Three startups pitch top-notch innovations at the Mars Habitat Challenge 2023
From an underground tunnel to outer space: The Mars Habitat Challenge invited three pioneering startups to present solutions and business models that could be tested underground and support the creation of a self-sustaining habitat on Mars. Aura System impressed the audience with their green wall solution to ensure better indoor environmental quality, and won a proof of concept. The Milan-based startup will collaborate with the Hagerbach Test Gallery, a unique research laboratory and training base.
Last week, the Hagerbach Test Gallery hosted the third Mars Habitat Challenge, a competition that showcases innovative solutions to be tested underground and has the potential to be applicable to Mars' harsh environment. The journey leading up to this year's event began in January when 5 startups out of more than 50 applications were selected by a jury that featured experts on the field, including representatives from AMBERG, IMPLENIA, ACO, ROWA, SANDONO, SCAUT, ITACUS, and VSH. After undergoing a public voting system, Aura System, Umami, and Separatic were designated the 3 finalists for this event.The Doomsday Delay event on May 5th brought together almost 100 attendees, who listened to the startup's pitches and enjoyed a lovely dinner provided by the Hagerbach Test Gallery. The finalists had the chance to explain their visions for interplanetary life and detailed how it could impact human existence on Mars as well as the need for testing it underground. During the exciting audience voting process, Aura System was declared the overall winner and will set up a 10.000 CHF pilot at the gallery.
The Milan-based startup is developing an innovative solution to indoor spaces by designing and producing a green wall that ensures better air quality in a sustainable way, reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. The solution is energy efficient and offers important prospects for reducing emissions from large buildings.
Dr. Michael Kompatscher, Director of Hagerbach Test Gallery, added: “The potential of such a solution is enormous and we are delighted to have Aura System testing their green wall at the gallery and understand how their solution can have an impact on our environment and, of course, to address the challenges of life on Mars."
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