The Uplands was pleased to host the Biomimicry Institute’s 2024 cohort for a nature-centered retreat, just as the leaves were hitting their peak fall colors in the Catskills. “Biomimicry” is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies used by living organisms to solve challenges that we face in our society. This concept presents us with strategies for innovation and design that are more efficient and in greater reciprocity with the planet compared to current prevailing designs. The goal is to create products, processes, and systems—new ways of living—that solve our greatest design challenges sustainably and in solidarity with all life on earth.
The Biomimicry Institute envisions a regenerative future in design and industry that is guided by nature’s genius. To this end, the organization provides an “accelerator” program for 10 high-impact nature-inspired startups every year from all over the globe. Some examples of startups are: a novel sunscreen inspired by compounds found in the lens of the human eye that naturally absorb UVA and UVB radiation; wind turbines inspired by owl feathers to reduce noise pollution; and high-performance, non-toxic adhesives that mimic the proteins mussels use to adhere to surfaces in extreme marine environments.The accelerator program focuses on sustainable business training, communications support, and opportunities for non-dilutive funding, helping these startups cross a critical threshold in scaling their sustainable solutions.
At The Uplands, Biomimicry Institute brought their 2024 cohort of 10 startups to deepen their connection to nature, strengthen their ties to one another, and reconnect to their individual missions. The group enjoyed a “land history hike” on the Brook trail, sound bowls, forest bathing, grounding yoga, team building activities, a storytelling workshop, and multiple bonfires. An art activity allowed the individuals to reflect more deeply on their connection to nature in a leaf-collecting practice, which culminated in creating a large branching tree. The group also took an inspiring expedition off-site to a planting site for the American Chestnut foundation and an old-growth grove of Hemlock trees at the West Branch Preserve.
We thank the Biomimicry Institute for their efforts in creating a more sustainable world, and wish the 10 start-ups all the best!
Photos by Jessah Serafini
