The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has launched a competition in search of technology that can predict the location of sea drifters or floats in a prospect of 10 days.

DARPA said that its Forecasting Floats in Turbulence challenge will task participants to develop and submit algorithms that can predict drifting locations based on the ocean’s current. FTT supports DARPA's Ocean of Things program, which aims to generate maritime situational awareness via floats drifting across the ocean. The agency believes FTT's resulting models have the potential to support oil spill predictions and preventions, maritime rescue operations, and ship route planning.