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Experience is often valued as a key asset, but relying solely on it can hinder innovation. To foster creative solutions, it is beneficial to look beyond familiar territories, including other industries and even nature itself. Biomimicry, the discipline that studies nature’s designs and processes to inspire innovative solutions, offers a promising approach. Popularized by Janine Benyus in 1997, biomimicry draws on billions of years of natural evolution to address human challenges efficiently and sustainably. Its roots date back to thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, and today, biomimicry is gaining momentum, reflected in the increasing number of related patents.
Applying biomimicry involves curiosity-driven questions, studying natural models through resources like AskNature.org, and engaging directly with nature, sometimes via specialized expeditions. Networking through events and workshops also helps connect innovators with experts. Successful biomimicry projects include Regen Energy’s bee-inspired software optimizing HVAC systems, Biomatrica’s DNA preservation method based on shrimp, Felsum’s gecko-inspired adhesive Geckskin, and Altair’s 3D design software mimicking bone density patterns. These examples highlight how nature’s time-tested strategies can lead to breakthroughs in technology, architecture, and processes, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace biomimicry as a powerful source of innovation.
Looking for role models in other companies can be a way to shape your startup. You can also go further and innovate by taking inspiration from other elements, such as nature.
It’s a common idea, and, to be honest, quite accurate: experience is a positive element. However, on some occasions, having it as the only guide can lead to negative consequences, such as, for example, preventing the development of innovative thinking. It is for this reason that being able to raise our gaze to borders that go beyond what we know may not only be recommended, but necessary. One way to do this is to look at what other companies or industries are doing. But you can go further. Some experts say that sometimes the greatest advances are derived from the study of the nature that surrounds us through biomimicry
To do this, we have biomimicry, which is the science that studies nature as a source of inspiration for the design of innovative solutions (technological, architectural, process, among others), to solve problems that humans encounter in our lives. The term was popularized by scientist and author Janine Benyus with her book ‘Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature’ in 1997. However, its roots go further, even to the Renaissance, when Leonardo da Vinci modeled many of his inventions and designs on what he saw in nature and the human body. However, today it is becoming more and more popular, to the point that the number of biomimicry patents has not stopped growing in recent years.
The idea behind this discipline is that nature is millions of years ahead of humans in any field, and that is why it is very advantageous to be inspired by it or to copy it directly. “Biomimicry is a new language that allows us to ask questions of nature. The most elegant, efficient and sustainable solutions to many of the human problems were created billions of years ago,” says the Biomimetic Sciences Institute on its website.
How to apply biomimicry
Entrepreneurs and startups interested in this subject can follow some basic tips to start developing their projects.
- Ask yourself questions. Like many innovations, biomimicry-based ones often start out curious. Before you design a product, ask yourself: What do I want the product to do? Is there an element in nature that does something similar?
- Analyze studies and data. For example, those offered by AskNature.org, a free searchable database of ways nature solves it.
- Get to know the natural world. Getting closer to the natural world is a good foundation. Some entities, such as the consulting firm Biomimicry 3.8, offers to take designers on expeditions where they learn about biomimicry and observe nature directly, to propose and put into practice new real ideas.
- The importance of networking. Periodically, events or workshops are held to put people who have ideas or want to solve certain problems in contact with experts and academics. Participating in this type of activity is a good way to start working along these lines.
Some examples of successful biomimicry
This science, and the philosophy that inspires it, have made it possible to develop interesting projects capable of successfully meeting their objectives. Examples include:
- Regen Energy designed software based on the bee swarm logic. With that technology, heating and cooling units work together wirelessly to maximize energy efficiency.
- Biomatrica copied the protection mechanism of shrimp from brine to create a method for preserving DNA and RNA.
- Felsum’s adhesive product, Geckskin, was influenced by the ability of a species of lizard known as a gecko to walk on walls. Geckskin forms a strong bond, but one that has the advantage of being easily removed without leaving residue.
- Altair created 3-D design software for products such as airplanes and automobiles, inspired by the way bones develop in the human body. The program builds density where there is more stress and reduces design where there is none.
