A groundbreaking project by Colorado Mesa University has won the $5 million XPRIZE for biodiversity conservation, revolutionizing how we understand rainforest ecosystems.

Shining a Light on the Canopy

The tropical rainforest is often described as one of Earth’s last great mysteries. Its dense canopy harbors countless species, many of which remain unknown to science. The CMU team’s innovation, dubbed Limelight Rainforest, offers a way to peek into this elusive world.

Since 2019, the team of faculty, staff, and students has been perfecting a platform designed to collect data from the rainforest canopy. The device isn’t just another high-tech gadget—it’s a game-changer.

“We drop these limelight drafts into the canopy, and leave them overnight. Attached are audio recorders that capture bird calls, insect chirps, and frog croaks,” explained Associate Professor Denita Weeks.

This inventive approach doesn’t just gather sounds; it translates them into critical biodiversity data.

A Race Against the Clock

Competitions like XPRIZE don’t give teams unlimited time. For CMU, producing results under pressure was part of the challenge.

The final submission? A 365-page biodiversity report meticulously detailing their findings.

“It was exhausting, but worth every moment,” shared Johana Varner, lead report writer and Associate Professor of Biology.

The stakes were high, and so were emotions.

“When they announced second place, we realized we’d won—but it still felt unreal,” Varner added.

A Global Experience with Local Impact

For undergraduate student Taylor Schmitz, the opportunity was life-changing.

“This research matters to me because climate change is shaping our future. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d travel to Brazil, let alone be part of a winning team,” Schmitz said.

Her sentiment captures the personal and professional growth the project has sparked within the CMU community.

Scaling Up the Vision

Winning the competition is just the beginning. The team envisions Limelight Rainforest as more than a tool—it’s a movement.

“We aim to involve communities living in and around these ecosystems. Together, we can preserve the rainforest for future generations,” Weeks emphasized.

This vision ties technology with grassroots conservation, ensuring that the project remains accessible and impactful.

Key Takeaways from Limelight Rainforest’s Approach:

• Simple, scalable methods: Affordable tech like audio recorders can revolutionize how biodiversity is monitored.
• Community involvement: Empowering local populations strengthens long-term conservation efforts.
• Data-driven insights: Comprehensive reports enable informed decisions for preservation policies.

The rainforest’s mysteries may be vast, but the CMU team’s Limelight Rainforest is proving that innovation, collaboration, and determination can illuminate even the darkest corners.