Young Inventor · Climate Tech
Kaia Minn is a student inventor building biodegradable solutions for how we grow, store, and protect seeds — because the smallest fixes can carry the biggest ecological weight.
The Invention
Kaia's invention repurposes citrus peel waste into a biodegradable seed carrier — a low-cost, compostable alternative to plastic and synthetic polymer seed coatings. The peel's natural compounds help suppress mold growth both in the ground and in storage, while the pod's structure is designed to support a higher germination rate than uncoated seed.
It's a small object built to solve a large, unglamorous problem: seed loss to mold and poor germination is a real barrier for gardeners, farms, and reforestation efforts — and most existing fixes rely on plastic and synthetic polymer seed coatings that never break down.
Mold and low germination rates reduce the effectiveness of stored and planted seed, especially with plastic and synthetic polymer seed coatings that don't biodegrade.
Citrus peel chosen for its antimicrobial compounds and biodegradability — turning food waste into a functional circular-economy material.
Experimental trials measured germination rate, mold resistance in soil and storage conditions, and impact resistance of the pod structure.
Shared at the state, national, and inventor-conference level.
Recognition
Watch
Gallery
In the News
Featured across regional and national outlets.
Beyond the Lab
Invention isn't only about solving one problem — it's a way of working. Here's a look at Kaia's other project, a board game born from the same curiosity that drives her climate-tech work.
Also by Kaia
A board game that sends players on a journey through the stars, answering real NASA-sourced trivia along the way. Winner of Best Pitch at the Young Inventor Challenge, Chicago Toy & Game Fair.
Award
Recognized at the Young Inventor Challenge for the strength of the pitch and the concept behind the game.
Playtesting
A photo from playtesting Alpha Centauri Quest with players at a gaming event.
