Delft Innovation cubes

Even after we die, we harm the planet: ancient trees are cut down, a lot of CO₂ is released and the soil gets polluted by chemicals. TU Delft startup Loop Biotech looked for a sustainable alternative and found it in mycelium, the root network of mushrooms. With this, they developed the Loop Living Cocoon™: a funeral coffin that grows in seven days without glue, metal or plastic. Within 45 days, it completely breaks down and enriches the soil, stimulating new plant life. More than 2,500 families worldwide already chose this innovative, biodegradable coffin, suitable for natural beds, traditional burial and cremation.

Blue21 is a leading agency for design, engineering and consultancy of floating urban projects. With innovative solutions and international collaborations, they tackle challenges such as sea level rise, climate change and urbanisation. Their vision, the Blue Revolution, makes water livable with modular, scalable neighbourhoods that integrate energy, water and food systems into circular, resilient communities. As a one-stop shop, they guide the entire process, from concept to realisation. The model shows a floating city with connected platforms, streets and public spaces, where safe and comfortable living is central.

Indymo develops and operates water drones for water management, research and ecological monitoring. The drones collect data on water quality, habitats and underwater infrastructure via sensors, cameras, sonar and positioning systems. They measure water parameters, create maps and record visual and sonar data. Water boards and researchers use this technology for monitoring, inspections and pollution detection. Drones are deployed in hard-to-reach or high-risk locations, reducing costs and risks. Indymo designs customised solutions tailored to specific tasks, projects and environments.

Cardboard is not the first material you think of when you think of building. Yet it is indeed a building material in its own right: surprisingly strong, light and durable. Since 2003, Octatube, together with architect Shigeru Ban, has been investigating the application of cardboard tubes in constructions. In combination with steel nodes, elegant, reusable structures are created. In Delft, this can be seen at hockey club Ring Pass, where a roof consists of cardboard tubes with the Tuball system. The paperdome in Amsterdam, already rebuilt three times, demonstrates the power of circular construction with cardboard and proves that it is a future-proof material.

Delft creator Daniel Simu's story shows how curiosity and imagination lead to innovative art. With no robot experience, he built his first Srcobot in 2022, an acrobat with which he forms a solo duet. From his bedroom, he taught himself electrical engineering, 3D printing and programming. After years of experimentation, he performs worldwide, from talent shows to festivals. His work combines performance, technology and humour. As ambassador of the Delft robot year 2026, Simu explores the relationship between man and machine and invites the audience to think about a shared future.

Robots are everywhere. They are universal devices that are made suitable for a particular task, for example by placing a gripper or other tool on them. There is a suitable gripper for almost every object. If a human can hold something, it is usually possible to design a robot gripper that can do the same. Every gripper starts with an idea. This is followed by a process of drawing, building and writing. Whether it's picking up a mushroom, an apple or a test sample; for each object, we look for the best solution. From idea to solution. Festo supports the process.