Biomimicry Institute Announces 2024 Ray of Hope Accelerator Cohort

July 17, 2024 /3BL/ - The Biomimicry Institute, a not-for-profit organization focused on realizing a nature-positive, inclusive and regenerative world inspired and guided by nature’s genius, today announced the 10 startups selected to participate in the transformational Ray of Hope Accelerator. The six-month accelerator is designed to propel nature-inspired startups towards commercialization through robust training, networking, $15,000 in non-dilutive funding and over $50,000 of in-kind services.

"This year we have an incredibly diverse group of startups that reflect the Biomimicry Institute’s new disruptive and global strategy. The impact that their nature-inspired technologies can have on Climate Change and Biodiversity loss across key industry sectors, is enormous.” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO at The Biomimicry Institute.

The 2024 cohort of the Ray of Hope accelerator are pioneering inspiring solutions through their use of biomimicry (also referred to as nature-inspired or bioinspired design). Ideas presented include developing cutting edge energy storage solutions inspired by hemoglobin to a platform technology inspired by the versatility of mucus, amongst others. Selected from hundreds of impressive submissions from startups around the world, the Biomimicry Institute is proud to announce the top 10 startups selected to participate in this transformational program.

The 10 selected startups include:

• AZUL Energy Inc., Japan - Creates energy storage and transfer catalysts inspired by hemoglobin.
   
• Brokkr Mineral Resources Corporation, Canada - Works with electrogenic bacteria to source low-cost, high quality nickel and cobalt.
   
• Cellulotech Inc., Canada - Impartes a superhydrophobic lotus effect on cellulosic products like paper, via green chemistry.
   
• FIBERLY, France/Argentina - Turns cellulosic textile waste into high quality fibers, molecularly similar to cotton.
   
• Gel Matter Co., USA - Develops novel hydrogels that mimic natural mucus, with functions like lubrication and adhesion.
   
• ReefCycle LLC, USA - Grows unique bio-cement from plant enzymes via biomineralization.
   
• SanaHeal Inc., USA - Creates wet binding bioadhesives inspired by barnacles and spider webs.
   
• Scentian Bio Limited, New Zealand - Builds disruptive sensor platforms that emulates chemical receptors found in insects.
   
• Soarce Inc., USA - Transforms seaweed waste into high performing and low impact chemistries, via a novel refinery process.
   
• Tuebor Energy Inc., USA - Develops next generation battery components inspired by cartilage nanostructure.

Selected startups will begin the six-month accelerator program in September with a networking reception during New York Climate Week, followed by an in-person nature retreat focused on community building, leadership and reconnection. Throughout the Ray of Hope accelerator program, the Biomimicry Institute will provide each startup with in-depth support, access to their deep network of corporate and investment leaders and training to accelerate the market deployment of participants’ nature-inspired solutions.

“As a Foundation, it was a privilege to have been a part of this year’s external selection committee for the Ray of Hope Accelerator. The quality of applications is testament to the growth of the programme, and also the scale at which nature-inspired changemakers are coming up with new and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. We wish to welcome and congratulate this new cohort of changemakers, and look forward to seeing their growth throughout the year.” Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and DEI Officer at Bentley Motors, and responsible for the Bentley Environmental Foundation

The Ray of Hope program is entering its fifth year with an updated, more robust format courtesy of a new partnership with the Bentley Environmental Foundation, in addition to the support of its keystone partner the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and corporate innovation partner L’Oréal. The program has successfully supported 39 companies so far, with past participants having secured additional funding, greater awareness of their work through media, paid proof-of-concept pilot contracts with major corporations, and increased sales as a result of the program’s extensive network. Previous cohorts comprised companies from 15 different countries, were 40% female founders, and included award-winning startups like Anodyne Chemistries (Canada, 2023) Sparxell (UK, 2023) GreenPod Labs (India, 2022), Spintex Engineering (UK, 2021), ECOncrete Tech (Israel, 2020). To see a full list of past nature-inspired startups that have completed the Ray of Hope program, click here.

For more information on the Ray of Hope program and to learn how to support it, visit biomimicry.org/RayofHopePrize.

About the Biomimicry Institute

The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2005 that connects individuals to enable a nature-positive, inclusive and regenerative world inspired and guided by nature’s genius. To advance the solution process, the Institute offers AskNature.org, the largest free, living database of biological strategies for sustainable innovation. The organization also provides a Biomimicry Launchpad incubator program, and the Ray of Hope Accelerator, which supports nature-inspired startups in scaling systemic solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. The Institute has also launched a new collaborative initiative called Design for Transformation, which will pilot technologies that convert discarded clothes and textiles into biocompatible raw materials. This fall, the Institute will introduce an AskNature Community Subscription platform, designed to foster collaboration and innovation in a globally engaged community dedicated to a nature-positive future. For more information, visit www.biomimicry.org.

Media Contact:

Jared Yarnall-Schane
Director of Innovation
innovation@biomimicry.org