The Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge (BYDC) 2025 is an exciting, hands-on, project-based learning experience for middle and high school students around the world. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with the natural world, explore nature-inspired innovations, and develop creative solutions to real-world problems. The goal of the challenge is to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers by using biomimicry, a process of designing solutions based on the strategies and systems found in nature. The challenge encourages students to think critically, work collaboratively, and develop sustainable innovations that can contribute to a healthier planet.
What is Biomimicry?
Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and then emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies to solve human challenges. Nature, through millions of years of evolution, has created highly efficient systems, materials, and processes that are both sustainable and harmonious with the environment. Biomimicry applies these principles to human-designed products, systems, and technologies, enabling the creation of more sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly solutions. By studying organisms, ecosystems, and natural processes, young innovators can find inspiration for solving current global challenges.
The Challenge
The BYDC 2025 invites students to work in teams to create nature-inspired innovations that address a social and/or environmental issue. Participants are tasked with identifying a local or global problem and using biomimicry to develop a solution that benefits the community and the planet. The challenge encourages students to explore the following:
- Addressing a Local Challenge: Identify a community issue (e.g., waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, biodiversity loss) and develop a nature-inspired solution to solve it.
- Slowing or Reversing Environmental Issues: Focus on problems like pollution, climate change, or habitat destruction, and create a solution inspired by nature that can mitigate or reverse the negative impacts of these issues.
Solutions may take various forms, including:
– Physical technologies (e.g., devices, tools, machines)
– Processes (e.g., methods, techniques, workflows)
– Systems (e.g., organizational structures, service models)
The innovation should either be a completely new solution or an improvement on an existing one, demonstrating originality and creativity.
The Impact of the Challenge
Our planet is facing significant environmental challenges due to unsustainable human activities. Our demand for resources, energy, and materials is rapidly growing, resulting in negative consequences such as pollution, climate change, and the depletion of natural ecosystems. To address these challenges, we need to learn how to design systems and products that are more sustainable. Fortunately, nature’s biodiversity offers a wealth of solutions that can help mitigate these issues.
By participating in the Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge, students will not only learn about the wonders of nature but also apply this knowledge to develop innovative solutions that could make a real difference. The challenge empowers young people to think critically about sustainability, work collaboratively, and create tangible solutions for pressing global challenges.
Team Composition
A team for the Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge consists of:
– 2 to 8 students: Students must be in middle or high school (US grades 6th-12th). The challenge is open to students from all over the world, not limited to those in the US.
– 1 adult coach: Each team must have an adult coach who will guide the students throughout the project. The coach can be an educator, volunteer, or parent/guardian, and must be 18 years or older. Coaches must communicate with the Pocacito team on behalf of their students.
– Team Composition: Teams can consist of students from different grades, but if any member is in high school (grades 9th-12th), the team will compete in the high school category.
Eligibility Criteria
The Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge is open to the following:
– Middle and High School Students: Students in grades 6th through 12th (or international equivalents) are eligible to participate.
– Coaches: At least one adult coach is required for each team. The coach should be 18 or older and can be an educator, volunteer, or parent. Coaches are responsible for team registration and communication with the program organizers.
– Affiliation: Teams and coaches must be affiliated with a public or private school, registered homeschool, or another legally recognized organization such as museums, nature centers, after-school programs, or youth agencies. If your team does not fall under one of these categories, contact biomimicry@pocacito.org before registering.
Submission Requirements
To participate in the challenge, each team must submit their project online. The required submission elements are:
- Written Project Overview: A clear and concise description of the project, including the problem being addressed, the nature-inspired solution, and its potential impact.
- Project Image: A visual representation of the innovation. This could be a sketch, diagram, or digital rendering that illustrates the concept.
- Video Pitch: A short video (typically 1–2 minutes) where the team presents their project, explaining the problem they are solving, the biomimicry approach, and how the innovation works.
- Project Portfolio: A detailed document that includes the research, design process, and any other relevant information that supports the project. This could include data, diagrams, and the team’s journey in developing the solution.
- Team Photo: A photo of the team working together or presenting their project.
How to Apply
Coaches are responsible for registering the team. The registration process includes creating a team profile and connecting with other participating educators through the BYDC platform. Here is how the application process works:
- Coach Registration: Only coaches can register a team for the challenge. The registration form is available online, and coaches must submit their team information before the deadline.
- Accessing the BYDC Platform: Coaches will be invited to join the BYDC platform starting December 2, 2025. Once registered, coaches can create their team’s profile, connect with other educators, and begin working on the project.
- Final Submission: After developing their project, teams will submit their entries online, including the written project overview, video pitch, portfolio, image, and team photo. All materials must be submitted by the final deadline.
The Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge 2025 offers an exciting opportunity for middle and high school students to apply nature-inspired solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. By engaging in this project, students will not only learn about the wonders of nature but also develop practical, sustainable innovations that could help shape a better future. With the support of adult coaches and experts, students will work collaboratively to design innovative solutions, hone their problem-solving skills, and gain valuable experience that will serve them in future endeavors.
For more information on the challenge, eligibility criteria, and application process, please visit the official BYDC website or contact biomimicry@pocacito.org for any inquiries.
Official link for application:
https://www.youthchallenge.biomimicry.org/challenge-details