Brief 5: How might we create sustainable, nature-based solutions which use trees to protect the environment and strengthen communities? 

Winner: Pyri

Inspired by heat-reactive pine cones, Pyri is a low-cost and zero-maintenance early wildfire detection system made from nature-based materials..

Futuristic, black, cylindrical devices hover over a blurred forest background. Text reads: "Extreme wildfires projected to increase by 50% by 2100. Importance of high-coverage, affordable detection solutions for early-stage wildfires." Logo: "pyri." A critical lesson for every student.
A nature-themed promotional image for Pyri showcases a device resembling a ribbed shell on the forest floor. Highlights include wildfire detection benefits and sustainability advantages, appealing to students with its local coverage and eco-friendly materials.

Pyri is an early wildfire detection system that uses nature-derived materials from plants and trees for extensive and low-cost coverage. The heat from nascent wildfires activates Pyri, providing early alerts to at-risk communities.

 

Karina Gunadi, Richard Alexandre, Blake Goodwyn, Tanghao Yu

Royal College of Art, England

Winner of £2,000 Made natural Award

@pyri.io | Follow Pyri on LinkedIn

Commended entries

Highly commended

Illustration of student hands cradling a heart-shaped outline, with a watercolor tree inside. The tree appears serene, blending shades of blue and green, symbolizing care and nature.

Emily Willis and Julia Barbagallo, Loughborough University, England

Oasen: A skincare brand designed to cater to those with sensory differences, offering sensory-safe products and an accommodating in-store experience that creates an environment to foster confidence and skin health.

Two smartphone screens displaying the "Ecolens" app tailored for students. The left screen features a login menu with options: AR Menu, My Profile, Learning, and Tree Meter. The right screen shows a student's profile page with tree images labeled River Birch, Sugar Maple, Hornbeam, and Ash.

Carly Laudenslager, Jolie Grazia and Oliver Watts, Champlain College, United States

EcoLens: EcoLens is an app that utilizes AR/AI technology to help educate users and allow them to see where effective tree species can be planted to help mitigate flood damage and promote ecological rejuvenation through promoting conscious planting efforts, connecting with local resources, and engaging with their community.

Intricate artwork crafted with the imaginative flair of a student, depicting mythological scenes with figures in boats and trees, engaging in various activities. The background features dark geometric shapes and patterns, creating a mystical ambiance.

ApipuSrimonthol, Kritsada Chanaphaijaroensuk and Torntum Phophientong,University of the Arts London, England and University of Washington, United States 

How We Sing in the Monsoon sea: A modular, self-sustained structure designed to strengthen the mangrove restoration campaigns against sea erosion, whilst providing an alternative fishing opportunity for the local community during the monsoon periods 

Commended

A handmade craft by a student resembles a boat with a woven hull in brown and yellow materials. It features blue paper sails and decorative pineapple elements with green leaves, set against a solid green background.

Kreeshi Shavdia, University of Bristol, England

KoKoKnots: KoKoKnots is a traditional wooden boat made by the community using old-time techniques and inspired by circular design which assists in preserving identity and generating income, while also being deeply rooted in reforestation of mangroves and introduction of halophytes, to ensure safeguarding of water resources, food security and biodiversity.

In partnership

Logo of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with the word "Kew" in large, elegant serif font and "Royal Botanic Gardens" in smaller text above. Ideal for students studying botany. Black text on a white background.
The image depicts the word "natracare" in light blue lowercase letters with a registered trademark symbol on the top right. The simple, modern font features soft, rounded edges, reminiscent of a student's sleek notebook design. The background is white.

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