Students Valeria Boetsch and Julia Benichio, finalists of the Biodesign Challenge 2025 | Contest

They present “Tide”, a sustainable surf suit made with innovative biomaterials to address the plastic crisis in the oceans.

Valeria Boetsch and Julia Benichio, students of the Bachelor's in Fashion Design, have been selected as representatives of our School in the 10th edition of the Biodesign Challenge, an educational program and international competition that connects design, art, and biotechnology to drive a new generation of professionals with critical awareness and interdisciplinary vision.

Our students are presenting at the contest , a sustainable surf suit proposal based on the principles of the blue economy. In response to the millions of tons of plastic that reach the ocean every year, this project is committed to innovative biomaterials that combine technical performance, environmental responsibility, and a connection with surf culture. Their motto: .

LCI Barcelona is the only school from the country participating in the Biodesign Challenge 2025, which brings together universities from different parts of the world in New York. The project presentations take place this Thursday at Parsons School of Design, and the closing event is held on Friday at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where the winning project will be announced.

Congratulations and best of luck to Valeria and Julia! We also want to congratulate the project’s tutors: Estel Vilaseca, head of our Fashion area, and professor Micaela Clubourg, as well as project manager Mariele Violano.