Can coral reefs be revived with the help of 3D printing? Hong Kong-based startup Archireef is using 3D-printed clay tiles to help restore marine ecosystems 4x more effectively than traditional methods, the National reports. Archireef’s tiles are currently used off the coast of Hong Kong and the UAE, with possible expansion to Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others.

How is it made? The tiles have a biometric layer inspired by the shape of the Platygyra coral — a type of coral with one of the best characteristics for tolerating sedimentation stress — to allow corals to latch on the Reef Tiles and “easily adapt to the new environment,” Archireef describes. After the 3D-printing process is completed, the tiles are then installed with the help of divers from the local communities. Within a few months, the impact and reef development are already visible, according to Archireef.

A pilot project was carried out in Abu Dhabi: About 160 reef tiles were placed near Umm Khorah island in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region in March with the help of ADQ and the support of Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, the National said. “You could see the immediate impact,” Tekerek said, adding that the titles have successfully attracted fish and sea urchins for shelter.

And the company has UAE backing: Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), Aldar Properties, and Abu Dhabi Porta are all partners of Archireef’s, according to their website. The start-up is also hosted by Hub71, the Emirate's global technology ecosystem accelerator.