The Youth Design Challenge (YDC) is a free, hands-on, project-based learning experience that provides classroom and informal educators with a new framework to introduce biomimicry and an interdisciplinary approach to science and environmental literacy. Working in teams with an adult coach, students explore the wonders of the natural world and apply what they learn to create innovations that support a healthier planet.

Registration Deadline: March 28, 2023

Submission Deadline: April 4, 2023 (5 PM, Pacific Time)

Awards: May 28, 2023

Eligibility:

The Youth Design Challenge is a team competition for students in middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9–12). A team consists of a pair of students or a group of up to either students and one to two adult coaches affiliated with a school, education organization, or homeschool. Please refer to the Official Rules for complete eligibility details.

What will your team do?

• Your team will take on the role of innovators and work together to apply biomimicry (nature-inspired innovation) to address a social and/or environmental issue related to a chosen Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Suggestion: work on an issue that affects your local community! 
• As a coach, you will guide your students as they study how organisms in nature have adapted to similar problems and challenges and apply what they learn to innovative solutions. Final projects can then be entered into the nationwide competition for prizes awarded by the Biomimicry Institute.