Almost two years ago, we reported the launch of a new XPRIZE competition to build a better ocean pH sensor, one that could enable a more thorough monitoring of the ocean acidification caused by CO2 emissions. The challenge was to design something that could operate autonomously in the harsh conditions of the deep ocean, while sporting accuracy rivaling laboratory techniques topside.
After a series of trials, the winners of the competition were announced Monday night. Three of the five finalists will receive a share of the $2 million—split between prizes focused on accuracy and affordability—put up by Wendy Schmidt.
The $750,000 grand prizes in both categories went to Sunburst Sensors, a small company in Missoula, Montana. They produced a pair of devices (one optimized for each category) based on one they currently manufacture. They utilized a miniaturized version of the most common laboratory method, in which an indicator dye is added to the water sample and the resultant color is precisely measured.
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