Biomimicry Global Design Challenge Gallery

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Collection

AskNature Team | June 1, 2021

Explore biomimetic design concepts created by university students and young professionals from the Global Design Challenge.

Since its inception, the Global Design Challenge has provided the opportunity for over 4,800 university students and young professionals to gain hands-on biomimicry experience. By introducing them to the biomimicry design methodology and a sustainability mindset, these emerging leaders have created design concepts addressing some of the biggest social and environmental issues facing the world today.

We are immensely proud of their work and commitment to biomimicry and invite you to browse solutions from the Challenge finalists and award winners below.

The Biomimicry Global Design Challenge closed in 2021.

Biomimicry Global Design Challenge Gallery

2021 Finalists

Modular Emergency Raft Inspired by the Giant Victoria Water Lily

Heat-reducing Paint Inspired by Mushroom Anemones, White Scarab Beetles, and Bottlenose Dolphins

Pollutant-capturing Hydrogel Inspired by the Human Gut and Marine Salps

Street Light Inspired by Fireflies, Saharan Ants, and Lobsters

Plastic Recycling Inspired by Greater Wax Moths

Wastewater Monitor Inspired by Shark Tail Fins, Sea Snails and Anemones, and Barnacles

Thermoregulating Building Blocks Inspired by Coleopterous Beetles

Cooling Façade Inspired by Frogs and the Leaf Canopy

Interactive Energy Transition Maps Inspired by Mutualistic Plant and Animal Relationships

Water Collection Device Inspired by Fish Gills, Leaf Cutter Ant Mounds, and Desert Plants

Reduced River Erosion Inspired by Fins and Scales, Porifera, and Tilapia Gills

Seaweed Dryer Inspired by the Hercules Beetle, the Camel’s Nose, and Moth Eyes

2020 Finalists

Carbon Storage for Individuals Inspired by Brush Turkeys, Termite Mounds, and Social Wasps

Temporary Housing Solution Inspired by Hermit Crabs, Saguaro Cactus, and Prairie Dog Burrows

Water Filtration Inspired by Salps and Devil Rays

Neonatal Hypothermia Prevention Inspired by Kangaroo Pouches

Seawall Retrofits Inspired by Seagrass and Mangroves

Methane Converter Inspired by the Methanotroph

Runoff Barrier Inspired by Hagfish, Frogs, and the Squirrel/Oak Tree Symbiosis

Green Noise Barrier and Sunshade Inspired by Torrent Frogs, Mimosa Leaves, and Desert Snails

Fine Particulate Matter Filters Inspired by Manta Rays

Water Collection System Inspired by Beard Lichen and Rainbow Trout

Temporary Housing Insulation Inspired by Saharan Silver Ants and Nacre

Air Filter Inspired by Floral Stamens and Spiderwebs

Solar Lighting Solution Inspired by Insect Wing Cases

Food Access Platform Inspired by the Fungi/White Oak Symbiosis

Refrigeration System Inspired by Elephants, Jackrabbits, and Fennec Foxes

2019 Finalists

Energy Generator Inspired by Jellyfish, Heart Valves, Fish Schools, and Kelp

Frost Damage Prevention Inspired by Groundsel and Lobelia

Insulation Grid Inspired by Camels, Ants, Termites, and Wheat

Mosquito Control System Inspired by Bladderwort

Erosion Reduction Device Inspired by Kingfisher Eye Membranes

Air Filters Inspired by Salps, Peacock Worms, and Paddlefish

Crop Seeding System Inspired by Honeycomb, Termite Mounds, and Other Natural Systems

Food Storage Inspired by Cacti, Quiver Trees, and More

Floodwater Management System Inspired by Mangroves, Lymph Vessels, and Lungfish

Water Collection Device Inspired by Ducks and Spiderwebs

Stormwater Retention Device Inspired by Bryophytes

Blockchain Contract Templates Inspired by Symbiosis

Energy-producing Turbine Inspired by Cuttlefish

Food Preservation Technique Inspired by Insects and Magnetotactic Bacteria

Air-filtering Mask Inspired by Bees, Eyelashes, and Floral Stigmas

Plastic Pollution Filter Inspired by the Manta Ray and Basking Shark

2018 Finalists

Carbon Scrubbing System Inspired by Ferns

Local Food Hubs Inspired by Soil Ecosystems

Air Filtration Inspired by African Violets and Filter-feeding Fish

Riparian Buffer Inspired by Bromeliads and Lobelia

Rainwater Retention Device Inspired by Giraffes and Leaves

2017 Finalists

Cooling System Inspired by Insects and Mammals

Sustainable Food Systems Inspired by Natural Models

Edible Food Packaging Inspired by Fruits and Insect Carapaces

Hydroponic Growing System Inspired by Skunk Cabbage and Cyanobacteria

Food Application Inspired by Ants

2016 Finalists

Agricultural Drainage System Inspired by Earthworm and Human Digestive Systems

Edible Insect Capture Device Inspired by Carnivorous Plants

Hydroponic Growing System Inspired by Honeycomb

Desalinating Solar Still Inspired by Mangroves and Salt Marshes

Self-Sustaining Garden System Inspired by Desert Lizards

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