Biodesign Sprint 2026
Registration is now open for the 2026 Biodesign Sprint: Microbial Futures! This program is a thematic entry point to the world of biodesign where design teams from around the world will develop and present a project that uses microbial processes to imagine new design applications for planetary and human health. Suitable projects include practical solutions and prototypes, bioart responses to microbial life, and speculative designs.
Over the course of two months, design teams will develop projects that illustrate how microbiologically-informed design can be leveraged to address pressing environmental and social issues. Teams enrolled in the program will benefit from access to a curated resource library, special webinars, and access to the broader Biodesign Challenge network. At the end of the program in December, teams will present their ideas before a judging panel composed of international experts and compete for prizes.
MycoStack Micro Challenge
Biodesign Challenge (BDC) and Open Fung are pleased to announce MycoStack Micro Challenge, the first in a planned series of summer micro competitions and hackathons dedicated to advancing practical biomaterials education. This collaborative program reflects a shared commitment to democratizing biotechnology by developing, collecting, and centralizing high-quality, open-access learning resources for students, educators, and makers working with mycelium-based materials. Learn more and submit to the Micro Challenge below!
Register for Biodesign Challenge 2027
Registration is now open for Biodesign Challenge 2027! BDC is an international education program for high school and college students that introduces the intersection of biotechnology, art, and design and connects them to a global network of leaders in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship who are defining the field of biodesign. BDC aims to pioneer, envision, create, and critique transformational applications in biotech. Finalists from schools compete and showcase their designs in New York City at the Museum of Modern Art and Parsons School of Design before leading thinkers in academia, industry, art, and design, and 400+ audience members.
Finalists from schools across the globe gathered in New York City at the Museum of Modern Art and Parsons School of Design from June 11-12, 2026 to showcase their projects before leading thinkers in academia, industry, art, and design, and 400+ audience members. Teams competed for prizes, including the coveted grand prize—the Glass Microbe. See the projects and winners from our 11th annual Biodesign Challenge below, where students from 50+ schools across 20+ countries presented their work to an international audience.
The BDC Book: Grow the Future
Selected from hundreds of artworks and designs from BDC, our first book is a compilation of projects and ideas that are influencing the emerging field of biodesign. In their own words, pioneers and BDC alumni explore the future of biodesign and its role in shaping people’s identities, cultures, and relationships with the living environment. Beyond being a primer, the book is a celebration of the first five years of our program and a deep dive into the minds behind biodesign. We are currently sold out of the book—click the button below to be the first to know when it’s available.
