Program Overview
Solving Problems Critical to our Oceans through Mission-Driven Entrepreneurship Across the Globe
Hacking for Oceans (H4E:Oceans) is a university, for-credit course focused on solving global problems facing our oceans and coasts using the Lean LaunchPad methodology. The course’s intent is to apply Silicon Valley best practices to intractable environment problems.
Why it Matters
Oceans cover more than two-thirds of our Earth’s surface. They are home to millions of species and play an enormous role in regulating our climate and water cycle. Our oceans face tremendous disruptions that will impact our future generations of humanity.
The H4Oceans Course
Students will learn how to apply Lean Startup principles to topical ocean problems. Interdisciplinary groups of three to four students will work closely with an outside sponsor (local, state, federal agencies; industry; NGO’s) to develop rapid prototypes and innovative solutions to ocean-related problems. Lectures by subject matter experts will cover entrepreneurial, scientific, technological, and engineering topics.
Hear what our advisors have to say about H4Oceans:
“Student teams experienced what it is like to create a startup or policy solution focused around solving such challenges as kelp forest restoration, weaknesses in the fishing supply chain, water pollution analysis, flooding detection systems, using unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to detect harmful algae blooms. Equally important, the courses gave students the chance to make a difference in the world.”
-Steve Weinstein, Hacking for Oceans Expert Advisor
“Our oceans are critical to humanity and desperately need more resources addressing their challenges. The ultimate goal of H4Oceans is to create a thriving ecosystem of organizations and individuals focused on solving these issues. Students in the inaugural class worked on a range of issues from coastal habitat monitoring and protection, to sustainable fishing, to reducing plastics in oceans and left the class with both the entrepreneurial mindset, as well as a toolset to tackle these critical problems.”
- Radhika Malpani, Hacking for Oceans Expert Advisor
Interested in seeing students take the CMP entrepreneurial mission to the next level?
Explore their stories to learn more about student experiences and the incredible outcomes from the H4 courses.
Our H4Oceans Partners
Organizations Include:
Participating Universities:
Looking for more information?
Contact us to learn how you can sponsor a problem, bring H4Oceans to your university, or become a corporate sponsor.
H4Oceans in the News
Students Poised to Tackle Environmental Challenges in ‘Hacking for the Oceans’ Course
Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UC San Diego - June 4, 2020
Hacking for Oceans: Small is Beautiful
Common Mission Project Blog -- October 20, 2020
Hacking 4 Environment: Oceans - Creating Entrepreneurs from Scientists and Students
Marine Technology News —- September 30, 2020
Ready to get involved?
The Common Mission Project is ushering the next generation of leaders to solve our planet’s biggest challenges, but we can’t do it alone. We offer a variety of ways to participate and support:
Partner With CMP
Are you looking for solutions to a challenging problem faced by your organization or community?
Bring a Program to Your University
Are you a university educator or administrator looking to bring innovation and thought leadership to your institution?
Join the Alumni Network
Have you completed an H4 program and are looking to engage with the course in new and different capacities?
Become a Mentor
Are you interested in gaining access to our innovative methodology while engaging with talented students passionate about the work you do?