Grade 11 student Liam Pope-Lau ‘27 has been named a 2025 finalist in the International Youth Innovation Challenge, hosted by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), for his project OceanLens. He is the only finalist from Canada or the United States in this year’s international competition.
OceanLens is an innovative AI-powered app that integrates microplastics data with environmental, industry, biodiversity and tourism information. By connecting diverse datasets, the app empowers people with the knowledge and tools to understand the scope of microplastic pollution and to advocate for meaningful action.
The idea for OceanLens has been years in the making. Liam’s interest in ocean health began eight years ago at a Surfrider beach cleanup, which inspired a Science Fair project that eventually evolved into the app recognized today. His work demonstrates not only a commitment to innovation but also to environmental education and community impact.
The Youth Innovation Challenge is a global program organized by GEEP in partnership with the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration. GEEP itself is a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Taiwan Ministry of Environment and the North American Association for Environmental Education.
Liam’s recognition as a GEEP finalist adds to a growing list of achievements. This summer, he was also named a 2025 semi-finalist for the North American Brower Youth Award for Environmental Leadership, presented by the Earth Island Institute in Berkeley, California. Last year, he earned the National Youth Climate Activism Award for environmental leadership.
Through his accomplishments, Liam is showing how the passion of one student can spark meaningful change. From a single beach cleanup to an internationally recognized app, his journey highlights the power of curiosity, perseverance and innovation in addressing some of today’s most urgent environmental challenges.
