Biomimicry Institute
Overview
The Biomimicry Institute is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the study and imitation of nature's designs and processes to solve human problems, a discipline known as biomimicry. Founded in 2006 by Janine Benyus and Bryony Schwan, the institute aims to create a new generation of innovators who are well-versed in the principles of biomimicry and can apply them to create sustainable solutions.
History
The Biomimicry Institute was established in 2006 by Janine Benyus, a biologist and author of the book "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature", and Bryony Schwan, an environmental activist. The institute was born out of their shared vision to make biomimicry a natural part of the design process. Since its inception, the institute has been instrumental in promoting biomimicry as a viable approach to innovation, providing resources and guidance to individuals, educators, and businesses.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Biomimicry Institute is to empower people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. The institute envisions a world where biomimicry is a natural part of the design process, leading to sustainable innovations that support a life-affirming future. The institute works towards this vision by providing a range of programs and initiatives that promote the understanding and application of biomimicry principles.
Programs and Initiatives
The Biomimicry Institute offers a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the understanding and application of biomimicry. These include:
- Biomimicry Global Design Challenge: An annual competition that encourages students and professionals to create innovative, nature-inspired solutions to critical sustainability issues.
- Biomimicry Launchpad: An accelerator program that provides mentorship, funding, and business support to help teams from the Global Design Challenge bring their ideas to market.
- Youth Design Challenge: A project-based learning experience that introduces middle and high school students to biomimicry and invites them to use these principles to solve a design challenge.
- AskNature: An online resource that provides a database of nature's solutions to design challenges, as well as educational resources on biomimicry.
Impact and Influence
The Biomimicry Institute has had a significant impact on the field of biomimicry, both through its educational initiatives and its promotion of biomimicry-based solutions to global challenges. The institute's Global Design Challenge has sparked numerous innovative ideas, while the Launchpad program has helped bring several of these ideas to market. Through its work, the institute has helped to foster a growing community of biomimicry practitioners around the world.