Biomimicry as a problem-solving method has gained significant traction in academia and research institutions, as evidenced by the activity in biomimetic and nature-inspired design within ASU and many other US and international universities. The Biomimicry Institute has facilitated knowledge transfer in this new field by developing a tool for public use called askNature. This library of solutions provides numerous examples of how mechanisms found in biological and ecological models can inform and improve human technology.  However, to achieve its full potential impact, these solutions must be adopted in practical applications, which generally means some form of commercialization. Translation of knowledge from the lab to the market (also known as technology transfer) is an important goal of our Center.

With the support of the Nadathur Foundation, the Biomimicry Center is collaborating with Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, the not-for-profit Biomimicry Institute and its Ray of Hope Accelerator, and the venture capital Vitality Fund to support nature-inspired innovation.  Together we are building a community of practice for translational research and entrepreneurship in biomimicry.  Our goal is to bring together resources and talent from across the ASU ecosystem to create, curate, and develop startups that solve challenges with solutions inspired by nature.  Beginning in Fall 2024, we will work with a pilot group of ventures to validate and de-risk potential technologies for further development.  The model will then serve as a framework for other universities to build out similar networks in support of bio-inspired innovation.