Sustainable golf brand OCEANTEE has been shortlisted in the Start-Up category for this year’s global Sports Technology Awards.
Recognised as the leading international mark of excellence, The Sports Technology Awards celebrates tech-led innovation in sports, and this year’s awards shortlist includes 37 sports across five continents.
“To see our name amongst this stellar line up of brands all of whom are pioneering innovation in their respective sports is almost unbelievable,” said Ed Sandison, founder of OCEANTEE. “When you are focussed on delivering what is often ground-breaking work, you can lose sight of the impact your business is having on the sector you work in. We are delighted to have our work recognised in this way – even making the shortlist is a huge achievement and we are very proud to represent golf on this high profile global stage.”
Founded in 2014, The Sports Technology Awards evolve each year to reflect the important factors influencing every facet of sports, including sustainability. Over 50 judges had the task of choosing the finalists and spent, collectively, around 200 hours determining which companies would go forward. The resulting list includes both the most exciting start-ups as well as many of the biggest brands in the sector. The award winners will be announced at a ceremony being held in New York on May 18.
“The Sports Technology Awards’ Start-Up of the Year category is unashamedly exacting,” said Rebecca Hopkins, CEO of The STA Group, which organises the awards. “The entry form is designed to scrutinize both the proposition and the company behind it. All start-ups which made it onto the shortlist – and many didn’t – have a strong vision and a great team behind them. These really are exciting brands to watch.”
From the outset OCEANTEE has set goals to ensure all materials used in the apparel and accessories range have a competitive edge, as they have never been used in golf before. By pioneering bamboo for tees and showcasing innovations including Waste2Wear blockchain technology, Tencel Refibra fabric, and Roica EcoSmart biodegradable Elastane, OCEANTEE has positioned itself as the leader in sustainable golf product manufacture and design. This unique collaborative approach has created commercial opportunities globally for the business, opening up retail opportunities, and resulting in commissions for bespoke and white label products from golf and other sports brands.