The Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge (BYDC) is a free, project-based learning experience for middle and high school students (US equivalent grades 6th-12th). The challenge is open to teams of 2-8 students, led by an adult coach, who will work together to apply biomimicry (nature-inspired innovation) to address a social and/or environmental issue related to a chosen Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The challenge is designed to introduce students to biomimicry and an interdisciplinary approach to science and environmental literacy.
The challenge requires teams to design a nature-inspired innovation that addresses a global or local problem. The innovation can be a physical technology, process, or system that demonstrates originality and offers novel improvements on existing ideas. The challenge is open to teams from public and private schools, registered homeschools, and legally recognized organizations.
Coaches can register their teams online, and submissions will be accepted until December 31, 2024. The challenge is open to teams from schools outside the US. The submission requirements include a written project overview, project image, video pitch, project portfolio, and team photo. The challenge aims to encourage students to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to environmental and social issues.