Celebrating ocean innovation within the BVI

It’s so inspiring when good minds come collectively to resolve the world’s hardest challenges. It’s notably energising when these minds are targeted on constructing a regenerative Blue Economy in my dwelling, the attractive British Virgin Islands (BVI).

This week we had the pleasure of internet hosting a unprecedented group of innovators and entrepreneurs, who for the final yr have been collaborating within the 2025 Impact Challenge.

The Impact Challenge was designed to speed up entrepreneurial ventures that may strengthen the BVI’s financial system and create optimistic social and environmental influence throughout the area. This has been made potential due to the unimaginable crew at Unite BVI and the VI Purpose Fund.

The pitch occasion was an thrilling celebration of daring concepts. From sustainable fisheries and eco-waste administration to coastal resilience and ecotourism, the six finalists every introduced their very own distinctive imaginative and prescient for a way the BVI can sustainably thrive.

The timing for investing in ocean-focussed options has by no means been extra pressing. As Hurricane Melissa intensified throughout the Caribbean, it was propelled by sea floor temperatures that had been about 1.4 °C /2.5 °F hotter than common. That further warmth helped the storm quickly deepen and boosted its peak winds by round 10 mph. For Caribbean nations, whose economies and welfare are intently tied to marine and coastal programs, the rising frequency and depth of storms like Melissa is alarming. We should proceed to champion sustainable options, since they assist buffer storm impacts, shield biodiversity, diversify revenue sources, and construct resilience.

After a lot dialogue, reflection, and some spirited debates, I’m thrilled to call Block Works VI and Report the Reef as this yr’s Impact Challenge winners. Block Works VI, led by Hubert Akeem Lennard, is reviving concrete block and paver manufacturing with an eco-friendly twist, utilising recycled glass and sand. Report the Reef, led by Chris Juredin and Kendyl Berna, is a tech-enabled social enterprise that transforms real-time cell incident experiences (reminiscent of unlawful anchoring, waste dumping, and harmful fishing), has these verified by discipline groups, after which makes use of them to help environmental legal responsibility claims and habitat restoration throughout the British Virgin Islands.

The VI Purpose Fund was created to unlock precisely this sort of innovation. To assist good entrepreneurs flip their visions into actuality and to indicate that the Virgin Islands is brimming with purpose-driven expertise. An enormous thanks to my fellow choose and VI Purpose Fund co-founder, Rick Kearney, and to Unite BVI’s Executive Director, Kim Takeuchi, whose ardour and management make this initiative potential.

Block Works VI and Report the Reef will now start a year-long incubation journey, with their founders receiving mentorship, funding, and hands-on help to assist convey their concept to life. I can’t wait to see how their imaginative and prescient unfolds over the approaching months and the distinction it is going to make within the Virgin Islands and past.

Congratulations to all of the finalists, your work is a reminder to us all that the way forward for the BVI is shiny.