MicroFarm 🌱 Challenge 2024

We invite students and hobbyists worldwide to participate in the 2025 CADclass MicroFarming 🌱 Challenge. This competition harnesses the power of modern technologies to promote self-sufficiency, sustainable food production, and environmental responsibility.

Using 3D CAD, 3D printing, and electronics, you will design and prototype innovative solutions that address the challenges of modern agriculture.

Design and create an innovative plant growing system using CAD skills and 3D printing technology.

The challenge is to maximise plant growth within a specified timeframe and under given constraints.

The global agriculture and food systems face a myriad of challenges that threaten food security, environmental sustainability, and human health. Read more here:

Food Insecurity: Despite advancements in agricultural technology, hunger persists globally, with millions lacking access to sufficient, nutritious food. This is exacerbated by factors such as poverty, conflict, and natural disasters.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns are disrupting agricultural production, leading to crop failures, water scarcity, and soil degradation.
Environmental Degradation: Intensive agricultural practices often contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Resource Depletion: Overuse of natural resources, such as water and soil, is unsustainable and threatens future food production.
Inequality and Social Injustice: The food system is often characterised by inequality, with small-scale farmers and marginalised communities facing disproportionate challenges.
Food Waste: A significant amount of food is wasted at various stages of the supply chain, contributing to resource inefficiency and environmental impact.
Health Concerns: Unhealthy diets, foodborne illnesses, and the overuse of pesticides and antibiotics pose risks to human health

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

Read more here:

2: No hunger https://www.globalgoals.org/take-action/?id=2
11: Sustainable cities and communities https://www.globalgoals.org/take-action/?id=11

12: Responsible consumption and production https://www.globalgoals.org/take-action/?id=12

Competition Structure:

a) Problem Definition Phase (1 weeks):

Participants research common issues in urban gardening or small-space cultivation

Choose a specific problem to address (e.g., limited sunlight, water conservation, over-watering, plant neglect, vertical space usage)
Define a brief problem statement and initial ideas

b) Ideation and Concept Development (2 weeks):

Brainstorm multiple solutions to the chosen problem
Develop rough sketches and basic CAD models of concepts
Narrow onto 2-3 potential design concepts with explanations

c) CAD Design and Iteration (3 weeks):

Create detailed CAD models of the chosen design
Iterate and refine the design based on feedback and self-assessment
Final CAD files and a design rationale

d) Prototyping and Testing (3 weeks):

3D print or fabricate key components of the design
Assemble a functional prototype
Conduct initial tests and make refinements
Record photos/videos of the prototype and initial test results

e) Growing Period and Data Collection (6 weeks):

Plant seeds or seedlings in the created solution
Monitor and document growth over the specified period
Collect data on plant health, growth rate, and other relevant metrics
Submit weekly progress reports and final results

Evaluation Criteria:

Innovation and creativity of the solution (20%)
Quality and complexity of CAD design (20%)
Functionality and effectiveness of the prototype (20%)
Plant growth results and data analysis (30%)
Documentation and presentation of the process (10%)

Participant Categories:

a) Students (high school and college)

using Tinkercad
using Onshape
using Fusion

b) Hobbyists (amateur CAD enthusiasts)

c) Mechanical solutions

d) Electronic solutions

e) Hybrid (electro-mechanical) solutions

Prizes and Recognition:

Winners in each category (Student and Hobbyist)
Certificates for all participants
Special awards for innovation, use of CAD, sustainability, and community impact
Opportunity for winners to present their designs at a relevant conference or expo.

Plant2Plate_Growing_Guide.pdf

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