2023-2024 Participating Teams

Below you'll find descriptions of all the inspiring teams participating in the second round of Biosphere.
1. Safsu

Members: Javid Mohammadali Zadeh, Mehdi Kiani, Ali Abbasi Jahanabad, Bahram Abdollahzadehteimourlouei

MentorsDavid Gambarte

Safsu introduces a groundbreaking water purification technology that uses bio-compatible particles derived from natural materials. These particles effectively eliminate contaminants, specifically ammonia and nitrate. Post-treatment test results confirm the significant reduction of these harmful substances, making the product an ideal solution for municipalities and companies with wastewater concerns. Over the course of 4 years, the team behind Safsu has structured the project into three steps: biobase particle design (for which a patent has been filed), nitrate removal, and ammonia removal. Trust Safsu to elevate water quality standards.

2. Urban Green Carbon

Members: Michael Lee, Alan Fung

Mentors: Florence Korhonen, Peter Tutelaers

The voluntary carbon market is expanding, yet urban projects remain underrepresented. Urban Green Carbon is pioneering a dedicated carbon marketplace for urban vegetation, offering an integrated solution that includes carbon registry, project consultation, and carbon credit issuance and purchase. The solution's unique standards cater specifically to urban initiatives, taking into account not only carbon offset but also additional urban sustainability benefits. Furthermore, Urban Green Carbon democratises carbon credits, making them accessible to both corporations and individuals alike.

3. Umola

Members: Satyaki Roy, Jahnavee Baruah

Mentors: Elena FadulMartin Quanch

Dive into the Umola Collective, where the richness of indigenous wisdom reshapes sustainable fashion. The team addresses the textile industry's environmental challenges ethically, infusing each piece with a tale of environmental harmony rooted in native cultures. It's not just fashion; it's a celebration of heritage and Earth reverence. Umola crafts a fashion future that truly honours nature and legacy.

4. Invisible Cottage

Members: Shuwei Wu, Kuiqi Li, Teemupekka Virtanen, Tom Zhu

Mentors: Natalie SkvortsovaMartin Quanch

In the European Union, construction and demolition waste is the largest waste stream measured by weight, being 300-800 million tons annually. It is about 32% of the total waste amount generated. Invisible Cottage aims to make the field greener with 100% recyclable material, and to reduce construction waste by 90%. This they do by using high-tech products in energy generation, construction materials, and waste treatment. The team prides in being able to increase the usage of public temporary construction by 60% and lower its cost by 30%. Invisible Cottage is the "moveable, recyclable, sustainable, lego-style cottage."

5. Paahtu

Members: Meryem CapkanBahez KarimMinnamari Kuusisto, Shanya Sarkawt

Mentors: Thais Maria Glod Nuñez

Paahtu is a response to the pressing environmental issue of deforestation for fuel extraction. The team's innovative solution utilises 100% coffee waste to produce a renewable and eco-friendly source of fuel for warming houses and barbeques. By repurposing coffee waste, Paahtu contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions and promotes circular economy, preserving our precious forests and combatting climate change. Paahtu represents a tangible way to combat environmental challenges while providing a convenient and green alternative to household and outdoor activities.

6. DP-Tec

Members: Wenzi Ren, Shushu Iiu

Mentors: Aline de Santa Izabel

Norway spruce is threatened by pathogens, causing  billions' annual loss in Europe. DP-Tec provides an efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly pathogen detection method through promising AI technology.

 

7. Biodiversify

Members: Aleksi Pajunen, Valtteri Soilampi, Jenni Katajarinne

Mentors: Benoit Mantel, Minna Väkevä

Tackling biodiversity loss, Biodiversify offers ecological compensations tailored for individuals and companies, spotlighting the crucial role of pollinators in ecosystem services. The team's unique strategy allows customers to support ecosystem restoration by renting fields dedicated to enhancing biodiversity. This innovative approach fosters a deeper connection between nature and corporate responsibility, enabling businesses and individuals to actively champion biodiversity preservation and strengthen the bond between economic growth and environmental stewardship.

8. Wardrobers

Members: Sonja Pöytsiä, Maria Dunaeva

Mentors: Cindy Moncada 

Wardrobers offers a sustainable twist to fashion, allowing consumers to indulge in the latest trends without contributing to fashion waste. With a subscription model, users can effortlessly try new styles and brands. Likewise, for fashion labels, the platform serves as an expansive stage to reach a broader clientele, spotlighting their newest collections. Beyond just showcasing, it acts as a potent marketing instrument, amplifying brand recognition and fostering loyalty, merging fashion innovation with eco-consciousness.

9. CleanWaters

Members: Miran GhafooriArkar Nan Htike

Mentors: Oscar Ramirez Muñoz, María Rojas Fraile

CleanWaters is at the forefront of battling microplastic pollution, pioneering advanced monitoring solutions. The team's goal is to fuse cutting-edge detection technologies with sustainable materials, ensuring the protection of aquatic ecosystems. By joining hands with researchers, environmental bodies, and tech experts, CleanWaters offers holistic solutions to this pressing challenge. Their blend of innovation, circularity, and funded resources paves the way for impactful strides. CleanWaters is sculpting a future marked by collaboration and unwavering commitment to curbing microplastic contamination.

 

10. Circlarify

Members: Said Seven, Ece Goktas

Mentors: Sophie Aubard, Iiro Salkari

Navigating the complexities of supply chains, Circlarify provides a lens into greater visibility and fosters enhanced collaboration to boost sustainability. The solution effortlessly integrates with current ERP systems, delivering on-the-spot metrics, fostering supplier synergy, and offering both actionable insights and adherence to ever-changing regulations. Circlarify's unique blend of full transparency, easy integration, and scalability positions companies to streamline operations, realise sustainability ambitions, and distinguish themselves in a bustling marketplace.

11. Pesukarhu

Members: Rik Henry, Simone Gagilone, Samson Mosilily

Mentors: Elena Fadul

Pesukarhu is a green innovation crafted from regenerated cellulose, adept at cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces without causing damage. Beyond its cleaning prowess, it doubles as a mild cleanser for delicate facial skin. By presenting an eco-friendly replacement to single-use cleaning items, Pesukarhu positions itself as a stellar sustainable solution in the world of cleaning and skincare.

12. Lensor

Members: Ayush Prasad, Lisa Ulvila, Lisa Theman

Mentors: Peik StenlundNatalie Skvortsova

Lensor is dedicated to revolutionising agriculture through efficient and sustainable practices. Their platform equips farmers with real-time insights into soil health, pH, and moisture, facilitating increased crop yield. Beyond monitoring, Lensor offers predictive analytics on crop health, allowing swift interventions for any arising issues. Crucially, its commitment to inclusivity ensures small farms aren't left behind in the ongoing digital agricultural transformation, ensuring every farmer benefits from advanced farming solutions.

13. Carbon-Eaters

Member: Clio Hall, Utshav Bhattarai

While "green roofs" have gained recognition, so called "green ponds" have gone unnoticed by the larger majority of people. Waterways and bodies of water of varying sizes have the potential to work as carbon sinks at an unseen level. By harnessing the power of phytoplankton for carbon sequestration, small-scale applications and expansive phytoplankton "farms" may become commonplace soon enough. And since phytoplankton require nutrients for growth, why not address multiple issues at once and utilise them to treat wastewater from agricultural and fisheries industries too?

PhytoPure also aims to pioneer methods to identify areas with phytoplankton species crucial for carbon sequestration. By leveraging environmental DNA analysis, we eliminate the need for labor-intensive microscopy, making the process efficient and accessible.