Nature stores millions of kWh of energy every day, cleans millions of cubic meters of water, produces millions of cubic meters of oxygen, absorbs millions of tons of CO2, produces millions of tons of biomass, ... and still looks good. Our living environment does all this in normal ambient temperature, without any imported energy, with only about 5 natural elements,  without having to haul resources, without any technology and often under the most difficult and appalling conditions. Our biosphere contains millions of years of experience in problem-solving - why do we not let it inspire ourselves more often to solve our daily, entrepreneurial and social problems?

Biomimicry, defined as 'nature-inspired innovation', does exactly that. Developed about 20 years ago by J. Benyus in the USA (B3.8 and Biomimicry Institute), the Biomimicry method enjoys growing attention around the world. The idea is not to recreate nature, but to learn from her and to apply strategies from nature to create human solutions. Biomimicry is focused on sustainability, performance and effectiveness, but above all on the rethinking of why and how we do things. Biomimicry is a domain of innovation, an application method, as well as a philosophy for life and work. Through hints from the multitude of organisms, she seeks to shape a sustainable and life-friendly human existence on planet Earth.

A well-known example is the lotus, whose property of repelling water and dirt particles is already used for self-cleaning surfaces. Another is the self-healing horn of the rhinoceros, which is increasingly inspiring self-repairing materials. Or the termite hill, which has inspired buildings that are able to cope without any technical cooling even in the hottest regions. These are just three of thousands of examples of how innovators are employing references from the living world to rethink our materials, processes, products, and systems. Living organisms can inspire entrepreneurs and creators to create more efficient, more sustainable, more cost-effective technologies and products. The possibilities are endless when we consult nature. Let Biomimicry Switzerland introduce you to the philosophy and methodology of Biomimicry for an evening and take a look at their most convincing application examples.