Julie Angus, B.Sc.,M.Sc.

A solar-powered ocean innovator, explorer and cleantech entrepreneur extraordinaire, Julie brings a unique blend of exploration and entrepreneurship to cleantech. Her Victoria-based company, Open Ocean Robotics, has pioneered solar-powered uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) that collect real-time ocean data without emissions, replacing costly and polluting crewed vessels. This fleet has now logged more than 5,000 hours on oceans worldwide, monitoring 5.2 million hectares of marine protected areas and preventing 3,641 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Capable of mapping the seafloor, tracking whales, collecting DNA, and even sneaking up on illegal fishing vessels, these zero-emission craft are redefining how we monitor and protect our seas. By swapping fuel-burning ships for autonomous solutions, she is scaling ocean conservation with Canadian ingenuity, precision, and flair. With $6M in revenue and $14M raised, this work proves that protecting oceans can be high-tech, adventurous, and profitable.