Join our online Q&A for nature-inspired startups about the Ray of Hope Accelerator. Ask anything about applications, program benefits, or The Biomimicry Institute.

We accelerate nature-inspired startups scaling environmental solutions. Ten global startups annually (Pre-seed to Series A) receive $15,000 non-dilutive funding and over $50,000 in services: mentoring, investor introductions, and a Nature Retreat. We foster founder growth and community, with 60+ successful companies in our portfolio.

Applications for the 2025 Cohort open March 2nd and close April 24th. Visit our website to learn more, including eligibility, criteria, and FAQs on the application page.

Janine Benyus, the "Godmother of Biomimicry," advocates for humans to become a "welcome species" by designing settlements that give back to the planet. Through Biomimicry 3.8, she demonstrates how human environments can emulate nature's ecological gifts.

Benyus envisions cities functioning like forests—storing water, purifying air, cycling nutrients, and nurturing biodiversity. Her "Project Positive" initiatives prove this regenerative vision is achievable by asking, "What would Nature do here?" Discover more at biomimicry.net.

John Todd's lyrical exploration reveals essential ecological design principles, demonstrating how mimicking nature leads to breakthrough solutions. He shares insights from his award-winning eco-industrial park and strategies for purifying water bodies, from Lake Champlain to Venice. His natural sewage treatment systems utilize native plants to break down pollutants and produce clean water, aiming to evolve a holistic technological and social framework.

This talk was delivered at the 2002 Bioneers National Conference, part of the Ecological Design Collection, Vol. 1. Since 1990, Bioneers has served as a vital hub for social and scientific innovators, offering practical solutions for pressing environmental and social challenges.

For decades, scientists have warned of climate and biodiversity crises stemming from deforestation and fossil fuels, simultaneously developing nature-based solutions. Despite the urgency and available solutions, peer-reviewed climate science, including Dr. Simard's work informing forest climate solutions for western North America, faces widespread efforts to discredit it. Her talk will delve into the recent backlash she has experienced.

This keynote was delivered at the 2024 Bioneers Conference. To view other talks, visit http://www.bioneers.org.

The world's design challenges can often be addressed by copying nature, a concept known as biomimicry. Explore this idea further with 99% Invisible, an independent radio show by Roman Mars focusing on design and architecture. It began as a collaborative project between San Francisco's KALW and the American Institute of Architects.

For additional insights, download a biomimicry infographic here.

This environmental video essay explores biomimicry, examining how nature-inspired design extends beyond architecture and materials to foster better relationships, activism, and communities.

Drawing on adrienne maree brown's emergent strategy, the essay demonstrates how natural principles can guide us through a complex social world.

Support future videos via Patreon, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or email occ.climate@gmail.com. Download a biomimicry infographic here.

In a TEDxSingaporeWomen talk from March 18, 2013, Dr. Low Hong Yee explores Nano Imprint technology. This innovative field creates natural structures and textures, enabling applications such as chemical-free color.

A 2010 L'Oréal for Women in Science Fellowship recipient, Dr. Low aspires to industrialize her research. She currently leads an Industrial Consortium on Nanoimprint Technology. Discover more about her work here.

George Crombie, President of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and a senior faculty member at Norwich University, discussed key principles in an interview. He emphasized the importance of looking to nature (biomimicry), a multi-disciplined approach to problem-solving, applying cultural principles, visionary leadership, and acting for the common good.

Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv conducted the interview on July 28, 2011, during the APWA Sustainability in Public Works Conference in Portland, Oregon.

Janine Benyus urges inventors to look to nature for design solutions. She demonstrates how natural principles inspire innovative products—from waterproof materials to aerodynamic and solar-powered technologies—achieving spectacular results.

Presented on August 6, 2009, this talk highlights the power of biomimicry. Explore more at the Biomimicry Institute, TED.com, and TED's Top 10 Talks.