After winning Aula Future’s Design Spring for the Biomaterials for Post-Petroleum Future, Leo Roth ’25 continued working on the PolyNation project he developed in his independent study with Makerspace Director Kevin Farrant. PolyNation’s mission is to create affordable solutions to rewild our communities through the sustainably biodesigned PolyFlower.

Earlier this summer, Leo was named among the top 8 finalists in the Biodesign Challenge (BDC) for his work on the synthetic, biodegradable PolyFlower created from an algae-based biopolymer.

The PolyFlower feeds bees with C-pollen, an artificial pollen made of citrus food waste, supporting the urban pollinator population. After approximately 6 months, it begins to biodegrade. Using the nutrients from the degraded PolyFlower, native wildflower seeds harvested from local nurseries embedded in the stem begin to germinate. With the cycle complete, rewilding with native flora begins.

BDC works to bridge 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.

The 2024 Biodesign Challenge welcomed outstanding students from colleges and universities—including UC Berkeley, NYU, UT Austin, Rhode Island School of Design, and Brown University—and just a handful of high schools.

Leo was also invited to present at BDC’s two-day Summit on June 13 and 14, which took place at the New School’s Parsons School of Design and the Museum of Modern Art. At MoMA, Leo shared his project presentation, Polynation, which was “praised for its beautiful prototype renderings and presentation images.”

The judges were especially impressed with Leo’s thorough research and encouraged further expansion of the concept, real-world testing, and the use of the implementation phase to explore key considerations. Congratulations, Leo!

Photos Courtesy of Shannon Carroll/Vivid Story