From August 5 to 9, join the global showcase of conservation technology!

WILDLABS’ Annual #Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge unites researchers, conservationists, citizen scientists, innovators, and technology enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate the remarkable work and accomplishments of the conservation tech community. From camera traps to eDNA to data visualization, technology is shaping how we solve complex conservation challenges. Each year, the Photo Challenge illustrates the evolution of conservation tech by bringing attention to new technological advancements and creative applications of existing tools. Every entry celebrates the growing global community of tech users who are excited to connect and collaborate with one another. 

Since its inauguration in 2016, the #Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge has reached over 1.5 million people from approximately 50 countries. Over the last 8 years, the community has shared hundreds of photos and videos of tech projects big and small, showcasing the diverse and creative ways tech is transforming conservation. This year, we hope to bring together even more conservation tech users worldwide.

Show us how you’re using tech and how it’s changing your wildlife conservation work! During this global showcase, you’ll have the opportunity to spotlight your work, share the evolving story of how technology transforms conservation, and see how your peers use tech. This year, we’re looking for submissions in three categories:

1. Photo: Any photo that demonstrates the use of technology or showcases emerging technologies in conservation
2. Video: Similar to the photo category, any video that demonstrates the use of technology or showcases emerging technologies in conservation
3. Photo and Video Stories: A collection of photos or videos that tell an in-depth story of a specific tech, project, or initiative.

We welcome photo, video, and story submissions of your current work or past projects.

Check out some of our past photo submissions.

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BIG REVEAL just for @WILDLABSNET #Tech4Wildlife: This is a total focus image from #EyeRIS, clearly showing all the ctene rows of a deep sea lobate #ctenophore. 😍🤩 @BioinspirLab @MBARI_News pic.twitter.com/4bt658vpc4

— Dr. Kakani Katija (@KakaniKatija) September 14, 2022

Check out some of our past video submissions.

Our NEW #Drone publication! Operational Protocols for the Use of #drones in Marine Animal Research 🐳🐬🦈🐢🐧🐊 via @MDPIOpenAccess #MDPIdrones This is a great review for those considering the use of drones for #research. @sawsharkman et al. #Scicomm @WILDLABSNET #Tech4Wildlife pic.twitter.com/lKTYWYUyde

— Dr. Vanessa Pirotta (@VanessaPirotta) September 28, 2020

Our #Tech4Wildlife project at @Caltech uses sonar video cameras and machine learning to monitor salmon during their seasonal migration, helping to support fisheries management, science, and conservation.

Our amazing team includes @suzstathatos @sarameghanbeery @Grant_Van_Horn 1/ https://t.co/AjNQhTy8oa

— Justin Kay (@__justinkay) September 14, 2022

Click on the X threads below to explore some of our past photo and video story submissions.

We use #Tech4Wildlife for our project developing automated methods of individual ID for brown bears and other wildlife. We use a combination of #cameratrapping, visual observations, and #machinelearning with collaborative partnerships to make this happen. @WILDLABSNET 1/ pic.twitter.com/Ro3C5r3nd7

— BearID Project (@bearid_project) March 1, 2021

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How to join the challenge

1. Take or find photos or videos of how you use technology in your conservation work, past or present! There is no entry limit per project, individual, or organization.
2. Share it on X, Instagram, or LinkedIn between August 5 and 9 with the hashtag #Tech4Wildlife. Tell us about your work and the tech featured. Make sure to tag us @WILDLABSNET
3. Follow #Tech4Wildlife to connect with other conservation tech users and celebrate the global tech community!

Reintroducing Honorees

Community Choice Honorees: This year, we’re bringing back the Community Choice Awards! After the challenge, we’ll open up the polls and invite you to vote on what photos, videos, and stories you think showcase the breadth and innovation of the conservation tech community. Keep an eye out for an announcement with voting information.

Judges Panel Honorees: All entries will be shared with panelists from various conservation institutions and organizations to be announced in the coming weeks. The panel will vote for their favorite photos, videos, and stories that demonstrate conservation impact, novel innovation/discovery, and strong storytelling of the work and sector.

We’ll announce all honorees on WILDLABS.NET and WILDLABS social media accounts. Honorees will also be invited to share their research during a WILDLABS Variety Hour and be interviewed about their work for a series of feature articles on WILDLABS.NET. 

We can’t wait to see the incredible ways you use tech for wildlife and watch the community grow more connected with every entry!

So tell us: How are you using #Tech4Wildlife?

Leading up to the challenge, we’ll be sharing updates about our judging panel, running an interactive game, and looking back on past years to get excited for the 2024 challenge! In the meantime, check out hundreds of past entries on our #Tech4Wildlife photo wall or browse last year’s honorees.