The Keio University Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) 2025 is a finalist in this year’s International BioDesign challenge in New York City.
The KMD submission to the International Biodesign Challenge focuses on an innovative seaweed project utilizing Sargassum muticum, native to Japan but an invasive seaweed species in other geographies. The team developed a visionary project that transforms the invasive problem into a living bio-textile, weaving our deep cultural bond with the ocean into adaptive “living uniforms.” These natural substances provide UV protection, antioxidant, and antimicrobial benefits, addressing both the environmental problem of invasive seaweed and the health and safety needs of agricultural workers. Through seaweed-derived gels, coatings, and 3D-printed fabrics, Risou garments respond to sunlight, pollution, and wearer impact—darkening in acidic water, shielding against UV rays, and even fraying when environmental stewardship falters—ultimately returning to the Earth as a biodegradable treaty between humanity and nature.
Envisioning a future where clothing holds us accountable to the planet, Risou also serves today as an educational platform, partnering with SEGO’s Youth Co-Creation Lab to engage students in bio-material innovation, circular design, and the Japanese philosophy of Jinen, reminding us that our ideal future begins with respect for the sea.
International Biodesign Challenge (IBC):
The International Biodesign Challenge is a global competition that brings together university teams to envision, design, and prototype innovative solutions at the intersection of biology, design, and engineering. Through collaboration with scientists, artists, and industry experts, students address real-world challenges—such as sustainability, health, and the environment—by developing creative projects that demonstrate the transformative potential of biotechnologies in society.
https://www.biodesignchallenge.org/
SAMCARA Lab at KMD:
The SAMCARA lab, founded at Keio University’s Graduate School of Media Design (KMD), is a research group dedicated to circular design, biodesign, and material innovation. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, the lab explores new languages and methodologies for the circular economy, preparing innovators to work across traditional boundaries. SAMCARA’s projects focus on sustainable materials, bio-inspired solutions, and the integration of emerging technologies, fostering a new generation of designers who address complex societal and environmental challenges through connected expertise and creativity.
