Entries open for Think Perseverance Challenge

Since July 2023, PERSEVERANCE has embarked on preliminary measurement campaigns, crisscrossing polar waters and thus refining the scientific program of the Polar POD expedition. This one-of-a-kind sailboat plays an essential role in research into ocean-atmosphere exchanges in the polar regions, contributing to the understanding of the global climate.

Focus Areas

• Perseverance – Exploring Science in Polar Regions
  • Your submissions could focus on:
    • Think advanced scientific projects to understand polar climate interactions (atmosphere-ocean exchanges, human impacts)
    • Creating intelligent platforms for monitoring the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic
    • Exploring medical and pharmaceutical research to discover new species, molecules, or processes with potential applications
    • Innovating in satellite-based remote sensing for observing the Southern Oceans
• Perseverance – Ambassador of the Poles
  • Your submissions could focus on:
    • Understanding and measuring the effects of climate change in polar regions
    • Raising awareness among future generations by passing on the legacy of the poles
    • Traveling the world to inform, educate, and train others on the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems
    • Think educational experiences to enhance awareness about polar regions and the energy transition
• Perseverance – Expedition to the Polar Regions
  • Your submissions could focus on:
    • Polar Expeditions: define and “think” your own zone of exploration & conquest, and motivations towards unknown regions : Greenland, Northwest Passage, North and South Pole expedition
    • Revisit the legendary and historical expeditions. Follow in the footsteps of Sir John Franklin, Fridtjof Nansen, Robert Peary, Frederick Cook for North Pole ; challenge of reaching the South Pole like Captain Robert Scott, Ernest Shackleton or Roald Amundsen
    • Think polar expeditions to life: Relive the iconic adventures and challenges faced by past explorers
• Perseverance – Technology & Extreme Environment Testing
  • Key aspects to consider:
    • Testing new materials and equipment: Explore how advanced materials and cutting-edge equipment can withstand the extreme cold, ice, and unpredictable weather of polar regions
    • Autonomous systems: Develop solutions that leverage autonomous technologies to enhance navigation, data collection, and operations in remote areas
    • Think energy-efficient solutions: Propose technologies that optimize energy usage in such a resource-constrained and extreme environment
    • Long-term performance: Consider how technologies can maintain functionality over extended periods in isolation, without immediate access to repairs or resupply
• Perseverance – Media, Influence and Investors
  • Key aspects to consider:
    • Media engagement: Propose ideas for how the vessel can become a symbol of innovation and sustainability, drawing attention from global media outlets.
    • Investor attraction: Explore how to present the Polar POD as an attractive investment opportunity by highlighting its scientific and economic potential.
    • Public influence: Develop strategies for how Perseverance can become a tool for raising public awareness about the importance of polar exploration and environmental sustainability.
    • Partnership opportunities: Identify potential partners from industries such as energy, technology, and environmental organizations who could provide financial or strategic support for the mission.

Topics

• Perseverance – Exploring Science in Polar Regions: The polar regions are among the least explored environments on Earth, facing urgent challenges like climate change, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable resource management.
• Perseverance – Ambassador of the Poles: Perseverance – Ambassador of the Poles aims to raise awareness about the climatic and environmental challenges of polar regions. As a spokesperson for these fragile ecosystems, the project is committed to delivering a strong message about the importance of preserving the poles for current and future generations.
• Perseverance – Expedition to the Polar Regions: Expedition in Polar Regions takes inspiration from the great pioneers of polar exploration, aiming to revive the spirit of these historic journeys.
• Perseverance – Technology & Extreme Environment Testing: The Perseverance vessel offers a unique opportunity to test innovative technologies in the extreme polar environment. This theme focuses on utilizing the vessel to push the limits of technological innovation and resilience in these harsh conditions.
• Perseverance – Media, Influence and Investors: The Perseverance vessel plays a crucial role in amplifying the visibility of the Polar POD project. This theme explores how the vessel can be leveraged to engage media, attract investors, and influence public opinion to ensure continued funding and support for the mission.

Benefits

• The winning team will enter into a partnership agreement with the Polar POD program to develop their solution, with a primary focus on supporting the Perseverance vessel’s mission. This partnership will include expert guidance (mentorship by Jean-Louis Étienne and the Polar POD team) to bring the winning concept to life. In addition: Potential opportunities for immersion experiences aboard the Perseverance vessel for hands-on development and testing.
• Polar POD Excellence Award
• Emerging Explorer Trophy
• For all finalists

Eligibility Criteria

• This Challenge is open and offered solely to:
  • Students. Any individual aged eighteen (18) years and/or with full legal capacity, who:
    • is currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution or
    • has recently graduated from a post-secondary institution less than 2 years before the current academic  year, with a student card as verification . Each Student may only participate once in each Challenge. If the participant is a minor, he/she must provide this authorization signed by a parent or guardian.
  • Individual Participant. Individuals aged eighteen (18) years and/or with full legal capacity at the time of registration. Each Individual Participant may only participate once in each Challenge.
  • Startups. A business entity, regardless of its business area. Startups may be required, in Sponsor’s sole discretion, to provide proof of :
    • company registration by submitting a registration certificate issued within the last three (3) months, or ongoing company registration, or any trade registry and proof ensuring the registration of the entity in the relevant country, and
    • a valid professional insurance policy subscription.
• All the documents that may confirm the Participant’s eligibility may be required prior to awarding any prizes (e.g. identity document, registration certificate, student card etc.).
• This Challenge is not open to employees and representatives of the Sponsor and Agorize and the members of their families.
• This Challenge is void in countries where it is prohibited or restricted by law.

For more information, visit OCEAN POLAIRE.