Empowering Youth for the Blue Economy

Inspiring the Next Generation

The Blue Economy represents one of the fastest-growing global industries — spanning renewable energy, aquaculture, shipping, and conservation. Yet, many young people remain unaware of the opportunities it holds. The Brilliant Blue Challenge 2025 is working to change that.

This global competition invites high school students to create innovative solutions in marine renewable energy, autonomous systems, and healthy marine life. Guided by mentors and connected to real-world opportunities, participants don’t just compete — they gain scholarships, internships, and incubator access that can shape their future careers.

“It’s not just an awareness program — it’s a workforce development program.”

From Canada to the World

Launched three years ago and headquartered in Atlantic Canada, the Brilliant Blue Challenge has expanded to nearly 40 countries. Teams of two to five students, supported by an adult advisor, tackle problem statements with prototypes and business plans. The strongest projects move beyond the competition, entering incubators and industry partnerships.

“If students come up with really good solutions, we don’t want to put them on the shelf. We want to connect them with incubators, scholarships, and internships.”

This year, nationals in countries including Australia, Japan, Ghana, South Africa, Peru, and Chile will lead to the global finals in Nova Scotia, October 17–18, 2025. The event will run as a hybrid competition, ensuring global participation.

Omar Hussein’s Vision

Director Omar Hussein brings a unique perspective. Born in Egypt, with professional roots in Lebanon and now Canada, Hussein has over 15 years in youth technology education, workforce development, and nonprofit sustainability. When he discovered the Blue Economy in Atlantic Canada, he recognized both its vast potential and its lack of youth engagement.

Partnering with Brilliant Labs, a leading STEM education provider, he helped launch the Brilliant Blue Challenge to inspire and empower young innovators.

“The Blue Economy has careers for almost everyone, from climate change to food security. It was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Pathways for Youth

Success is measured not by participation numbers but by impact: scholarships awarded, internships created, and projects taken to market. One Halifax team developed a micro-aquaculture system that led to scholarships at Dalhousie University, internships with Cooke Aquaculture, and entry into a startup incubator.

“This is what success looks like in our mind — taking students from ‘what is the Blue Economy?’ to scholarships, internships, and incubation.”

Why It Matters

For Captain Liam Devlin, who has spent 25 years at sea, the urgency of climate change is undeniable. From Alaska’s shrinking glaciers to fragile global fisheries, the need for youth-led innovation has never been greater.

“The Blue Economy isn’t just about awareness. It’s about creating action — and pathways for youth to build the future.”

Get Involved

Students, mentors, judges, and industry leaders all have a role to play. Whether through competition, mentorship, or partnership, the Brilliant Blue Challenge is building bridges between education and industry, awareness and action.