The Missoula, Mont.–based Biomimicry Institute and the Atlanta–based Ray C. Anderson Foundation have named Econcrete Tech as the winner of their 2020 Ray of Hope Prize, celebrating the company's "nature-inspired solutions to address the world’s environmental and sustainability challenges," according to a press release from Biomimicry Institute. The Tel Aviv, Israel–based concrete manufacturer has developed a concrete mixture and technology that fosters ocean life in built coastal and marine infrastructure projects. The award comes with a $100,000 prize.
“The most simple and straightforward test for biomimetic design may simply be to see how compatible it is with all surrounding living systems, not just serving humans,” said Beth Rattner, Biomimicry Institute executive director, in the same release. “Econcrete’s solution promotes ecological diversity, is safe, and supports the life that is designed around. This design is truly well-adapted for its ecosystems, and that is what ultimately set the solution apart.”
Econcrete's products include blocks, piles, and jacks available precast or cast-on-site and an urban-friendly, bioactive wall. All purport to support marine life through the company's unique technology, which utilizes a "bioenhancing" concrete admixture, rough surface texture, and site-specific 3D design. By encouraging natural calcification and the growth of corals, oysters, and other organisms, the concrete elements continue to cure and strengthen underwater while acting as a natural carbon sink.
Cypris Materials was named as the runner-up for this year's prize. The Berkeley, Calif.–based coating startup received $25,000 for its tunable structural coating that achieves colors without the use of toxic pigments. Rather, the versatile coating reflects specific UV, visible, and infrared light wavelengths, much like the iridescent wings of morpho butterfly.
