Bassel Ounah has established himself as a visionary at the intersection of marine conservation and immersive technology, focusing on promoting environmental sustainability and education through his entrepreneurial ventures. His leadership roles at Neptune’s Submerge and Apnea Zone have paved the way for integrating advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into underwater experiences, setting new standards in the diving industry and marine conservation efforts.
At the core of Ounah’s work is Neptune’s Submerge (NSUB), a company he founded to revolutionize how individuals engage with marine environments. NSUB’s offerings allow participants to immerse themselves in meticulously designed underwater worlds through AR and VR, providing a safe yet realistic platform for divers to practice their skills. These virtual environments simulate actual ocean conditions, enabling participants to familiarize themselves with different aquatic settings while minimizing the inherent risks associated with freediving.
Neptune’s Submerge’s safety and educational significance are crucial for freediving, a discipline characterized by the need for physical resilience, unwavering mental acuity, and heightened focus. The risks involved in the activity, such as shallow-water blackout and oxygen depletion, are significant. Ounah’s innovative use of immersive technology addresses these challenges by allowing divers to train in virtual environments replicating real-world conditions. This approach ensures participants can hone their skills in a controlled setting before venturing into open waters. Through its focus on education and safety, Neptune’s Submerge has positioned itself as a leader in the diving industry, offering solutions that enhance the safety and enjoyment of the sport.
The success of NSUB is due to Ounah’s collaborative efforts with leading academic and industry partners. Neptune’s Submerge has forged strong relationships with renowned educational institutions, including The University of Salford, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Lancaster University, to conduct research on underwater environments and safety protocols.
NSUB’s collaboration with Salford University’s Center of Digital Innovation (CDI) and the Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) has cemented its status as a leader in sustainable technology development. The collaborative efforts between these academic institutions and NSUB have yielded substantial advancements in immersive underwater experiences.
Beyond his work with Neptune’s Submerge, Ounah has extended his influence in marine conservation through his leadership at Apnea Zone. Based in Dubai, Apnea Zone provides comprehensive freediving education, along with other underwater activities such as spearfishing and mermaiding. Mermaiding, in particular, is a growing aquatic performance art in which individuals swim with mermaid tails, creating a visually stunning underwater spectacle. Under Ounah’s leadership, Apnea Zone has structured its programs to provide high-quality technical training and foster a deep understanding of marine ecosystems and the importance of environmental preservation.
Ounah’s commitment to marine conservation is deeply rooted in his personal experiences. Growing up near the ocean, he developed a profound respect for marine life and its ecosystems at a young age. This connection has fueled his drive to integrate conservation efforts into the core of his business ventures. The “Drops in the Oceans” campaign, launched by Neptune’s Submerge, is a prime example of Ounah’s dedication to raising awareness about the importance of ocean conservation. This initiative specifically highlights the threats facing coral reefs and emphasizes the need to protect these vital ecosystems. Through immersive technology, Neptune’s Submerge enables users to experience coral reefs in healthy and degraded states, providing a compelling visual narrative of the urgent need for environmental action.
Ounah’s work has not only garnered widespread recognition but has also attracted the attention of key stakeholders in both the tech and environmental sectors. His leadership in incorporating immersive technologies into conservation efforts has earned him accolades from various organizations, and he has been invited to speak at numerous conferences on the subjects of marine sustainability and the future of AR/VR technologies. His forward-thinking approach to environmental education has positioned him as a thought leader in the integration of immersive technology and marine conservation, driving global conversations on the role of technology in fostering sustainable environmental practices.
In addition to his contributions to marine conservation, Ounah has explored the broader applications of immersive technologies in other fields. His work with AR/VR has expanded into sectors such as education and tourism, where these tools are used to create enriching, immersive experiences. For example, Ounah has collaborated with academic institutions to develop VR-based curricula that allow students to explore marine ecosystems virtually, providing them with an experiential understanding of the importance of ocean conservation. This educational model has the potential to reshape how marine biology and environmental science are taught, offering students a more interactive and engaging learning experience.
Bassel Ounah has emerged as a trailblazer in the diving and tech industries through his pioneering leadership at Neptune’s Submerge and Apnea Zone, with his fervent advocacy for environmental sustainability. His contributions have elevated the safety and enjoyment of underwater activities and drawn significant attention to the critical imperative of ocean conservation. As Ounah persistently endeavors to expand the frontiers of immersive technologies, his endeavors are poised to exert a profound and enduring influence on marine education, conservation, and sustainability.
