September 9, 2020
The Biodesign Challenge: Growing the Future Pioneered in NYC

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Biotechnology is spreading into every aspect of our lives – from our materials to everyday products. As science finds its way into our lives and our products, future designers must fully understand the debates surrounding biotech so when they are asked to design with it, they do so thoughtfully and ethically. Society needs interdisciplinary thinkers to come up with the next solutions and to help understand their impacts.

The Biodesign Challenge bridges art, design, and biotech to develop the first generation of professionals who cross disciplines, anticipate promises and pitfalls, and engage the public in dialogue about the broader implications of emerging biotech. Launched in partnership with nine universities, the Biodesign Challenge has grown tremendously. In June, 2020, over 40 schools from all over the world presented their work in a “virtual” competition reviewed by nearly 60 judges from academia, the arts and industry. One team each year is awarded a Glass Microbe.

Join NYC Builds Bio+, executives from the Biodesign Challenge, 2020 winners and alumni entrepreneurs to discuss the exciting progress being made toward new bio-based designs and materials, a field NYC is pioneering.

PROJECT VIDEOS

AGENDA

1:00 PM – 1:05 PM Welcome and Overview of the Meeting

Nancy J Kelley, President & CEO, Nancy J Kelley + Associates, Steering Committee, NYC Builds Bio+

1:05 PM – 1:50 PM Panel Presentation

MODERATORS:

Dan Grushkin, Founder & Executive Director, Biodesign Challenge
Nancy J Kelley, President & CEO, Nancy J Kelley + Associates, Steering Committee, NYC Builds Bio+

SUGGESTED SPEAKERS:

Representative, BioFabricate

Winners, 2020 Biodesign Challenge Competition w Project Videos

Overall Winner: “Zebra Glass”, College for Creative Studies

  • Mahsa Banadaki, College for Creative Studies, MFA Color and Materials Design (BDC 2020, Zebra Glass)
  • Emily Marquette, College for Creative Studies, MFA Color and Materials Design (BDC 2020, Zebra Glass)
  • Matthew Strong, College for Creative Studies, Adjunct Professor, Graduate Program in Color & Materials Design

Judges Choice: “Tomtex Biomaterial”, Parson School of Design

  • Uyen Tran, Parsons School of Design, MFA Textiles (BDC 2020, Tômtex Biomaterial)
  • Harpreet Sareen, Parsons School of Design, Assistant Professor, Interaction and Media Design

Executives, Biodesign Challenge Companies

  • Tessa Callaghan, Cofounder and Chief Innovations Officer, AlgiKnit (BDC 2016, FIT, AlgiKnit)

1:50 PM – 2:00 PM Q&A With Audience

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Networking