OceanGuard is a pioneering educational project of the AKETH PIRATES team, which uses virtual reality (VR) technology to approach environmental education in an innovative way. The project aims to inform and raise awareness of the threats to the oceans - such as plastic pollution, degradation of marine ecosystems and the decline of marine biodiversity - through an interactive and experiential learning experience.
Students, operating a virtual submersible through a virtual reality (VR) device, “dive” to the seabed, explore the marine world, encounter different species of organisms and complete missions aimed at protecting the environment. Through this interactive experience, they gain valuable knowledge about marine ecosystems, the threats to them and the importance of human intervention for their conservation. As they move through the virtual ocean, they learn about ecological phenomena and risks, participate in educational games and are challenged to make decisions that promote sustainable development.
Particular emphasis has been placed on the accessibility of the application, which has been designed to be used by students with special learning needs or disabilities, making OceanGuard an open and inclusive tool. The project combines technology, environmental education and creative learning, offering students an integrated educational experience linked to the principles of STEAM education and ecological awareness.
The AKETH PIRATES team's OceanGuard project won major awards in two leading educational robotics and innovation competitions:
1st Panhellenic RoboRAVE Greece Competition (2025): the team won three major prizes:
1st Entrepreneurship Award.
1st Prize for Entrepreneurship, 2nd Public Award
1st Sponsor's Award
These awards ensured the team's qualification for the RoboRAVE World Competition in Beijing.
OceanGuard was awarded the Innovation Project Award, recognizing its innovative approach to environmental education through virtual reality.
These awards confirm OceanGuard's value as an educational tool that combines technology, environmental awareness and innovation, promoting experiential learning and equitable access to knowledge.
The AKETHPIRATES team that created OCEANGUARD consists of: Konstantinos Apostolikas, Pantelis Varbobitis, Konstantinos Gida, Yannis Katsiavas, Panagiotis Koutsostergios, Konstantinos Kostoulas, Konstantinos Tsiolis, and their coaches are Georgios Gida and Evangelos Mantzanas. Sponsors of the team were : Violanda Cookies S.A., STEM eshop and Karakikes Shopping Center.
Ocean Guard is a new, innovative virtual reality (VR) educational app that allows students - and adults - to explore the ocean floor in an immersive and experiential way. It has been developed by the AKETH PIRATES robotics team of the Thessaly Development Centre.
Users navigate through digital marine ecosystems, discover marine life such as fish and corals, identify pollutants and minerals, learn about natural conditions, and participate in virtual environmental protection missions.
Ocean Guard is the first Greek educational VR environment to incorporate:
Robotic systems
Full accessibility for students with special learning needs
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Sensors for environmental monitoring
It is addressed to:
Primary and secondary school students
Teachers and schools
Environmental centres, museums, NGOs
Ocean Guard is not just a game. It is an educational mission, a digital awareness tool, a platform for equitable learning and sustainable change.
Live the experience
Learn by playing
Protect the oceans