Merging 3D-printing, material science, and marine biology, Vriko Yu founded archiREEF with the aim to sustainably restore degraded marine ecosystems and mitigate climate change. Vriko was compelled to innovate after witnessing a small patch of coral reefs disappear within two months. Proving that technology and nature can go hand in hand, her company is now renovating the seafloor with the world’s first 3D reef tiles printed in clay. In 2021, archiREEF won the top prize at HKSTP’s Elevator Pitch Competition (EPiC), drawing greater attention to Vriko’s work and advocacy. The budding woman entrepreneur hopes that her innovative solution could set a precedent for technologists, architects, and biologists worldwide to create sustainable solutions together.

“If you have an idea, test it out! Get out of your comfort zone and take a leap to uncover the best lessons the world has to offer.”