Greenwave Aotearoa Scholarship Fund

Supporting new entrants into the seaweed aquaculture industry

(Deadline for submissions End of February 2025)

Purpose and intent

The Greenwave Aotearoa Scholarship is for students who are undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the fields of Marine Science, Environmental Science or Ecology and Biodiversity, Engineering or Business with particular emphasis on one of our chosen priority study areas. Students must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and have proven academic ability and show a clear passion and future commitment to their chosen field.  

We will be awarding up to five individuals with $2000 scholarships in 2025.

Need for the scholarship

Industry Challenges: 

  • Limited established best practices for hatchery farming, cultivation, and harvesting.

  • Barriers to scaling sustainable seaweed production to meet global demand.

  • Need for innovative solutions to address productivity, efficiency, and environmental impact.

Importance of New Talent:

  • Inspires individuals and startups to address industry challenges with fresh perspectives.

  • Equips recipients with financial support and knowledge to drive innovation in the seaweed sector.

  • Develops the next generation of leaders committed to sustainable aquaculture practices.

Alignment with Broader Goals:

  • Supports Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.

  • Promotes environmentally responsible resource use and ecosystem restoration.

  • Creates educational and career opportunities aligned with national priorities.

  • Contributes to building a resilient and globally competitive seaweed industry.

Scholarship objectives

  • Support Emerging Talent: Provide financial and educational support to students and new entrants to the seaweed industry.

  • Encourage Best Practices: Focus on fostering knowledge in sustainable cultivation techniques and value-add opportunities.

  • Promote Innovation: Encourage creative solutions and scalable practices in the seaweed sector.

  • Contribute to Industry Growth: Equip the next generation of professionals to support the wider industry’s development and sustainability goals.

Priority study areas

  • Hatchery Processes and System Efficiency

  • Cultivation Techniques and Farming Systems

  • Seaweed Compound Extraction and Product Innovation 

  • Economic and Business Insights for Seaweed Industries

Scholarships Requirements

1.   Purpose

1.1        The main purpose of the Scholarship is to support students undertaking study or research in the natural sciences relating to seaweed aquaculture, specifically addressing one of our chosen priority study areas.

1.2       The scholarship would offer (at the discretion of Greenwave Aotearoa / the selection committee):

a)     Scholarships: Financial support to cover tuition and related academic expenses for aquaculture-related studies

b)     Mentorship: Access to industry professionals and academics for support and guidance

c)     Internship: Practical experience in various roles within the aquaculture industry, from deckhands to scientists. Part-time during studies or full-time post-studies, potentially with Greenwave Aotearoa.

2.  Eligibility and Selection Criteria

          2.1       To be eligible, applicants must:

2.1.1  be enrolled, or enrolling, full-time or part-time in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in the Faculty of Science, undertaking study or research in the natural sciences relating to seaweed aquaculture, specifically one of our chosen study priority areas.

2.2     The basis of selection will be academic achievement and the quality of a personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest and study plans relating to seaweed aquaculture in Aotearoa New Zealand.

3.  Value, Tenure, and Awarding

3.1      The Scholarship shall have a total value of $2,000 and will be paid as a lump sum payment.

3.2      The funds awarded must be used for academic or research purposes (e.g., tuition fees, research materials, equipment, travel for fieldwork).

3.3      Receipts or proof of payment for all purchases using these funds must be submitted to Greenwave Aotearoa, to ensure the funds are being used to achieve our priority goals.

3.4      The scholarship will have a maximum tenure of one year.

4.  Application

4.1       As part of the online application process, each applicant must detail the following: contact information, current field of study or occupation, motivation and goals in relation to the scholarship objectives, relevant experience and skills, vision for contributing to the regenerative aquaculture or seaweed industry in Aotearoa New Zealand, details of their selected program of study and its alignment with Greenwave Aotearoa’s purpose, expected use of scholarship funds, future career or study plans, leadership potential, and any community involvement or extracurricular activities.

4.2 A brief CV of no more than two pages, as well as their most recent University transcript.

4.3      The Selection Committee (comprised of representatives from Greenwave Aotearoa) will assess the applications and the Scholarship is awarded based on the recommendation of the Selection Committee

Apply now for the Greenwave Aotearoa scholarship

(Deadline for submissions End of February 2025)