Biomimicry Institute newsletter: May 2016

This month, learn how to join fellow biomimics at the 2016 Bioneers conference this October, get introduced to a thriving biomimicry network based in Bangalore, India, follow the latest updates from the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge finalists, and find out how to sign up for excellent online biomimicry courses.

Biomimicry at Bioneers 2016

We invite you to join fellow nature-lovers to celebrate biomimicry at the 2016 National Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, California, this October.

From a keynote with Janine Benyus, to an award event for the first-ever $100,000 Ray C. Anderson Foundation Ray of Hope Prize, to plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and explore, this year's Bioneers conference shouldn't be missed.
Register here with the code BIOMIMICRY and save 15%!

Here's what you can be part of at this year's Bioneers event:

Thursday, 10/20: Design Challenge Pitch Event and Tech Showcase

Watch as the seven Biomimicry Accelerator teams pitch their nature-inspired food system innovations in front of a panel of celebrity judges for a fun, friendly version of a biomimicry-themed "Shark Tank," held at the Children's Creativity Museum in San Francisco, California. More information to follow soon.

Friday, 10/21 - Sunday, 10/23: 2016 National Bioneers Conference

Keynote speech from Janine Benyus
Ray C. Anderson Foundation Ray of Hope Prize award event (Find out which Biomimicry Global Design Challenge Accelerator team will win the $100,000 grand prize live!)
Biomimicry workshops and panels
Nature walks and hands-on activities with the Coastal Redwood Biomimicry Network

Register today and join the fun! Use the code BIOMIMICRY to save 15%.
Be sure to register soon - early bird rates will end on June 15.

Biomimicry is thriving in the Amazon and beyond!

A network specifically tailored to the Spanish-speaking community, called the RI+3 BIOMIMICRY NETWORK, has formed, including several universities and institutions from different counties such as Brazil, Bolivia, Spain, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Perú, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, and Cuba.

On April 27-29, 2016, this newly-formed network held their first meeting in Colombia, called the Biomimicry International Symposium. The next gathering will be held in Bolivia.

"Latin America will play an important role as both a source of biodiversity and knowledge," said Symposium participant and Biomimicry Professional Hugo Aurajo. "By bringing the indigenous knowledge and local wisdom to the conversation, we were fully inspired to find the balance between humans and nature."

You can learn more about the network and this successful first event here.

More news:

ScienceFriday interviews two engineers who are turning to geckos, cockroaches, lobster eyes, and elephantnose fish for inspiration in their research.

Writer, speaker and advocate Matt Grocoff describes how biomimicry can help save Michigan (and beyond!).

GreenBiz shares inspiration from an AskNature Collection that explores how we can build resilient food systems.

Harvard Business Review delves into the "biology of corporate survival."

Explore the California Academy of Sciences' brand-new online magazine, bioGraphic.

From an "aha" moment to a thriving network: A look at Biomimicry India

We've all seen renditions of Hollywood movies that depict our protagonists’ breakthrough moment where suddenly the clouds part, revealing blue skies and sunshine, and miraculously they know exactly what it is they are meant to do. For architect Seema Anand and entrepreneur and architect Prashant Dhawan of Biomimicry India, that revelation came in the form of a lecture. Read more.

It's full-speed ahead for the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge Accelerator teams

It’s been a busy six months for the 2015 Biomimicry Global Design Challenge finalists who went on to enter our Biomimicry Accelerator. After pitching and getting feedback on their design concepts in-person during SXSW Eco in Austin, TX, these intrepid innovators began working furiously to test and prototype their nature-inspired design concepts. Read more.

Biomimicry basics and beyond

Learn how to apply biomimicry to any challenge, whenever and wherever you are. In this self-paced, online course, instructor Denise DeLuca will show you a step-by-step method for turning nature's strategies into innovative solutions for human problems. You’ll not only learn the 'what' and 'why' of biomimicry, you’ll learn how to apply the Biomimicry Design Spiral to solve technical and non-technical problems.

Register here.
This course is approved by the GBCI for 4 CEUs.

Biomimicry: Pathway to Innovation course

Join the International Institute of Sustainability Professionals for a 1-month, online course designed specifically for sustainability change agents. You will learn about the emerging discipline of biomimicry and apply biomimicry thinking and Life’s Principles (nature’s sustainable design principles) to real world challenges. Taught by Biomimicry Professional Mary Hansel, with guest lectures by other leading professionals in the field, including Karen Allen, Lindsay James, and Denise DeLuca. Register by May 31 for a reduced $400 rate ($450 after May 31).

Learn more and register here.
Photo: John Mitchell, Flickr

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