Organizer Information
MudTronics is an interdisciplinary initiative operating at the intersection of bio-design, experimental technology, and ecological art. The program brings together artists, designers, scientists, and technologists to explore the creative and applied potential of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as low-energy biological systems.
Through an open-science and collaborative framework, MudTronics supports experimental prototyping, knowledge exchange, and community-driven innovation. The initiative is closely connected to research environments and aims to translate microbial and waste-based energy systems into practical, speculative, and artistic applications.
Title & Description
MudTronics – Microbial Fuel Cell World Championship Open Call 2026
The MudTronics Microbial Fuel Cell World Championship is an international collaborative Competition and Project that invites interdisciplinary teams to explore the creative and scientific potential of microbial fuel cells. Participants are challenged to design and build prototypes that convert mud, wastewater, and microbial activity into usable energy systems.
This open call encourages experimentation across Bio Art, ecological design, speculative technology, and applied science. Teams are invited to develop projects that address real-world challenges such as waste transformation, environmental sensing, off-grid energy systems, and ecological communication tools.
Participants will work with open-science microbial fuel cell starter kits and engage in a structured development process supported by scientists and facilitators. The program combines independent prototyping with online workshops, feedback sessions, and a final in-person presentation phase.
Selected teams will be invited to present their final prototypes at the championship finals hosted at Université Paris-Saclay in Paris, where projects will be evaluated based on innovation, ecological relevance, and conceptual depth.
Categories
- Bio Art
- Technology
- Environmental Art
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Research
- Installation
- Design
- Science Art
- Experimental Media
- Innovation / Prototype-based practice
Eligibility
- Open to international applicants
- Individual artists, designers, scientists, and interdisciplinary teams
- Suitable for early-career and mid-career practitioners
- Strong interest in ecology, biology, or experimental technology is required
- Ability to participate in online workshops and prototyping phases
- Selected teams must be available for the final presentation in France
Program Benefits & Awards
- Microbial fuel cell starter kits (including membranes and carbon veil materials)
- Online scientific mentorship and workshops with Mi-Hy researchers
- Continuous feedback during the development phase
- Access to open-science tutorials and technical documentation
- Travel support for selected finalist teams
- Participation in finals at Université Paris-Saclay
- Networking with scientists, artists, and interdisciplinary practitioners
- Opportunity for public presentation and prize consideration
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project proposal describing the concept and application of microbial fuel cells
- Technical or artistic approach (prototype-based or conceptual)
- Team composition (if applicable)
- Motivation statement
- Visual references or sketches (recommended)
Selected teams will later receive starter kits and development guidance.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 June 2026
- Selection Announcement: 19 June 2026
- Starter Kits Sent: by 24 June 2026
- Online Workshop: 1 July 2026
- Feedback Rounds: 20 July – 5 August 2026
- Hackathon (Paris-Saclay): 22–24 September 2026
- Final Presentation & Awards: 25 September 2026
Location
Université Paris-Saclay, France
Additional Details
This open call emphasizes open-science collaboration and ecological innovation. Projects are expected to engage with real biological systems and explore the intersection of waste, energy, and living materials.
The program supports experimental approaches ranging from practical environmental applications (such as wastewater energy systems or remote sensing) to speculative and artistic interpretations of microbial energy. Teams are encouraged to think critically about ecological systems and human–nonhuman collaboration.
All selected participants will receive scientific guidance throughout the process, but are expected to independently develop and iterate their prototypes.