Solar Table

Our solution is to extend the life of old and less efficient solar cells by creating durable outdoor furniture. As more efficient photovoltaic cells are introduced to the market older panels are beginning to be commercially retired. Each table includes a solar charge controller, battery, and 4 USB ports.

Inner workings of the electrical components

Using the Solar Table at MTU’s Enterprise Day in Fall of 2021

Sustainable Fuel Spill Cleanup

Develop solutions for cleaning up petroleum spills (oil and gas) with a circular design that utilizes waste products and/or natural resources

Focus on animal byproducts and how they compare to current absorbent products

Hair, feathers, hoof trimmings, ect.

Mycelium Project

The mycelium project will be growing mycelium with the goal to incorporate the biomaterial into furniture products. We will be experimenting with growing the mycelium on clean Aspen wood and furniture wood waste. After portions are fully grown, we will perform tests on the material to observe its performance.

Mycelium in petri dish next to species fruiting body. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)

Wood shaving for the mycelium substrate (growing medium)

Disposable Mask Recycling

Hotforest received 10,000 disposable masks from GM that were rejects headed to a landfill. The team has been working with the masks to find ways to recycle the materials and create new and useful items. Hotforest has a 3D printer. The project has a goal to use the polymers from the masks to create 3D printer filament.