Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam
The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam initiative inspires young people to pursue creative lives and careers through invention. InvenTeam's are granted up to $10,000 each to conceptualize, design and build technological solutions to real-world problems.
Working prototypes of the solutions are showcased at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology each June at the Lemelson-MIT Program's EurekaFest event. |
This is the prototype that is used to make the molds, which are used to make the actual device.This is the actual device and prototype, which is made out of sand and a special biodegradable polymer. |
The new eel grass planting system.The Landmark planting system uses a unique combination of old and new concepts to make a complete and more cost effective system. This system, which is completely biodegradable, includes an automated deployment method that removes the need for expensive divers.
The Landmark system can also be prepared well in advance of planting, unlike outdated methods that must be planted within 24 hours of set up. This system creates a larger window of opportunity to reduce the loss of the eelgrass ribosome, and to maximize efficiency. Our mission is to meet or exceed the current transplant survival rate, which is now 70% and to lower installation costs to a user friendly price of $13,000 dollars per acre. The prototype disk (bottom left) is made out of a sand and a special biodegradable plastic. This polymer, has been tested by the people who created it, and they concluded that it does biodegrade right back into carbon after it is in contact with water. The polymer will also not leach any chemicals into the water, and it is completely safe for marine use. The disks are designed with a special ratio of sand and the plastic, so when the disks are distributed into the ocean, they will begin to biodegrade within six months. This gives the eelgrass plenty of time to grow and stay firmly within the sand. |
Our Sponsors
We want to thank every one of our sponsors for the advice and help that have given us on this project, without them this would have never been possible. Thank you all.
Contact UsIf you have any questions on the project and or want to help out than send us an email and don't be afraid to contact us.
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