Seaforms: Restoring oceans through nature-inspired technology

Founded by self-professed “ocean psyches who love scuba diving”, Seaforms is making a splash in the marine conservation scene by reviving oceans one coral reef at a time. Using electrolysis to increase calcium availability, their electric reef systems help declining coral reefs to grow back and relieve marine ecosystems of the strain caused by rising sea temperatures.

Co-founders Julius Ang (ASD valedictorian, Class of 2022) and Dino Chia (EPD alumni, Class of 2022) did not initially plan to save the coral reefs – they had originally envisioned building liveable sea cities in Singapore’s future in their Capstone project. However, the idea proved unfeasible as ocean conditions were unstable from the degradation of coral reefs, and there was a lack of stakeholder support as a result. The duo then quickly pivoted to coral reef restoration, alarmed by the rapid deterioration of coral reefs and resulting loss of biodiversity. “I realised that despite the urgency of the crisis, there were still insufficient efforts and innovations in the marine conservation space”, Julius explained, and thus, “Seaforms was born from a mix of passion, purpose, and the belief that our generation can design solution that heal, rather than harm, the natural world.”

The resulting partnership between Julius and Dino was a very natural step forward after graduation as they bonded as roommates at SUTD and had worked together on multiple environmental projects and co-founded an outdoor adventure club.

Spurred by their desire to preserve the oceans for posterity, the duo sought training by an experienced marine conservationist active in Bali and created their own Electric Reef Structures (ERS) by improving on existing models. Unlike others, their ERS is powered by renewable energy, like solar panels, which lends itself to remote deployment and lowered maintenance. To date, Seaforms has partnered with local partners such as NParks, Our Singapore Reefs, and The Submersibles, and regional partners such as AC Dayang and other private island owners in Indonesia, to deploy their ERS to various locations across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia for testing in different marine environments.

In the next 3 years, the co-founders hope to establish a strong regional presence in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, to show coastal stakeholders how marine conservation is crucial not just to the marine ecosystem but the economy, which could lead to increased support for marine conservation.

In the mid-term, they hope to strengthen their technical capabilities through research to improve the efficacy of their ERS, collaborate with established coral restoration groups and organisations to optimise ecological impact and diversify reef designs, and guide shoreline communities in cultivating and maintaining their reefs through educational initiatives. “Seeing individuals become advocates and caretakes of the ocean in their own ways is exactly what we hope to ignite”, said Dino.

“Seeing individuals become advocates and caretakes of the ocean in their own ways is exactly what we hope to ignite.”

On the educational front, the pair has been raising awareness for coral restoration and marine conservation by volunteering with local marine conservation groups. Keenly aware that marine conservation is vast in its scope of work, they acknowledge that “the work goes beyond structures in the sea; it’s about building a culture of care, awareness, and stewardship.”

“The work goes beyond structures in the sea; it’s about building a culture of care, awareness, and stewardship.”

To that end, they recently made an appearance at the Wee Hur + SUTD Sustainability & Awareness Night to share Seaforms’ mission with businesses and organisations vested in sustainability. The pair commented that “ocean restoration isn’t something a small group can do alone. It takes all of us – researchers, policymakers, divers, business owners, and everyday people who care – to create real, lasting change.”

As interest in the ERS from coastal businesses continues to grow, Seaforms is ready to progress to scalable deployment and is pursuing funding opportunities to realise their next chapter, sharing that they aim to build a viable, long-term model that safeguards ocean ecosystems while empowering coastal livelihoods.

Envisioning “a future where healthy coral reefs are no longer the exception but the norm – where coastal communities, businesses, and individuals feel empowered to be part of the solution”, the Seaforms team welcomes interested parties to join them in restoring ocean health.

Read more about Seaforms’ work at seaforms.org.

For collaborations, partnerships, and funding, contact Seaforms at seaformsofficial@gmail.com .

Seaforms was supported by the Baby Shark Fund and the Create4Good Innovation Fund at the Singapore University of Technology and Design.