On February 6, 2025, the "Soil-Returning" Circular Sensor Device, a research project led by Assistant Professor Takaaki KASUGA of the Nogi Lab, received the Special Award at the crQlr Awards 2024.
About the crQlr Awards
The crQlr Awards is an international program that celebrates innovative projects and ideas contributing to a sustainable society, with a focus on advancing the circular economy. Now in its fourth year, the 2024 edition featured 143 project entries from 47 countries. This year's awards emphasized the integration of nature and technology to promote resource circulation and environmental sustainability.
The Special Award category, "Towards the Realization of a Circular Bioeconomy", highlighted projects that explore new ways for humans to engage with and enhance nature’s regenerative capabilities. This category specifically recognized initiatives that pave new pathways for resource recovery and environmental conservation, contributing to the broader vision of a circular economy.
About the "Soil-Returning" Circular Sensor Device
The "Soil-Returning" Circular Sensor Device project was highly praised for its innovative approach to achieving a fully circular product life cycle. The project developed a biodegradable soil sensor that naturally decomposes in the environment after use, helping to advance a zero-waste society. By combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable design, this project demonstrates the potential for electronic devices to be integrated into the circular economy, a key factor in its recognition by the judges.
The crQlr Awards is organized by FabCafe, a global creative community, and Loftwork, an Asia-based creative company. More than just an awards program, crQlr is evolving into a platform that fosters new collaborations between society, businesses, and creators, working together to explore sustainable solutions for the future.
Upcoming Exhibition and Expo Participation
Projects selected for the crQlr Awards 2024, including the "Soil-Returning" Circular Sensor Device, will be featured at the "crQlr Awards Exhibition 2025 - Living Loops", which will be held at FabCafe Tokyo from March 6 (Thursday) to March 26 (Wednesday), 2025.
Additionally, this research will also be showcased at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, which opens in April 2025, as part of the "Osaka Healthcare Pavilion" presented by Nippon Life Insurance Company.
(SANKEN PR Office)