VDS GLOBAL CHALLENGES: There are some great black swan-styled challenges out there. VDS has identified a small number of breakthroughs we believe to be instrumental in a bright green future. VDS is currently soliciting proposals for global challenge topics. 

THE FIRST GLOBAL CHALLENGE: The first VDS global challenge is the development of a full monocoque body mimicking the process that abalones uses to generate their own shell. Abalone shell is composed primarily of calcium carbonate (~98%) laid out of a protein matrix. The resulting structure is nearly 3,000 times stronger the calcium carbonate on its own. The material is made at low temperature and pressure out of sediments and sea water. Plus, it is stunningly beautiful! Read more current research at MIT on this subject.