The third NiD4OCEAN University Challenge took place at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC-BarcelonaTech) from 7 to 13 October 2025, bringing together more than 30 students from the university’s Marine Technologies, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Naval Architecture programmes. Over the course of a week, participants worked within the framework of the Horizon Europe-funded NiD4OCEAN project to design Novel Inclusive Designs (NIDs) adapted to the Mediterranean context.
Focusing on the coexistence of offshore renewable energy and marine ecosystems, the challenge invited students to explore how floating wind farms can enhance biodiversity while minimising their impact on the seabed. With the Mediterranean’s deep waters making bottom-fixed turbines unfeasible, teams concentrated on innovative solutions to address the environmental effects of chains and anchors used in floating wind installations.
Working in interdisciplinary teams of four, the students developed and assessed NID prototypes that could help offshore wind farms foster biodiversity in degraded seabed areas. The proposals were evaluated by a jury of engineers and marine biologists, who commended the scientific quality and creativity demonstrated by all participants.
The winning team, BioRing—comprising Irene Gil, Mariona Martínez, Ariadna Cuevas and Paula Carreras—was recognised for their outstanding concept and awarded a trip to present their idea at the WindEurope 2026 conference in Madrid.
“The level of the proposals and the originality of the concepts were truly remarkable,” said Anna Mujal-Colilles, UPC professor and NiD4OCEAN collaborator, who coordinated the event.
The UPC is working in close collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM–CSIC) and other NiD4OCEAN partners on a series of university challenges across Europe. Each event engages students in developing nature-inclusive solutions that support the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy.
