About the challenge
The Biomimicry Build-a-thon is a one-of-a-kind innovation challenge where creativity meets nature. Participants will explore how nature’s most ingenious designs can inspire solutions to modern problems. This hackathon brings together bright minds from diverse backgrounds to reimagine technology, design, and sustainability through the lens of biomimicry.
What makes this event special is its focus on nature-inspired innovation. From the intricate design of honeycombs to the aerodynamics of bird flight, nature offers an endless library of ideas waiting to be explored. By tapping into these biological blueprints, participants will not only develop groundbreaking concepts but also create solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and in harmony with the environment.
Whether you're an engineer, designer, coder, or simply passionate about innovation, the Biomimicry Build-a-thon provides the perfect platform to collaborate, learn, and make a real impact. Join us as we hack the future by looking to nature!
Requirements
PICK A PATH
-
Energy & Sustainability
Nature has perfected energy efficiency over billions of years. Can you design a bio-inspired solution to reduce energy consumption or improve sustainable practices in everyday life? -
Health & Well-being
The natural world offers remarkable examples of healing and resilience. How can biomimicry inspire solutions to improve health outcomes or mental well-being? -
Technology & Innovation
From spider webs to bird flight, nature’s designs have shaped human innovation. Create a bio-inspired technological breakthrough that can transform industries or improve lives. -
Wild Card
Have a powerful idea that doesn’t fit into one of the categories? We welcome any nature-inspired solution that makes an impact—think outside the box!
YOUR TASK
Develop a solution that addresses one or more of the above challenges. The format is up to you—whether it’s an app, hardware prototype, algorithm, design model, or a compelling presentation. Show us how your bio-inspired idea can make a difference!
Pick a team, choose a challenge, and bring your concept to life for a chance to win exciting prizes and mentorship opportunities. Winning teams will also have the chance to collaborate with industry experts to further develop their ideas.
Prizes
1st Place Overall
- Apple AirPods
- Mentorship from an Apple and Facebook judge
- Opportunity to be featured in IYBS Journal / News
- Biomimicry Mystery Box
2nd Place Overall
- Kindle Fire
- Mentorship from an Apple and Facebook judge
- Opportunity to be featured in IYBS Journal / News
- Biomimicry Mystery Box
3rd Place Overall
- Camera Drone
- Mentorship from an Apple and Facebook judge
- Opportunity to be featured in IYBS Journal / News
- Biomimicry Mystery Box
Category Winner (Honorable Mention)
- Biomimicry Mystery Box
- Opportunity to be featured in IYBS journal
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Consortium of Biomimicry Professionals
International Youth Biomimicry Society
Avinash Bawane
Apple Inc.
Ajay Vallab
Facebook
Siri Varma Vegiraju
Microsoft
Krishna Kumar
Technology Strategist
Divya Varshney
Amazon
Praneetha Kotla
ERP Smartlabs
Abhishek Das
Salesforce
Gogulakrishnan Thiyagarajan
Cisco Systems Inc.
Yaoting Jiang
Autodesk
Judging Criteria
- Biomimicry Innovation (30%)
How well does the project draw inspiration from nature? - Impact and Relevance (25%)
How effectively does the project address the chosen challenge? - Feasibility and Scalability (20%)
Can this solution be realistically implemented and scaled? - Design and Functionality (15%)
Is the project well-designed and user-friendly? - Presentation and Communication (10%)
How clearly and effectively is the solution communicated?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Tell your friends
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.