Last week, The Shop at the CAC was proud to host the Coastal Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition, presented by Idea Village—an evening that brought together founders, investors, judges, and community members who care deeply about the future of the Gulf South.
On December 11, we welcomed four startups selected for the 2025 Coastal Innovation Challenge cohort as they pitched live for the Shell GameChanger Award. Hosted at The Shop at the CAC, the event showcased impact-driven founders developing innovative technologies focused on coastal restoration, sustainable construction, and marine biodiversity.
The pitch competition followed a familiar and engaging Pitch Night format: each team had 7 minutes to present, followed by a live Q&A with a panel of Shell GameChanger judges. Pitches were evaluated based on feasibility, scalability, and environmental impact, sparking meaningful conversation around what it takes to build solutions that can scale and create lasting environmental impact.
The room was filled with energy—founders sharing bold ideas, investors asking thoughtful questions, and community members eager to learn more about emerging coastal technologies. Events like this highlight the power of collaboration and the important role spaces like The Shop play in supporting innovation across the region.
Congratulations to Sinkco Labs
We’re excited to congratulate Sinkco Labs for delivering an outstanding pitch and for being selected as the Shell GameChanger Award recipient.
Sinkco Labs is tackling one of the Gulf South’s most pressing challenges by using naturally captured carbon to rebuild coastal marshland, strengthen shorelines, and permanently store CO₂. Their work shows how climate innovation can be both practical and scalable, while remaining deeply rooted in the needs of our region.
Pitching in front of Shell GameChanger judges and a room filled with founders, investors, and community members, the Sinkco Labs team delivered a clear and compelling vision for long-term coastal resilience. We’re proud to support founders who are building real solutions for the future of the Gulf South.
Thank you to Idea Village for presenting the Coastal Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition and for continuing to support founders who are shaping what’s next for our region.