Malaysia Makes Waves: JellyGo Wins Big at Ocean Hackathon® 2022

Congratulations to the Malaysian team with the jellyfish tracking app, JellyGo for winning the the Ocean Hackathon® #7 International Grand Finale that took place on 9 February 2023 in Brest (and remotely). As a prize, the team will receive a subsidy of 5000 euros (23 000 ringgits) to develop their promising project.

Kuala Lumpur made history in December 2022 as it joined the global Ocean Hackathon® network for the very first time. Hosted over an intense 48-hour weekend, the local edition brought together ocean enthusiasts, scientists, developers, and innovators under one roof with a shared mission: to develop real-world solutions to challenges facing our oceans.

Out of the many passionate teams that participated, one stood out—led by Sim Yee Kwang, a senior science officer from the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia. The team’s project, JellyGo, clinched the top prize at OHKL 2022 and went on to represent Malaysia on the global stage.

Meet JellyGo: An App to Predict Jellyfish Blooms

The idea behind JellyGo was as innovative as it was impactful. The app is designed to track and predict jellyfish blooms around Penang Island—an issue that has increasingly affected tourism and marine safety in the region. What sets JellyGo apart is its dual focus: it leverages community-driven data collection (citizen science) alongside long-term environmental monitoring to forecast bloom patterns more accurately.

But JellyGo doesn’t stop there. The app also incorporates smart image detection and includes features like emergency sting response and first-aid guidelines, making it both a prevention and awareness tool for the public and tourism operators.

From Kuala Lumpur to Brest, France

Winning OHKL 2022 wasn’t the end of the journey—it was just the beginning. Team JellyGo went on to compete in the 7th International Grand Finale of Ocean Hackathon® in Brest, France, in February 2023. Facing off against top teams from 11 other cities worldwide, Team Malaysia impressed the judges and took home the Grand Prize, along with a €5,000 grant to further develop their project.

Malaysia on the Map for Ocean Innovation

Team JellyGo’s success showcases Malaysia’s growing potential in marine innovation and environmental tech. The victory was a proud moment for the local organizers, participants, and the broader community working towards ocean sustainability.

This milestone demonstrates that with creativity, teamwork, and a passion for the sea, Malaysian innovators can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world—and win.

For a glimpse into the Grand Finale event, you can watch the official video here:

JellyGo Team Presentation start from 51:00