The project presented by team Big GEMS is based on utilizing the power of fungal enzymes to break up or dilute the chemical dyes used in the mass production of clothes which are so harmful to the environment. They also hope their “Dyelute” system can be implemented in households to purify water sources.

Big GEMS members are friends coming from various high schools across Taipei who met while participating in an extracurricular biology research group this past year. Their common interest in biology, as well as an eagerness to have a positive impact on the environment, prompted them to consider up-and-coming biotechnologies. The team’s excitement for their project is palpable - having already conducted most of the research, developed an initial prototype, and created and implemented a social media campaign with their hashtag #dyelute.

Austin, whom the teammates credit with being the leader, is passionate about biotechnologies and plans to pursue these studies at university. Julie, an avid reader and musician, also has plans to study biology at university, with a concentration on cells. Rose’s keen interest in the fashion industry can be seen through her hobbies as well as this project, as she designs and creates her own clothes. She is considering studying journalism or public health after high school. Luke brings his zeal for coding to Big GEMS and is contemplating computer science for a career path.

Each member of team Big GEMS brings their own abilities and passions to the table for “Dyelute”, creating this highly impressive and motivated team.