Wave Unveils Ocean Central Platform at FII8
Wave, an ocean regeneration initiative led by H.R.H. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud and powered by the FII Institute, has launched a new digital platform, Ocean Central by Wave, at the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative conference (FII8) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During a panel session with John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, one of Wave’s primary partner organizations, Her Royal Highness announced the platform’s mission to provide a unified, evolving view of ocean health by aggregating publicly accessible, open-source data to identify data gaps and enhance conservation efforts.
Acknowledging Wave’s key Ocean Central development partners, Oceans 2050, led by Alexandra Cousteau, and Ode, an award-winning data and design agency for the environment, Her Royal Highness stated: “Harnessing cutting-edge technology and data science, Ocean Central by Wave convenes the best available ocean data to track progress and drive collaborative action toward ocean conservation and restoration efforts. The platform brings together ocean data, science, design, storytelling, and strategy into a unified experience aimed at driving action.”
Princess Reema emphasized that Ocean Central represents a collaborative vision: “This launch is just the beginning of Ocean Central’s journey. The contributions of data partners, researchers, businesses, and citizens will be the driving force behind the platform’s growth and success.”
With rising ocean temperatures and escalating climate impacts, Ocean Central aims to facilitate partnerships that fill critical data gaps, expanding global initiatives for ocean regeneration.
Blue Tech Conclave with Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Red Sea Global at FII8
Wave also collaborated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Red Sea Global to co-host a blue tech conclave at FII8, targeting investments in ocean regeneration technology.
Conclave Co-Chair and Wave Advisor Deborah Lehr remarked on the event’s focus: “This conclave explored how to bridge gaps and create the framework for meaningful blue financing, seeking to foster economic development.
The ocean, including its flora and fauna, must no longer be considered as an unlimited resource. There is a growing recognition that nature financing is an important means to stimulate the blue economy to provide much-needed ocean protection today, while invigorating economic growth and creating jobs for tomorrow.”
Supporting Blue Economy Startups at FII8
Aligned with its ocean regeneration mission, Wave champions blue economy startups through venture competitions, including Project71, a venture competition to catalyze bluetech innovation around the globe held in partnership with Tonomus at NEOM. Winning ventures were given the opportunity to enter the TONOMUS Venture Studio accelerator and were provided access to Wave’s innovation ecosystem.
One of the winners, HydrokinetX, a startup harnessing marine energy to power continuous ocean data solutions, was invited to FII8 to engage with the business community and presented on-stage to delegates at a global startup showcase for potential investment opportunities.
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