Future WaveMakers Competition
Saturday, April 26, 2025
9:30 a.m.
West Palm Beach, FL
Apply now for a chance to present your entrepreneurial solutions to a panel of scientists and community leaders.
Benefits
The FUTURE WAVEMAKERS Competition provides a unique environment where students can combine their ecological curiosity with their entrepreneurial spirit.
How It Works
- Teachers or parents submit their students’ (ages 4–18) application videos for a chance to compete in our Competition, which is hosted in a friendly “Shark Tank” format.
- Completed application videos are due Monday, March 10, 2025.
- The top twelve 7– to 18-year-old finalists will compete for a chance to win a $5,000 Educational grant and become the FUTURE WAVEMAKER Student of the Year!
- The top 4–6 year old students will receive a special prize package, but will not present before the judges.
- The live Competition will be held on April 26, 2025. Finalists must be present to compete.
- The school with the most active participation will receive a $10,000 Education Grant.
Competition Application
Program Criteria
The Future Wavemakers Competition is open to Florida residents ages 4–18 at the time of submission (Monday, March 10, 2025).
Parent, guardian, or teacher permission and facilitation is required for all students.
Submission Process
Each of our four divisions has different deliverables. Please review 2025 Competition Rules here.
Application Process
Choose an Age Division
Tap the group that corresponds with the student’s age at the time of submission (March 10, 2025).
Ages 4–6: Mini FUTURE WAVEMAKERS
Choose a Topic and Format
Ages 4–6: Mini FUTURE WAVEMAKERS
Share your favorite interesting fact or finding about Florida’s ocean or wildlife in a creative 1-minute video. Be sure to tell us why it’s your favorite fact! At the end of the video, please state, “My name is (your name), and I am a FUTURE WAVEMAKER.”
Submit Your Project
Submissions for the Competition are due by March 10, 2025.
To submit, press the “Apply” button below, which will take you to a new page where you can upload your project. We cannot wait to hear from you and learn about what excites you!
Timeline
Applications Close
March 10, 2025
Finalists Selected
Early April
Future Wavemakers Kids Summit
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Ages 7–10: Junior FUTURE WAVEMAKERS
Choose a Topic and Format
Ages 7–10: Junior FUTURE WAVEMAKERS
Dive into a specific aspect of the ocean or wildlife. Examples we have seen in the past are on coral reefs, horseshoe crabs, turtle nesting, and the history of Everglades National Park
Option 1: Interview a Scientist
Interview an environmental expert and create a fun and informative video on the experience.
Your video should feature an ecological fact and an actionable step people can take to conserve the environment. The video should be 1–5 minutes in length. Choose a marine biologist, wildlife expert, scientist, entrepreneur, librarian, teacher, or beach enthusiast and ask them if they would be open to a recorded video interview. Questions may include the following, but are not limited to:
- What’s a unique fact about your work in conservation, science, or your passion for nature and the planet?
- What do you wish people knew about our ocean, nature, and/or the planet?
- What are some of the most pressing challenges facing Florida’s environment and animals?
- Tell us about your personal story. What inspired you to become a FUTURE WAVEMAKER for our planet?
- What message or advice would you like to share to remind people that anyone can be a WAVEMAKER and take action to protect our planet and local community?
Option 2: Develop a Presentation
Develop an educational presentation on the platform of your choice that dives into a specific aspect of the ocean or wildlife.
Share your findings and knowledge creatively by producing a 3–5 minute, fun and informative video that walks viewers through your presentation. At the end of the video, please state, “My name is (your name), and I am a FUTURE WAVEMAKER.”
Submit Your Project
Submissions for the Competition are due by March 10, 2025.
To submit, press the “Apply” button below, which will take you to a new page where you can upload your project. We cannot wait to hear from you and learn about what excites you!
Timeline
Applications Close
March 10, 2025
Finalists Selected
Early April
Future Wavemakers Kids Summit
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Ages 11–13: Rising FUTURE WAVEMAKERS
Choose a Topic and Format
Ages 11–13: Rising FUTURE WAVEMAKERS
Dive into a specific aspect of the ocean or wildlife. Examples we have seen in the past are on coral reefs, horseshoe crabs, turtle nesting, and the history of Everglades National Park
Option 1: Interview a Scientist
Interview an environmental expert and create a fun and informative video on the experience.
Your video should feature an ecological fact and an actionable step people can take to conserve the environment. The video should be 1–5 minutes in length. Choose a marine biologist, wildlife expert, scientist, entrepreneur, librarian, teacher, or beach enthusiast and ask them if they would be open to a recorded video interview. Questions may include the following, but are not limited to:
- What’s a unique fact about your work in conservation, science, or your passion for nature and the planet?
- What do you wish people knew about our ocean, nature, and/or the planet?
- What are some of the most pressing challenges facing Florida’s environment and animals?
- Tell us about your personal story. What inspired you to become a FUTURE WAVEMAKER for our planet?
- What message or advice would you like to share to remind people that anyone can be a WAVEMAKER and take action to protect our planet and local community?
Option 2: Develop a Presentation
Develop an educational presentation on the platform of your choice that dives into a specific aspect of the ocean or wildlife.
Share your findings and knowledge creatively by producing a 3–5 minute, fun and informative video that walks viewers through your presentation. At the end of the video, please state, “My name is (your name), and I am a FUTURE WAVEMAKER.”
Submit Your Project
Submissions for the Competition are due by March 10, 2025.
To submit, press the “Apply” button below, which will take you to a new page where you can upload your project. We cannot wait to hear from you and learn about what excites you!
Timeline
Applications Close
March 10, 2025
Finalists Selected
Early April
Future Wavemakers Kids Summit
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Ages 14–18: FUTURE WAVEMAKER Entrepreneurs
Choose a Topic and Format
Ages 14-18: FUTURE WAVEMAKER Entrepreneurs
Develop a pitch presentation for a business or nonprofit that is focused on ocean or wildlife conservation. Record your pitch in a 2–5 minute video that describes the concept, its potential, and how it contributes to protecting the ocean. Be persuasive and forward-thinking. At the end of the video, please state, “My name is (your name), and I am a FUTURE WAVEMAKER.”
Submit Your Project
Submissions for the Competition are due by March 10, 2025.
To submit, press the “Apply” button below, which will take you to a new page where you can upload your project. We cannot wait to hear from you and learn about what excites you!
Timeline
Applications Close
March 10, 2025
Finalists Selected
Early April
Future Wavemakers Kids Summit
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different requirements for each age group?
Yes, there are four different age groups, each with specific requirements tailored to their developmental stage and skill level. To ensure your student meets the correct expectations, please review the requirements for their designated age group. You can find the details for each group listed in the Application Process section above.
Why does a parent, guardian or teacher have to submit the application?
We do not collect any information from children. Therefore, we ask that parents, guardians, and teachers submit the applications.
Can I email or mail my submission?
No.
Only online submissions will be considered. Please click the “Apply” button at the top of the page to submit your project.
Do applicants need to include citations with their application?
While citations are not required, they are encouraged. There is a citation and notes section within the application where students can add citations and resources that they referenced.
What are the rules around AI?
Only original work and research is qualified for the competition. While we value AI as a tool, this Competition is about original content and creativity. Therefore, using AI-generators, such as ChatGPT or DALL-E, is considered plagiarism and grounds for disqualification.
What are topic suggestions to get started?
We encourage you to follow your heart and think about what excites you!
Some topics that have excited other participants include:
- Fun facts about sharks
- What beachgoers should know about turtle nesting season
- Ways to protect coastal communities from climate change
How are submissions evaluated?
A panel of experts in the field of ocean conservation, including our distinguished judge Dr. Sylvia Earle, will evaluate the participants’ projects based on creativity, impact, and adherence to the competition’s objectives as described per age group.
Content and Knowledge (30%)
Understanding of the topic, inclusion of relevant information, and demonstration of knowledge about ocean conservation.
- Innovation and Creativity
(25%) Originality, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking demonstrated in the project. - Impact on Education and Awareness (20%)
Ability to inspire and engage others in the mission of conservation. - Presentation and Communication (15%)
Effectively convey the problem, propose a solution, and share potential impact to a broader audience. - Clarity and Organization (10%)
Clarity and organization of the project: structure, flow, and coherence.
When is the deadline for submissions?
March 10, 2025
How do I register for the Student Symposium?
The finalists from each category will be invited to attend at the 2025 Future Wavemakers Kids Summit. Finalists receive an additional 3 passes to bring family, friends, guardians, and/or teachers.
For all other attendees, registration is first come, first served. You can register below.
What if I have additional questions?
If the FAQs do not answer your question, you can email your question to info@futurewavemakers.org
2024 Submission Videos
2024 Finalists Video