The Biomimicry Institute empowers and supports people to create nature-inspired solutions to modern problems. Their vision is to use biomimicry – the practice of learning from nature’s patterns and process – to address three major challenges: climate change and biodiversity loss, our disconnection from nature, and the harmful “take, make, waste” mindset and model.

One of Biomimicry’s several initiatives is to create an annual cohort of start-ups who look to nature as a guide for their innovation and design. The cohort is chosen from a global application pool, and The Biomimicry Institute provides them critical resources and support to turn their inspiration into reality. The cohort visits The Uplands as their intensive in-person nature immersion gathering.

Among the many nature-inspired startups in attendance were an atmospheric water-harvesting system modeled on the Australian tree frog’s ability to capture water directly from the air; an oil spill cleaning technology inspired by how fungi naturally break down complex hydrocarbons; and city infrastructure intelligence based on slime mold finding efficient pathways through complex environments. More information about these fascinating endeavors can be found here.

The group had several focused work sessions each day to connect their vision to its ecological impact, turn insight into direction, deepen their connection to the cohort, and identify next steps. Despite a very rainy week, the group complemented their working goals with several land-based activities including forest bathing, a garden harvest & food processing session, a land history hike, and a wild plants walk. The group left more connected with their startup’s goal, the natural systems that inspired them, and their community of support through The Biomimicry Institute.