Top scientists and business leaders gathered today in Zurich to discuss how biomimicry – nature inspired innovation and design – has the potential to be a key driver of economic growth and the transition into a more energy and resources efficient economy.
Over 100 thought leaders in biomimicry innovation and finance from North America and more than 10 European countries gathered for the first time on such a platform. The Summit enables dialogue across borders, thus bridging biodiversity, biomimicry and business. The latest commercialization platforms and financing instruments to accelerate the path to market for bio-inspired innovation will be covered.
Biomimicry has its backbone on biodiversity and global ecosystem services, estimated worth of 16–64 trillion USD. In addition, biodiversity provides the economy with highly valuable insights in design, structures and organizational systems.
“Biomimicry can be understood as an approach to producing sustainable products, or a complete transformation of the way that humans view and interact with nature. Bio-inspired solutions have the potential to become industry leaders in innovation, energy efficiency, radical resources productivity and overall sustainability. There are numerous concrete examples in the market today – high speed train designs, natural ventilation systems in architecture, urban planning, textiles, new adhesives, and more. To accelerate the translation of bio-inspired technologies into commercial products and organizational change, appropriate financing models and metrics will have to be developed and implemented”, says Alain Schilli, CEO of Gaia Global SA.
The Biomimicry Europe Innovation and Finance Summit, held 29–31 August in Zurich, Switzerland, is organised by The Foundation for Global Sustainability (FFGS) in cooperation with swisscleantech, San Diego Zoo, Zurich Zoo, Biomimicry 3.8 (Montana/US), Wyss Institute Harvard (Boston) and Ethical Markets (Florida). Gaia is a partner of the Summit and moderates a roundtable on “Translation of discovery – Models and Platforms” and co-moderates a workgroup on sustainable business models.
For further information:
- Pasi Rinne, Chairman of the Board, Gaia Group, tel. +41 79 472 6909
- Alain Schilli, Managing Partner, Gaia Global, tel. + 41 79 349 6361
Internet:www.biomimicry.ch
