{
  "id": 13027224,
  "title": "Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: firm uses 3D-printed tiles to restore coral reefs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/spirit-of-hong-kong-awards-firm-uses-3d-printed-tiles-to-restore-13027224",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-09T04:15:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3370229/spirit-hong-kong-awards-firm-uses-3d-printed-tiles-restore-coral-reefs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2014, a University of Hong Kong research team's reef restoration efforts in Sai Kung were abruptly halted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which had commissioned the project. The researchers had attempted to utilize cement structures for the coral's growth, but as the colonies expanded, they became unstable, lacking roots. This setback ultimately inspired Vriko Yu Pik-fan, a doctoral student involved in the project, to co-found Archireef, a company that would focus on a more resilient solution. After trials with metal and plastic, Yu's team turned to clay and employed 3D printing technology to create terracotta reef tiles. These tiles serve as a porous, pH-neutral surface for coral larvae to attach themselves to, providing a more stable foundation for coral growth.\n\nArchireef, incorporated in Hong Kong in 2020, commercialized the research and has since earned a nomination for the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the sustainability category. The awards, co-organized by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post, recognize individuals and organizations making a positive impact on Hong Kong and its communities. Archireef has contributed to the conservation or restoration of approximately 10 hectares of marine habitat across Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.\n\nThe tiles have proven to be effective in promoting marine life, with 95% of deployed coral remaining alive three years after installation in monitored sites in Hong Kong. Archireef helps clients, such as port operators and developers, demonstrate the success of their restoration efforts and reduces their environmental impact costs. The company employs a research team in Hong Kong, leveraging the city's talent pool and improvements in water quality, making coral restoration more feasible. Yu attributes their achievements to the right mix of talent and Hong Kong's environmental advancements, emphasizing the importance of knowing whether restoration measures have been successful.",
  "summary": "A Hong Kong-based company, Archireef, has developed a method to restore coral reefs using 3D-printed tiles. The company's founders, including Vriko Yu Pik-fan, were inspired by a failed coral reef restoration project in Sai Kung in 2014. In that project, cement structures were used to support coral growth, but the coral colonies became unstable as they grew larger.\n\nArchireef's solution involves using 3D printing to create terracotta reef tiles that provide a porous, pH-neutral surface for coral larvae to attach to. According to Archireef, close to 10 hectares of marine habitat have been conserved or restored across Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.\n\nVriko Yu Pik-fan's work with Archireef has earned her a place among the finalists of this year's Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the sustainability category.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Hong Kong rejects US downgrade to lowest tier in human trafficking report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/hong-kong-rejects-us-downgrade-to-lowest-tier-in-human-trafficking",
        "published": "2026-10-08T21:43:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Hong Kong rejects US downgrade to lowest tier in human trafficking report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/hong-kong-rejects-us-downgrade-to-lowest-tier-in-human-trafficking",
        "published": "2026-10-09T01:47:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}