Mangesh Kurund, a 29-year-old Indian architect, has won the 2025 Swarovski Foundation’s Creatives for Our Future programme for his innovative bio-integrated cladding solution. The programme, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, supports young innovators driving sustainable solutions as per a press release.
Kurund’s bio-cladding system uses lightweight tiles embedded with water reservoirs to cultivate algae and moss, purifying air, sequestering carbon, and reducing urban heat. “My architectural ideas have always revolved around bridging the gap between built and natural environments,” Kurund said. The grant will help him develop prototypes and scale his project.
The programme received nearly 500 applicants from 60+ countries, selecting six winners. Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation, praised the winners, stating, “Their groundbreaking solutions demonstrate the transformative power of creativity in tackling global challenges.”
Other Winners:
– Blossom Eromsele (Nigeria): Sustainable refugee housing
– Moemen Sobh (Egypt): Ocean waste textiles
– Azra Firmansyah (Indonesia): Music accessibility for the Deaf
– Aurelie Fontan (UK): Regenerative textile dyes
– Barimah Asare (US): Sustainable tech solutions
Each winner will receive a โฌ20,000 grant, mentorship, and access to a global network.
