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Sailors as Stewards: Luxury Yachts & Environmental Impact
Disciplines:
Environmental science, marine biology, sustainability studies, business administration, marketing, finance, and engineering
Redefining luxury yachting as ethical stewardship: sustainable finance and commercializing marine technology to tackle environmental challenges.
Interns will dive deep into the challenges faced by the yachting industry in mitigating its environmental impact, particularly concerning water desalination and onboard energy storage devices. Through a real-life case study, they will scope out a project to commercialize a mangrove-inspired saltwater desalination filtration system, dividing into business units to tackle various aspects of product development and sources of finance.
Guest lectures will illuminate other biomimicry inspired case studies and alternative financing models tailored to sustainable technologies. Teams will conduct market analysis and technology research sessions to develop skills in identifying opportunities and potential solutions. Interns will focus on partnerships and fundraising learning the diffusion of influence through networking, preparing reports, pitch decks and communication materials.
Financial modeling and business planning exercises will equip you with the tools to forecast project costs and communicate the business case to potential investors. Stakeholder engagement and partnership-building activities will emphasize the importance of collaboration driving sustainable innovation forward. By the end you will learn to reimagine venture capital for "hard-tech" industries, where traditional models fall short. Emerge as a steward of change, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks to navigate the intersection of luxury yachting and environmental responsibility in the modern world.
Available Intern Positions:
3 High School, 3 Undergrad & 1 Master, PhD
“Being a mentor for the Born Global Foundation has expanded my network to reach students with big ideas and the audacity to go after them."
Joy Lapseritis
MS Biomimicry ASU; Ph.D Biological Oceanography MIT
Branch Head Naval Undersea Warfare Center
Syllabus
Week 1: Understanding Environmental Challenges in the Yachting Industry
Introduction to Environmental Impact of Yachting
Real-life Case Study: Commercializing a Mangrove-Inspired Saltwater Desalination Filtration System
Team Formation and Scoping Exercises
Week 2: Exploring Biomimicry and Alternative Financing
Guest Lecture: Biomimicry Inspired Case Studies
Overview of Alternative Financing Models for Sustainable Technologies
Market Analysis and Opportunity Assessment
Week 3: Technology Research and Development
Understanding Mangrove-Inspired Filtration System Technology
Hands-on Activities and Experiments
Developing Solutions for Onboard Energy Storage Devices
Week 4: Financial Modeling and Business Planning
Financial Modeling Exercises: Forecasting Project Costs
Developing Comprehensive Business Plans
Preparation of Investor Pitch Decks
Week 5: Guest Lecture: Reimagining Venture Capital for Hard-Tech Industries
Case Studies of Successful Alternative Financing Models
Q&A Session on Financing Challenges in the Yachting Industry
Networking Activities and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies
Week 6: Partnership Building and Fundraising
Strategies for Building Partnerships in the Yachting Industry
Preparation of Communication Materials
Pitch Deck Refinement and Presentation Practice
Week 7: Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
Workshop: Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Strategies
Role-playing Exercise: Advocacy Campaign for Sustainable Yachting Practices
Refining Business Plans Based on Stakeholder Feedback
Week 8: Project Presentation and Reflection
Final Project Presentations to Peers and Mentors
Reflection on Key Learnings and Growth Throughout the Internship
Networking Opportunities and Guidance for Further Development in the Field