Kind Designs, a Miami-based company pioneering eco-friendly, 3D-printed seawalls, has been awarded a $175,000 Phase I grant from the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). This funding will support research into the deployment of Living Seawalls at a local Navy research facility to protect essential coastal assets.
The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) offers grants for the Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Founded in 2021, Kind Designs has rapidly emerged as a leader in sustainable infrastructure, utilizing cutting-edge 3D printing technology to create long-lasting seawalls that not only defend against rising sea levels but also foster marine ecosystems by mimicking natural coral reefs. The company’s innovative approach has attracted significant investment, including $5 million in seed funding and backing from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban.
Kind Design’s Living Seawalls™ combine the structural integrity of traditional seawalls with the ecological benefits of artificial reefs. With advanced 3D-printing technology, KindDesigns produces beautiful, custom panels 20x faster than traditional seawall construction methods.
The 3D-printed artificial reefs represent the cutting edge of marine habitat restoration. With an unprecedented half-inch layer size, Kind Designs printers create intricate, tailored structures that push the boundaries of reef design. Combining artificial reef science with artistic vision, their in-house team crafts ecologically beneficial habitats that double as underwater sculpture parks. These unique reefs not only support local marine life but also serve as captivating attractions for divers and ocean enthusiasts.
Anya Freeman, Founder @ Kind Design
“I can’t wait to see the Living Seawalls in beautiful US bases around the world,” Kind Designs Founder, Anya Freeman, posted on social media. “We love to contribute to the strength of our Department of Defense!!”
In addition to securing private investment, Kind Designs has successfully partnered with Florida cities, businesses, and homeowners to implement its 3D-printed seawalls as a critical defense against coastal erosion and flooding. Now, with the U.S. Navy’s interest and financial support, Kind Designs will expand its research and development efforts to further enhance the resilience of coastal infrastructure.
For more information about Kind Designs and its mission, visit https://www.kinddesigns.com