Opportunities

Manufactured Ecosystems: Biomimetic Futures Contest

Win $1,000 by Showcasing Your Creativity and Innovation!

Manufactured Ecosystems invites post-secondary students across Canada to participate in our Biomimetic Futures Contest. Students should submit a writing or art piece envisioning a biomimetic technology capable of replacing an ecosystem service in the future. Submit here.

Theme: Biomimetic Innovations to Replace Ecosystem Services

  • Imagine and create or describe a biomimetic technology that could replace an essential ecosystem service.

  • Participants are encouraged to select an ecosystem service they are passionate about, such as water purification, pollination, climate regulation, waste decomposition, or any other vital service. Your submission can explore a wide range of approaches, including:

  • Predictive Futures: Envision technologies that address potential future climate scenarios, anticipating how ecosystems and environmental challenges might evolve.

  • Imaginative Innovations: Dive into speculative or fantastical ideas inspired by nature, proposing biomimetic solutions that stretch the boundaries of current science.

  • Current Realities: Offer realistic solutions inspired by today’s advancements and challenges, addressing immediate needs with a biomimetic twist.

Contest Details

Who Can Enter?

  • Open to all post-secondary students residing in Canada.

What to Submit?

  • Writing: An essay or short story corresponding to the theme (500-1,000 words) in PDF or Word format.

    • Format: double-spaced, using a font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, in 12-point size.

    • Reference pages may be included at the end of the written work, with consistent citations throughout the submission (will not contribute towards word count, feel free to choose your preferred citation format).

OR

  • Art: A visual art piece corresponding to the theme (digital, painting, drawing, etc.), submitted in JPEG or PNG format. 

How to Enter?

  1. Follow us on Instagram @manufacturedecosystems.

  2. Create your submission based on the theme.

  3. Submit your entry through the following link: https://forms.gle/q2s26Q2h1KFSCarF6

  4. Include your name, pronouns, age, school, and contact information with your entry.

Deadline for Submissions:

  • All entries must be submitted by Nov 1, 2024.

Judging Criteria:

  • Creativity

  • Relevance to the theme

  • Impact of the proposed technology

  • Quality of the writing or art

Prizes:

  • The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Winner Announcement:

  • The winner will be privately contacted and announced on our website and social media channels.

Terms and Conditions

Eligibility

  • Open to post-secondary students residing in Canada.

  • Employees of Manufactured Ecosystems, their families, and anyone connected professionally with the contest are not eligible to enter.

Entry Requirements

  • Submissions must be original work created solely by the participant, use of AI is not permitted.

  • Participants must follow Manufactured Ecosystems on Instagram @manufacturedecosystems.

Get Inspired!

Biomimetic technologies mimic nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies to solve human challenges. Imagine a future where these technologies replace crucial ecosystem services such as air and water purification, climate regulation, and pollination. How could your idea make a difference?

Submit your creative vision and be a part of shaping the future!

Bionics Award – The Young Talent Award for Engineering Powered by Nature

Contest for young researchers (under 30): requires a written application in which a technical challenge, biological model, and a novel solution idea are described in detail.

The award prize is 5,000 EUR.

The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024. The awards ceremony will take place on November 13, 2024, at Festo in Esslingen.

Check out more here!