William Tan is a 15-year-old inventor from the United States developing sensor-equipped artificial reefs and hands-on marine engineering programs for young people.
Build A Reef extends Tan’s 3M Young Scientist prototype into full-scale artificial reef structures. Designed to provide shelter for fish and other aquatic life, the reefs also carry sensors that collect data on underwater conditions. The nonprofit pairs this technical work with student-led building and education programs, giving young people experience with reef design, environmental monitoring and practical fabrication. Through community partnerships, Tan is beginning to move the project from a competition prototype toward field installations, linking local habitat restoration with a model of climate education centered on making and observation.
Tan founded Build A Reef and leads its reef design, partnerships, youth programs and expansion. He is responsible for translating the original prototype into field-ready installations and a repeatable student curriculum.