The Youth Design Challenge (YDC) is a free, hands-on, project-based learning experience that provides classroom and informal educators with a new framework to introduce biomimicry and an interdisciplinary approach to science and environmental literacy.
Working in teams with an adult coach, students explore the wonders of the natural world and apply what they learn to create innovations that support a healthier planet.
About Biomimicry Institute
The Biomimicry Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes the application of nature-inspired solutions to solve sustainability challenges. It was founded in 2006 by Janine Benyus, who is a biologist and author known for her work in the field of biomimicry.
The Biomimicry Institute provides a range of resources and programs to support innovation inspired by nature. These include:
- Biomimicry Design Challenge: An annual competition for university students to apply biomimicry principles to solve real-world sustainability challenges.
- AskNature: An online database of biological strategies and innovations that can be used as inspiration for sustainable design.
- Biomimicry Global Design Challenge: A multi-year competition that invites teams to develop commercially viable solutions inspired by nature to solve global sustainability challenges.
- Biomimicry Professional Certification: A program that provides training and certification for professionals interested in incorporating biomimicry into their work.
- Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge: A program that engages K-12 students in using biomimicry to solve environmental challenges.
The Biomimicry Institute’s mission is to inspire and educate people about the power of nature-inspired design and to accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions. By promoting the use of biomimicry in innovation, the institute aims to create a more sustainable, resilient, and regenerative world.
Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge
- Type: College School
- Organisation: Biomimicry Institute
- Country to study: United States
- Gender: Men and Women
- Application Deadline : March 28, 2023
Aim and Benefits of Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge
The Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge is a program that engages K-12 students in using biomimicry to solve environmental challenges. The aim of the program is to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators, and to promote the use of biomimicry in sustainable design.
The benefits of the Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge include:
- Education: Students learn about the principles of biomimicry and how to apply them to solve environmental challenges. This provides students with a deeper understanding of the natural world and the potential for sustainable innovation.
- Innovation: Students are encouraged to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. By using biomimicry as a guide, students can develop solutions that are more sustainable, resilient, and regenerative.
- Collaboration: The program encourages collaboration between students, teachers, and mentors. This fosters teamwork and communication skills that are valuable in any field.
- Recognition: Winners of the Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge are recognized for their innovative solutions and receive awards and recognition from the Biomimicry Institute. This can help to build confidence and inspire students to pursue further education and careers in STEM fields.
- Impact: By developing solutions to real-world environmental challenges, students can make a positive impact in their communities and the world. This can foster a sense of purpose and responsibility, and encourage students to become leaders in sustainable innovation.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge
Selection Process
- Coaches are asked to participate in the judging process during a preliminary review period in which they will rate a selection of student entries against the rubric. Award winners are then selected by a panel of expert judges from among the top-scoring entries.
Requirements for Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge Qualification
The Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge is open to teams of middle and high school students from around the world. The specific requirements for participation may vary slightly from year to year, but typically include the following:
- Team size: Teams must consist of at least three students and no more than ten students.
- Age range: The Youth Design Challenge is open to students in middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12).
- Teacher or mentor: Teams must have a teacher or mentor who can serve as an advisor and facilitator for the project.
- Registration: Teams must register for the Youth Design Challenge through the Biomimicry Institute website. There may be a registration fee, depending on the year.
- Project submission: Teams must submit a project that demonstrates their use of biomimicry principles to address an environmental challenge. The specific requirements for the project may vary from year to year, but typically include a written report, a visual presentation, and a prototype or model.
- Judging: Projects will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on their creativity, feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with biomimicry principles.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements for the Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge may vary from year to year. Students and teachers should carefully review the challenge guidelines and submission requirements for the current year to ensure their project meets the eligibility criteria.
Application Deadline
March 28, 2023
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to Biomimicry Institute on youthchallenge.biomimicry.org to apply
Entries are submitted online and include the following elements:
- Written project overview
- Project image
- Video pitch
- Project portfolio
- Team photo
