Archireef

1. About the brand

Archireef: Designed the world’s first clay artificial reef structure by 3D Printing

WHAT:
Archireef is a startup developed by Hong Kong scientists and architects to use 3D printing techniques to restore Hong Kong’s coral reef.

WHY:
Hong Kong’s coral reefs are disappearing fast. Founder Virko said she witnessed a coral reef bleached within 2 months, leading her to start thinking of ways to save Hong Kong’s marine system.

HOW:
They use 3D printers to create “reef tiles” – hexagons made of terracotta, and place them on the seafloor in Hoi Ha Wan Bay.
The tiles are designed in layers to replicate geometry of a brain coral. The top layer serves as the primary space to attach coral fragments, and marine biologists insert different coral species in the tiles.
The tiles elevate corals from the seabed and allow them to access sunshine, nutrients and food and avoid sedimentation, a common reason in Hong Kong for killing coral reefs.
It will take 5-10 years for the corals to fully cover the tiles and seabed.

WHAT’S GOING ON NOW:
The tiles now cover 40 sqm in Hoi Ha Wan Bay.
They open for commercial organizations to adopt the coral tiles, and expand their projects to other countries like Maldives and Philippines.
They are also developing similar technology to save mangrove forests, first to test in Abu Dhabi.

They started their venture in Abu Dhabi, and was listed in Fast Company Middle East’s top 100 list of innovations and ideas that will shape the middle east in 2023.

  • Project Name

    Archireef

  • Location

    Hong Kong

  • Founded

    2020

  • Founders

    Vriko Yu, David Baker

  • Products

    Artificial, 3D printed marine habitats

Sustainability
Science
Innovation

2. About the founders

Vriko Yu

Co-founder, HKU Biology Masters graduate

David Baker

Co-founder, HKU Associate Professor, Marine Biologist

archireef founder Deniz Tekerek

Deniz Tekerek

CCO

The Vision

Provides eco-engineering solutions for ocean ecosystem restoration

To combat climate change and realize Hong Kong’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050, they hope to combine the latest technology with biology and design to save marine life.

3. Challenges and opportunity

Years of development

Challenge

The founders have used 8 years to research, test and successfully implement the reef tiles. The coral reefs also require years to see substantial results.

Solution

Right now there are promising results in coral’s growth, and through Archireef they reach out to commercial organizations for revenue, thus expanding their projects elsewhere.

4. Brand Development Timeline

2020
Archireef founded

2021
Won HKSTP’s Elevator Pitch Competition

5. The Future

More product lines, expand business overseas

Archireef will tap into big corporates’ recent attention towards ESG for monetary support, and expand presence in other countries.

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