Lucid Life | Marama Ora

A living material encapsulating bioluminescent micro-algae, which emits light in response to touch and was inspired by corals’ symbiotic relationships

Watch the 1-minute pitch video

https://youtu.be/3rODJnnH-L4

Long description

Lucid Life (Marama Ora in Tahitian) combines scientific innovation and traditional ecological knowledge through intercultural collaboration. A contemporary living material was created using bioluminescent algae, similar to those in symbiosis with corals. Created with the support of the Crick Institute for Biomedical Discovery, this ethereal material emits light in response to touch, sustains itself by sunlight, sequesters carbon, and lives for at least six months.

Collaborating closely with Polynesian artisans, who deeply understand reef ecosystems, Lucid Life produced culturally meaningful artefacts. These objects fuse local craftsmanship with bioluminesence, to create transcendent, awe-inspiring experiences. Beyond aesthetics, the collaboration seeks to heal colonial histories between the UK and French Polynesia through co-creation.

While bioluminescence enabled the development of this technology, the highest impact opportunities are within fashion, pharmaceuticals, and maritime industries, using the 99.999% of unknown micro-organisms. Commercialisation will follow best practice benefit-sharing practices with indigenous communities and nature.