2025 Projects
Projects are evaluated by the judges for distinction across the four major categories of the judging criteria: Narrative, Concept, Context, and Reflection. Projects that have excelled in these criteria are indicated by the following medal recognitions:
Platinum Recognition (Awarded for excellence all four rubric criteria)
Gold Recognition (Awarded for excellence in three out of four rubric criteria)
Silver Recognition (Awarded for excellence in two out of four rubric criteria)
Bronze Recognition (Awarded for excellence in one out of four rubric criteria)
Chandigarh University
Bio-Barrier
Anshu Kumari Yadav, Romel Mistry, Anish Goutam, Aastha Bhargava
Bio-Barrier uses marine algae and oil-degrading bacteria for on-site bioremediation of oil spills. A floating barrier contains contamination while porous, nutrient-coated structures support algae growth, attracting native bacteria to break down oil. This low-cost, low-impact system simplifies maintenance and offers an eco-friendly approach to managing marine pollution.
Bronze Recognition
Colegio Granadino
Ríorenace
Outstanding High School Project
Sofía Gómez Dobrosz, Maria Paz Gómez Torres, Piaevangelina Echeverri Giraldo, Isabella Trujillo Lopez, Iara Gálvez Gómez, Matilde Restrepo Botero
Ríorenace transforms Bixa orellana seeds and Thunbergia alata petals into biodegradable, pH-sensitive textile dyes. By extracting and mordanting natural pigments, the project creates vibrant, responsive colors while turning invasive species into regenerative resources. It reimagines color as living material, fostering ecological collaboration and offering a low-impact, nature-aligned alternative to industrial dyes.
Gold Recognition
Fernandes + Kaspers
Project Navan
Carolyn Fernandes & Lieke Kaspers
Navan reimagines the Kumbh Mela diya as a biodesigned offering that nourishes the Ganga. Each mycelium-grown vessel, made with sand, biochar, buoyant oils, and dormant native microbes, activates in water to oxygenate, filter, and support river healing. The diya preserves ritual while biodegrading into a gentle act of ecological reciprocity.
Platinum Recognition
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Marine Debris Interceptor as Bivalve Farm
Adolpho Fonseca Lisboa Pousa, Raphaela Moreira Bertolotti, Vitor Menezes Moura, Elayne Silva Correia de Araújo, Laura Toledo Silva Martiniano Ferreira, Virna Barbosa Vieira
Marine Debris Interceptor as Bivalve Farm combines a low-cost, community-deployed floating barrier with aquaculture to tackle coastal plastic pollution. Deployed at Fundão Island, Brazil, the EPS-based boom traps debris while supporting a bivalve farm, enhancing local food security, economic resilience, and ecosystem restoration, offering a scalable solution for developing coastal communities.
Gold Recognition
Kean University + Senai Cematec
Cobogó do Mar
Outstanding Narrative
Vanessa Vallejo, Kaily Hernandez, Iasmim Marques, Déborah Meireles
Bio-Barrier uses marine algae and oil-degrading bacteria for on-site bioremediation of oil spills. A floating barrier contains contamination while porous, nutrient-coated structures support algae growth, attracting native bacteria to break down oil. This low-cost, low-impact system simplifies maintenance and offers an eco-friendly approach to managing marine pollution.
Silver Recognition
LASALLE College of the Arts
Still Waters: Future Columbaria
Elijah Chia
Still Waters: Future Columbaria explores water cremation as a sustainable alternative, producing nutrient-rich liquid from the body. This liquid can nourish saplings or restore seagrass meadows, transforming columbaria into living, restorative spaces. The project reimagines memorials as meaningful, ecological, and emotionally engaging places for remembrance and environmental regeneration.
LASALLE College of the Arts
Plankware
Wen Xuan Cheong
Plankware reframes flatware as edible medicine. Infused with nutrient-rich phytoplankton, it delivers vitamin A, omega-3, and antioxidant benefits while replacing single-use cutlery. Designed to reduce microplastic pollution, this biodegradable utensil merges nourishment with sustainability, offering a practical and ecologically mindful alternative to disposable plastics.
Michigan Technological University
The Ghost Comb
Irelynn St. Louis, Emily Costigan, Isaac Holden, Rachel Zurek, Rian Grotberg, Mason Windle, Alexis Whittredge
The Ghost Comb repurposes discarded polypropylene fishing nets into 3D-printed surfboard wax combs. Using a recycled PP and hemp blend, the durable, single-material product aligns with surf culture’s environmental values. Partnering with net-collection networks and brands, the initiative advances circular economy practices, promotes ocean health, and supports sustainable, ethical production.
Gold Recognition
Monash University Indonesia
SeaWall + Beyond Barriers
Outstanding Design
Gita Rama Mahardika, Haris Sunansyah, Bimario Eka Bhaskara, Resinthia Rachmanda
SeaWall + Beyond Barriers strengthens climate resilience in Jakarta’s Muara Angke using Green–Blue–Grey Infrastructure. EcoPOT modular units act as wave breakers, mangrove planters, and marine habitats. Through dike reinforcement, EcoPOT deployment, and ecosystem restoration, the project enhances fisheries, protects coastlines, and offers a scalable model for living coastal infrastructure.
Bronze Recognition
New York University Gallatin
Final Form: Biodegradable Burial Suits
Ava Hudson
Final Form is a biodegradable kelp-based burial suit that nourishes soil while honoring the body. Crafted from sodium alginate, jute, and natural materials, its layered, wave-like design echoes kelp movement and ceremonial clothing. Offering a sustainable alternative to embalming, caskets, and cremation, it merges science, craft, and ecological care.
Platinum Recognition
Rye Country Day School
Oxyfloat
Runner-Up
Josie Choi, Mei Macintyre, Chase Tucker, Caroline Pereira
Oxyfloat is a floating biodesign system addressing hypoxia in Long Island Sound. Integrated with existing buoys, it supports photosynthetic algae and oxygenates deeper waters via pumps, algae chambers, and water-exchange systems. Using biodegradable materials, the low-footprint design enhances dissolved oxygen, strengthens ecosystem resilience, and offers a scalable tool for coastal habitat restoration.
Platinum Recognition
Tsinghua University
W-CARE
Ruonan Zheng, Tianliang Wan, Pablo Franco, Qianyu Shao
W-CARE is a coral restoration system that replaces steel frames and plastic ties with ceramic nodes and aluminum-core spring connectors. A calcium carbonate coating encourages coral and microbial growth, while a transport vessel maintains stable conditions during relocation. The system reduces diver labor and enables resilient, biodiverse, and low-impact reef restoration.
UC San Diego
Flight Over Frontera
Outstanding Art
Yuuki Matsuda, Akihiko Takamoto, Ruth Maggay
Flight Over Frontera addresses the political division of the Tijuana estuary, where disrupted water flow across the US–Mexico border leads to 10 million gallons of daily sewage, harming communities and wildlife. A binational filtration system, integrated with public art, educates and engages residents, fostering environmental stewardship and cross-border collaboration.
Platinum Recognition
Universidad de los Andes
CryoSkin
Mariajose Moreno, Alejandra Rojas, Martin Salazar
CryoSkin is a biomimetic, thermoregulating second skin for extreme cold expeditions. Combining biotechnology, nanoscale engineering, and biomimicry, its three-layer system circulates antifreeze-enhanced fluids, traps heat with aerogel and fibers, and repels wind and moisture. Unlike passive insulation, CryoSkin actively stabilizes temperature and circulation, enhancing mobility and survival in sub-zero environments.
Bronze Recognition
Universidad de los Andes
Not Everything That Glows Is ______
María Camila Prieto Cortés, Mariana Gonzalez Hidalgo, Jorge Khalil Canaan Dotel, Ricardo Andres Chaves Jimenez, Pilar Juliana Morantes Hernandez, Natalia Murcia Vergara, Andres Alberto Peña Rincon
Not Everything That Glows Is ____ explores the tension between beauty and danger through bioluminescent microalgae. Drawn to their glow, we are invited to question its purpose—as warning, imbalance, or allure. The project urges wonder alongside critical inquiry, proposing coexistence through curiosity, responsibility, and deeper ecological awareness.
Silver Recognition
University of Florence
IDRA
Matteo Gatti & Giulia Verdiani
IDRA is a modular, bio-inspired system that embeds microplastic filtration within breakwaters. Sculptural, mythic marine forms channel waves through an internal cartridge that traps microplastics, while bio-receptive surfaces support marine life. Saturated cartridges are biodegraded ex situ and returned for reuse, creating a circular remediation loop and engaging the public in restoration.
Silver Recognition
University of Richmond
REEFUSE
Overall Winner
Jasmine Johnson, Jeff (Ping Yen) Tsai
REEFUSE proposes a non-lethal CoTS deterrent using passive devices that release a speculative Giant Triton Snail predator cue as oceans warm—mirroring outbreak conditions. A chitosan-PVA biopolymer film dissolves to disperse the cue, protecting reefs while remaining biodegradable. The approach complements existing management with biomimicry, citizen science, and equitable conservation across Indo-Pacific communities.
Platinum Recognition
University of South Florida
Sick & Tide
Daphne V. Martinez-Turcios, Nagelys Orellana-Ortiz, Matthew Ryba
Sick & Tide intercepts nutrient runoff from Lake Okeechobee using constructed wetlands, vegetation, automated gates, and sensors for natural filtration. By reducing algae-fueling pollutants before they reach coastal waters, the system restores water quality while an educational campaign supports farmers and communities in adopting sustainable runoff practices.
Gold Recognition
University of Tasmania
ReURCHIN
Outstanding Science
David Dal Busco and Shannon Terry
ReURCHIN: Foe-to-Friend regenerates Tasmania’s kelp forests by transforming sea urchin shell waste into 3D-printed biocomposite substrates. These calcium-rich units carry kelp sporelings, are secured underwater with natural adhesives, then biodegrade as kelp anchors. The system replaces plastic, streamlines restoration, and creates a circular, regenerative method where predator waste becomes habitat.
Platinum Recognition