The creative industry meets academia through an experimental approach to materials science. STEAMhouse, a UK based makerspace, in collaboration with Materiom, the open source data platform, have developed the BioBox, to encourage circular design principles and disruptive materials development. The BioBox is a postal kit, which includes natural ingredients used in conjunction with open source recipes. It facilitates a practical approach to materials science and circle design principles, enabling individuals to incorporate their own local waste streams into new sustainable material developments. Facilitated by digital technology, the cross disciplinary community enrolled on the short programme actively collaborate on materials research, cultivating new knowledge and a shared responsibility for sustainable materials development. This is an adapted approach to physical workshops allowing for wider participation with a lower bar to entry, encouraging all to engage, learn and share knowle