Prime Highlights:
Founded in 2021, Kind Designs has raised $5 million in seed funding, with notable investors including billionaire Mark Cuban.
The company uses large 3D-printing robots to create “living seawalls” that mimic natural ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs, fostering marine life growth while protecting coastlines.
Key Background:
Miami-based Kind Designs, a pioneer in 3D-printed seawalls, has been awarded a phase one grant from the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for research and development. The company, founded in 2021, is renowned for its environmentally sustainable approach to coastal protection, utilizing advanced 3D-printing technology to create “living seawalls” designed to resist rising sea levels.
Kind Designs’ unique seawalls are crafted with non-toxic materials that encourage the growth of marine life, such as algae, mangroves, and coral reefs, setting them apart from traditional seawalls made of concrete and steel. Additionally, these structures are equipped with embedded sensors to monitor water quality, further contributing to environmental preservation. The Navy grant, which could reach up to $175,000, will support the development of a modular seawall system. This innovation enables the stacking of individual blocks, allowing for taller structures and the ability to extend existing seawalls as water levels rise.
The company’s groundbreaking approach has already garnered attention from a variety of stakeholders, including private residents, businesses, and cities across Florida, all seeking solutions to protect their coastlines from the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the company’s success is reflected in its ability to secure financing from high-profile investors such as billionaire Mark Cuban. With a total of $5 million in seed funding, Kind Designs won the grand prize at the 2023 Florida Aerospace and Emerging Tech Forum, further establishing its place as a leader in coastal protection technology.
CEO Anya Freeman highlighted the cost-effectiveness of Kind Designs’ seawalls, emphasizing their potential to last up to 100 years—three times longer than traditional options. The company’s focus on using concrete and recycled materials without the need for rebar makes these seawalls a durable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solutions.