Where Architecture Meets Marine Biology: Ulrike Pfreundt on Coral Restoration

As co-founder and co-CEO of RRREEFS, she is pioneering a novel approach to rebuilding lost reef ecosystems—using 3D-printed clay structures inspired by architecture, biology, and fluid dynamics. In conversation with host Susan Kish, Ulrike explains how coral reefs protect coastlines, why reef loss is accelerating, and how interdisciplinary collaboration at ETH Zurich sparked her mission. She speaks candidly about the challenges of scaling impact, the importance of transparency in climate work, and the need to rethink financial models for regeneration. From dive training on Elba to launching one of the world’s most innovative reef restoration startups, Ulrike’s story is a powerful testament to curiosity, purpose, and the power of science to heal ocean ecosystems. 

Download Read the transcript here (PDF, 98 KB) or listen to her story on Spotify and Apple Music.