NEWS - Computers & Technology

By Lou Phelps
SBJ Staff

Sept 12, 2011 – As the Savannah Ocean Exchange’s 2011 convention drew to a close last week, the group announced that Liquid Robotics of Sunnyvale, CA is the recipient of the 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award, an honor that included a $100,000 prize funded by Gulfstream Aerospace, headquartered in Savannah.

The Gulfstream Navigator Award 2011 recognizes the best solution to positively shape the future of our coasts, one of the goals of the Savannah Ocean Exchange.   

Liquid Robotics' "Wave Glider-Autonomous Ocean Vehicle" was selected by participating delegates during the inaugural Solutions Exchange, held in Savannah Sept. 7-8, 2011. The 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award was presented by Joe Lombardo, EVP Aerospace Group, General Dynamics, the parent company of Gulfstream.

The Navigator Award was given to the top solution submitted as part of the annual Call for Solutions issued by the Savannah Ocean Exchange Board of Governors in February 2011. A panel of experts from multiple disciplines, chaired by Dr. Nancy Knowlton of the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History, vetted solutions submitted from countries spanning the globe.  The top ten solutions were developed as point solutions for the construction, defense, homeland security, marine research, robotics, coastal reclamation, energy, and shipping industries.  Each finalist presented their solution to over 100 delegates who selected the award recipient.

"This initial meeting of the Savannah Ocean Exchange has been an absolute success in our eyes," said Mr. Lombardo. "Ideas and concepts are important, but proven solutions need an outlet to gain traction in the marketplace.  The Exchange has brought great minds together and stimulated valuable dialogue.  One contestant commented 'The competition was less important than the collaboration.' We sincerely hope this event grows, showcases our home of Savannah, and becomes a destination for leaders seeking innovative, actionable solutions. This is a huge plus for the environment and coasts around the globe."

The Wave Glider solution harvests energy from the environment and is able to travel long distances, hold station, and monitor vast areas of the ocean without the need for fuel or carbon emissions.  A unique two-part architecture and wing system directly converts wave motion into thrust, and solar panels provide electricity for sensor payloads and satellite communications. More information on the Wave Glider can be found at www.liquidr.com

Savannah Ocean Exchange brings together thought leaders around the world from cross disciplines that represent industry, education, research, technology, government and conservation.  Led by a multi-disciplinary, 29-member Board of Governors, the organization sources and accelerates the adoption of solutions that positively impact economies and the environment.

"The breadth and scope of proven, economically sustainable solutions that were submitted to compete for the 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award were outstanding," according to Cort Atkinson, Co-Founder and CEO of the Savannah Ocean Exchange. "We were impressed with the imagination, creativity and innovation of all our applicants.  We salute Gulfstream for sponsoring the Navigator Award which embodies their worldwide reputation for excellence, innovation and crossing boundaries to promote economically sustainable solutions."

The theme for the 2011 Savannah Ocean Exchange was "Shaping the Future of Our Coasts,” and featured the $100,000 Gulfstream Navigator Award for the best idea submitted as part of the  Savannah Ocean Exchange’s competition

Founded in 2010, Savannah Ocean Exchange unites international organizations across multiple disciplines and boundaries to distribute and adopt solutions that positively impact oceans and ocean life. The Board of Governors includes 29 thought-leaders from around the world who represent diverse backgrounds and expertise and share a commitment to innovation and to the protection of our ocean.

The Worldwide Sponsor is Gulfstream Aerospace, and the Leadeship Sponsors include Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and the Sapelo Foundation.

The founding sponsors of the Savannah Ocean Exchange include the City of Savannah, Georgia Power, The Coca-Cola Company, Mr. and Mrs. Howard J. Morrison, Jr. and John and Cort Atkinson.

The website for the organization can be found at www.savannahoceanexchange.org

Published by Savannah Business Journal.®All Copyrights Reserved ©2011. www.savannahbusinessjournal.com®

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