

Team skills can be complementary, so a blend of expertise across your team is highly recommended. While the only mandatory requirement is that at least one team member demonstrates proficiency in coding, having a combination of science and data skills may help strengthen your idea. OceanX mentors with backgrounds in both marine science and data will be available to provide support and guidance to finalists during the development phase. For more details on the support provided, please refer to the question "Will OceanX provide any resources or mentorship?".

We’re looking for teams of two to three people.

To be eligible, you’ll need to form your team before applying. Unfortunately, OceanX can’t assist with team creation.

This year’s Challenge runs from August 2025 to March 2026. Selected finalists will have approximately three months to develop their solutions before presenting them to the judging panel at the final event. Specific dates will be confirmed closer to the challenge launch.

Shortlisted teams will be invited to develop their idea and present it to judges at our first checkpoint event in November 2025. The format of this event will be confirmed closer to the date. This event is designed in the style of a scientific conference where teams will present their posters and give a short pitch. Teams should be ready to discuss their research, technical approach, data science methods, and solution design.

Finalist teams will have approximately 3 months to develop their proposed solution into a working prototype or proof of concept, with support from OceanX mentors to build their solutions. This phase ends with a finale event in March 2026, where teams will present their work to OceanX leadership and experts. The winning team gets to work aboard the OceanXplorer with the OceanX team to implement and test their solution in a real ocean environment.

Yes, finalists will have access to regular check-ins and support from OceanX mentors who have expertise in marine science, data, and engineering.

The competition has multiple phases and clear assessment criteria will be provided to participants at the launch of each phase. In the application phase, submissions are judged on the innovative potential and relevance of the idea, and evidence of coding proficiency.

OceanX will coordinate and cover domestic travel and accommodation for those invited to attend our in-person events. For the winner's experience aboard the OceanXplorer, domestic travel and on-board expenses will also be covered. Winners are responsible for obtaining their own necessary travel documents like passports and visas.

Finalists are expected to be available to travel to the U.S. East Coast. OceanX will coordinate and cover domestic travel and accommodation for attendees. For finalists who face unforeseen circumstances, special arrangements will be explored.