A team led by Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) Professor Matthew Spenko has returned from the Amazon after competing in the finals of the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team, named Welcome to the Jungle, included members from Purdue University, Natural State, The Morton Arboretum, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden-Chinese Academy of Sciences, and local Indigenous communities.
XPRIZE Rainforest is a global five-year, $10 million competition aimed at innovating rapid and autonomous technology for biodiversity monitoring and data collection in tropical rainforests. After semifinals in Singapore in spring 2023, six teams advanced to the finals held in the Amazon in July 2024. Teams were judged on their ability to survey biodiversity within 24 hours and produce impactful real-time insights within 48 hours.
“This experience has been transformative for all of us involved,” said Spenko. “The interdisciplinary nature of our team has allowed us to leverage expertise from various fields, leading to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of the rainforest ecosystem.”
Welcome to the Jungle used local and Indigenous knowledge experts along with remote sensing from automated drone flights and satellite data for tree canopy assessment. They also deployed sensor packages via drones to capture acoustic data, imagery, and environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing for biodiversity identification.
Purdue University's Associate Professor Jinha Jung led aerial surveying efforts. “The integration of aerial surveying technology with on-the-ground data has provided unprecedented insights into the rainforest’s biodiversity,” said Jung.
In one instance highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration, Indigenous knowledge was used to locate water sources which were then analyzed for eDNA using drones. Although water levels were too low for robust results due to dry season conditions, this episode showcased how traditional ecological knowledge can enhance scientific research.
Throughout the competition, Welcome to the Jungle adhered strictly to Brazilian laws regarding genetic heritage and benefit-sharing. XPRIZE partnered with Brazil's National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) for necessary permits. All genetic samples were registered through SISGEN for transparency and compliance.
“The Welcome to the Jungle team exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary partnerships in advancing our understanding of rainforest ecosystems,” said Chai-Shian Kua from The Morton Arboretum’s Center for Species Survival: Trees.
Natural State contributed by developing monitoring technologies like uKweli, an impact monitoring system quantifying restoration project impacts on carbon, biodiversity, and social benefits. Field researcher Margaret Njuguna noted that these innovations improve monitoring capabilities even in areas with low internet connectivity.
Illinois Tech students gained hands-on experience working alongside global experts during this project. “Participating in the XPRIZE Rainforest project is an incredible learning experience,” said student Khang Pham.
Kevin Cassel from Illinois Tech emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration's role in advancing applied research and providing experiential learning opportunities for students. “Professor Spenko’s team has been an inspiring example of how experts across disciplines can collaborate,” he said.
Illinois Tech alumnus Jim Albrecht contributed to travel costs for Welcome to the Jungle. The winner of the XPRIZE Rainforest competition will be announced later this year.