We only protect what we love,
we only love what we understand, and
we only understand what we are taught- Jacques-Yves Cousteau
What is wildcard?
Technology has connected us in extraordinary ways, yet many of us feel increasingly disconnected from the living world and each other.
Most people will never have the opportunity to swim through a kelp forest, hear whale song reverberate around them, or witness the biodiversity of a thriving coral reef.
Wildcard is a travelling immersive experience designed to help close the distance between people and the natural world.
Using scientifically collected data, entertainment technologies for immersive storytelling, and hands-on activities, Wildcard brings people inside real natural environments and transforms them into multidimensional experiences that spark curiosity, understanding, and moves them action.
Awe first. Action second.
WHY NOW?
We are living through a defining decade for climate, biodiversity, and the stewardship of finite planetary resources. The challenges ahead demand curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the interconnected systems that shape our collective future.
Developing this understanding requires opportunities to experience, explore, and connect with the natural world. Yet these experiences often remain inaccessible due to geography, cost, time, physical capability, or opportunity.
Shared, emotionally resonant experiences can also strengthen our bonds with one another and the natural world, helping turn individual concern into collective action.
At the same time, emerging technologies can create moments of presence and wonder that were previously impossible. There has never been a more important time to invest in our collective future.
Experiences with the natural world should not be a privilege.
How?
There are so many possibilities for how to bring this to life. For now, Wildcard will be focusing on developing learning modules that pair with existing technologies and Australian school learning outcomes.
We’re drawing inspiration from all industries to curate memorable and deeply educational experiences. Think —
🌊 3D Projection - Step inside reconstructions of real coral reefs and other natural environments created using scientifically collected data.
🎵 Spatial Audio - Feel whale song reverberate around you and experience the sounds of an underwater ecosystem.
🔍 Field Science - Become a marine biologist and identify whales using current scientific Photo ID techniques, or learn to map environments.
🔬 Scientific Investigation - Examine shells, specimens, and microscopic structures and test your identification skills.
🖌️ Hands-On Creation - Continue the journey through creative projects and practical activities that transform moments of awe into deeper understanding and meaningful action.
We are partnering with leading marine scientists, educators, and some of the best storytellers in the world.
We’re taking the best of entertainment, science and education, then rewriting the rules for how they come together.
WHo?
We have grand visions for where Wildcard could go, what we can offer, and who we’ll be able to connect with.
However, like all great things we need to start somewhere. We are beginning our journey by developing for early high-school students in Australia, specifically year 7 to 10 in NSW.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Thinking about reaching out or working together in some way? There are Wildcard’s guiding principles -
✨ Wonder creates connection
Awe, curiosity, and discovery are powerful gateways to learning and meaningful action.
🧠 Understanding informs action
Action grounded in understanding over speculation drives meaningful action.
🌏 Access matters
Epic encounters with the natural world shouldn’t depend on geography, income, physical capability, or prior experience.
🔬 Science is our foundation
Experiences start with the latest science in mind to expand its impact.
💚 Authenticity over greenwashing
We communicate honestly, embrace nuance, and are grounded in evidence.
🤝 Create shared value
Those who generate knowledge and steward ecosystems share in the value created from their contributions.
big 5 wildcards
🪸 Coral Reef
Biodiversity & Food Security
Step inside one of Earth's most biodiverse ecosystems and discover how thousands of species depend on one another to survive. Explore resilience, adaptation, and why healthy reefs are vital to food security, livelihoods, and ocean health.
How does coral reef decline impact global food security?
How are species connected within a healthy ecosystem?
Can technology help restore damaged reefs?
What role do we play in protecting biodiversity?
🌿 Kelp Forest
Drift through towering underwater forests along Australia's coastline and discover how kelp ecosystems support biodiversity, capture carbon, and inspire the next generation of sustainable materials and climate solutions.
How do kelp forests shape our climate?
How is seaweed inspiring sustainable innovation?
Why are underwater forests disappearing?
How can we regenerate nature through innovation?
Climate Solutions & Regeneration
🐋 Whales
COMMUNICATION & CULTURE
Immerse yourself in the world of whales and discover how they communicate, navigate vast oceans, and shape cultures across generations. Explore the science of whale song, migration, intelligence, and our evolving relationship with these remarkable animals.
What might we learn from whale communication and culture?
How does human activity change life beneath the surface?
Can tourism help protect wildlife?
How can people and whales better share the ocean?
🦈 Sharks
Fear, Perception & Coexistence
Meet one of the ocean's most misunderstood predators and discover why sharks are essential to healthy marine ecosystems. Explore how fear, media, and public perception influence conservation, policy, and our relationship with the natural world.
Why are sharks so misunderstood?
Can tech help people and sharks coexist?
How do sharks help keep our oceans healthy?
How do we balance human safety with wildlife conservation?
🐙 Octopuses
Step into a world where octopuses vanish before your eyes, oyster shells become thriving miniature ecosystems, and a single drop of seawater reveals an astonishing diversity of life. Discover how looking more closely can completely change the way we see the natural world.
What does it really mean to be intelligent?
How does looking more closely change what we understand?
What hidden worlds are waiting to be discovered?