Biodesign Challenge (BDC)
Glass Microbe Grand Prize
The Biodesign Challenge is a global competition for high school and university students, merging biotechnology, art, and design to solve real-world problems.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$1,750
Participation format
Team
Teams of 2 to 5
Duration
Semester-long program, culminating in an annual summit
Eligibility
Open to high school students (grades 9-12, typically ages 14-18) and university students (undergraduate and graduate up to master's level, typically ages 18-26) worldwide. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution. Teams are formed through participating schools or classrooms.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be enrolled in an accredited high school or university (undergraduate and graduate students up to master's level).
- Prerequisites
- Interest in biotechnology, art, and design
- Ability to work effectively in teams
- Curious mind and collaborative mindset
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Glass Microbe Grand Prize & Awards
Winning teams compete for prestigious awards, including the coveted Glass Microbe Grand Prize, Outstanding Digital Submission, Outstanding Narrative, Outstanding Display, Outstanding Institutional Collaboration, and Outstanding Art awards.
Opens doors to
The 'Outstanding Art' award includes a one-year scholarship. Participation also enhances university applications and future career prospects through project experience.
Career pathways
Participants gain significant networking opportunities with leaders in academia, industry, art, and design. Alumni often launch successful careers or startups, with BDC providing support for future opportunities with museums, galleries, investors, and accelerator programs. The 'Outstanding Art' award includes a solo exhibition opportunity with Biobat.
Recognition
International recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Sept 2025
- Registration closed
- 31 Jan 2026
- Competition
- 10 Jun 2026 to 12 Jun 2026
- Results
- 12 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Schools or institutions apply to register for the Biodesign Challenge program. Once registered, classrooms form student teams to develop their projects with instructor and mentor guidance.
Rules and guidelines
- Projects must address real-world challenges using biotechnology, art, and design.
- Teams must be formed through participating high schools or universities.
- All projects must be original and developed during the competition cycle.
- Teams must adhere to ethical guidelines for biotechnology research and design.
- Finalist teams present their projects at the annual BDC Summit.
- Only one team per classroom is selected to present at the BDC Summit.
Technology requirements
- Access to an online learning platform (Canvas) for resources and communication.
- Reliable internet access for online collaboration and webinars.
- Equipment for research, design, prototyping, and presentation (e.g., computers, design software, lab tools).
- Video recording and editing capabilities for virtual submissions.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Participating schools or institutions are required to pay a participation fee of $1,750 to join the Biodesign Challenge. This fee provides access to educational resources, mentorship from expert consultants, and one presentation slot at the annual BDC Summit.
Refund policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing prior to January 15th to qualify for a refund. All refunds are subject to a $70 processing fee. Refunds are processed in US dollars.
About this opportunity
The Biodesign Challenge (BDC) is an international education program and competition that connects high school and university students with scientists, artists, and designers. Participants envision, create, and critique projects that address real-world challenges using biotechnology, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary thinking. The program provides extensive curriculum support, an online resource library, and expert mentorship from professionals in science, design, and ethics.
This competition is open to high school and university students worldwide, who must be enrolled in an accredited institution. Teams are formed through participating schools or institutions, with classrooms registering to join the program. Participants gain valuable experience in biodesign and biotechnology, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Rounds and format
The judging process involves three rounds for in-person participants and two for virtual. Round 1: Instructors, with expert consultants, select one finalist team per classroom. Round 2 (Live): Finalist teams present at the BDC Summit, where judging panels select top teams. Round 3 (Live): Top teams present to a full jury of experts who choose the overall winners and thematic prize recipients.
How entries are judged
Projects are judged based on four main criteria: Concept, Narrative, Reflection, and Context. Additional evaluation considers innovation, scientific rigor, artistic merit, societal impact, feasibility, and presentation quality.
Selection process
Teams are selected based on the originality of their project, scientific basis, design approach, and potential to address real-world problems. Team collaboration and presentation skills are also key evaluation factors.
How to prepare
- Online library of educational resources and curriculum guides.
- Access to expert mentorship from scientists, artists, and designers.
- Interactive webinars hosted by leaders in art, design, and science.
- Canvas online platform for communication and resources.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The program provides curriculum support and an online resource library, including journal articles, book chapters, videos, and a message board. It covers themes like architecture, materials, bioethics, social justice, energy, fashion, food, medicine, and water.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key factors that contribute to a successful project in the Biodesign Challenge?
Successful projects typically demonstrate strong interdisciplinary integration of biotechnology, art, and design. Originality, scientific rigor, a compelling narrative, and a clear societal impact are crucial. Effective teamwork and presentation skills also significantly influence judging outcomes.
How can participants effectively manage the significant time commitment required for project development?
Effective time management involves breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and leveraging mentor guidance. Regular team meetings and utilizing the online resource library can streamline the research and development process.
What are common pitfalls or mistakes that teams should avoid during the competition?
Common mistakes include neglecting the ethical implications of their biodesign, insufficient scientific backing for their concepts, or a lack of clarity in their project narrative. Teams should also avoid last-minute preparations and ensure their presentation is polished and engaging.
How does the Biodesign Challenge support students in developing their projects beyond the competition?
The Biodesign Challenge offers ongoing support through its alumni network, connecting participants with opportunities for further development, exhibitions, and potential startup incubation. Winning teams also receive mentorship and promotional opportunities from sponsors.
What is the significance of the interdisciplinary approach in the Biodesign Challenge?
The interdisciplinary approach is fundamental, as it fosters holistic problem-solving by combining scientific innovation with creative design thinking and artistic expression. This integration allows for the development of solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also aesthetically compelling and socially relevant.
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