Hi Everyone!
I’ve just joined the community and I’m still finding my way around – but I’m already amazed by how much fascinating information and inspiration is shared here.
I’m a machine learning and data science specialist with a strong interest in applying my skills to nature and ocean conservation. The ocean has always been a personal passion, and I’d love to explore how data-driven tools can support monitoring, protection, and research in marine ecosystems.
I’m curious – are there others here who come from a technical (rather than biological) background and are navigating a similar transition? Would love to connect and learn more about your journey!
Aleksandra
27 June 2025 10:22am
Hi Aleksandra,
You might want to check out this recent NatureTechMemo on ocean tech given your interests! Conservation International and Nature Tech Collective also recently released the Nature Tech for Biodiversity Sector Map which also lists a lot of players within the nature tech landscape. This should give a bit of an idea of how folks are combining hardware, software, and conservation.
🌊 Ocean Data Startups: Riding the Blue Economy Wave 🚢
The first in a series on the startups making a splash in the world of Ocean Data
There is such a huge need for AI/ML folks within conservation, so glad that you are interested in using your skills in this space!
27 June 2025 12:39pm
Hi Carly,
Thanks so much for this information! Sounds really great! :)
29 June 2025 5:14pm
Hi Aleksandra,
Welcome! I'm also from a technical background (software development, data engineering, and data science) and making the shift into conservation tech. Like you, I don't come from a formal biology or ecology background, but I share a strong interest in using data-driven approaches to help protect nature.
Your focus on the ocean resonates with me. I think it's incredibly exciting how machine learning and data tools can support things like biodiversity monitoring, acoustic analysis, marine spatial planning, and more.
I’d be really keen to swap notes on transitioning into this space, learn about the projects you're interested in, and share resources. Feel free to reach out or post more about what you're exploring!
Manish Gadhvi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgadhvi
https://github.com/mgadhvi
12 September 2025 1:03pm
Hi Aleksandra!
I can really relate to your post — I’m a Master’s student in Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL, with experience in AI applied to the medical field. At the same time, I’ve been a SCUBA diver since I was a teenager, and I’m now exploring how to merge these two paths.
I’m looking for projects where AI can support marine conservation and research in general, ideally with a strong fieldwork component, since I’d love to contribute both as a diver and as an engineer. Great to see that others are also navigating this kind of transition!
I’m still at the very beginning of this transition myself, so I don’t really have advice to share yet, ahah. But if you happen to have any practical tips on PhD opportunities or jobs in this field, I’d be happy if you reached out to me in private!
Carly Batist