Using Nature As A Blueprint

Nature is resilient. Through 3.8 billion years of evolution, the natural world has developed strategies to adapt and survive in changing conditions over time. It is also intelligent, having found the best way to coexist with thousands of other species.

What can humans learn from nature’s treasure trove of innovations? And how might that change the way we design things – from textiles to cities to medicine?

Biomimicry Institute seek to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges by harnessing the power of nature to create sustainable, systemic change.

Investing In The Future

At the heart of Biomimicry Institute lies the Ray of Hope Accelerator, a startup incubator that supports early-stage companies who are looking to nature to create a healthier world.

Each year, the programme selects ten high-impact startups from around the world, spanning sectors from healthcare to energy to materials science. These ventures receive funding from the institute, and participate in a 6-month programme that provides them with coaching sessions, networking events, business training, investor connections, and a week-long nature retreat.

The Ray of Hope Accelerator is deeply committed to biomimicry as both a design philosophy and a systems-thinking framework, and has a proven track record with over 40 thriving companies on their roster.

Ray of Hope RE:TV Contributors

Since it was founded in 2020, RE:TV have had the honour of interviewing five inspiring Ray of Hope Accelerator participants.

Mycocyle

Mycocycle train fungi to consume construction waste and transform it into a safe, reusable resource. By harnessing the enzyme that disintegrates complex organic matter like bone, even the toughest materials can be broken down. This process creates a byproduct that can be used for insulation and packaging. It could even be applied to other difficult materials like heavy metals and oil.

GreenPod Labs

In India, 40% of the produce grown is wasted before it ever reaches consumers. GreenPod Labs are addressing this issue with tiny sachets that contain up to 12 bioactive ingredients specific to each crop. These packets activate built-in defence mechanism that protects fruit and vegetables from outside stresses. By slowing down the ripening rate, produce is kept fresh longer.

New Iridium

Photosynthesis is the natural process that converts light energy into chemical energy. It is also the inspiration behind New Iridium’s technology. Using light – rather than fossil fuels – to activate the chemical process, New Iridium have created a technique that consumes more CO2 than it emits. Their 100% bio-based chemicals go into car parts, electronics, pharmaceuticals, solar panels, and more.

Biome Renewables

Biome Renewables are taking inspiration from the natural world to improve the efficiency and design of renewable energy products. Inspired by owl wings, FeatherEdge wind turbine blades are serrated in a way that decreases noise pollution to the surrounding area. Their second wind turbine product, PowerCone, takes its cues from both the kingfisher and maple seeds – both helping to address leakage and maximise wind power.

Retein

Each of the cells in our body is covered by a membrane that allows specific resources to move in and out of them using channel proteins. Retein has harnessed this process, “nature’s finest separation”, to recover valuable resources from waste water – including the clean water itself. This solution makes fresh water more accessible for water-stressed regions.

Towards A Regenerative Future

Biomimicry Institute’s broader vision is to transform the “take-make-waste” industrial paradigm into one that is regenerative, inclusive, and deeply connected to the natural world. Through initiatives like the Ray of Hope Accelerator, it is not only nurturing the next generation of changemakers but also proving that nature holds the blueprint for a more resilient and equitable future.