Biomimicry is a discipline that seeks inspiration from biological processes and strategies found in nature to enhance human design, technology, and activities, all to create sustainable products, processes, and systems. This practice involves drawing from the natural world that surrounds us, appreciating its wisdom, respecting it, and rediscovering the interconnectedness that makes us a vital part of our ecosystem. Biomimicry embodies values such as understanding, empathy, regeneration, and harmony, all contributing to a design philosophy that extends solidarity to all forms of life.

Emulate, Ethos, and (Re)Connect are the three fundamental principles at the heart of this discipline. They guide the process of observing and translating insights from nature into innovative designs. Emulate, within biomimicry, signifies learning from nature’s forms, processes, and ecosystems to create regenerative projects. Ethos provides the lens through which we understand the workings of life, while (Re)Connect delves into and nurtures the relationships between human beings and the broader natural world.

To illustrate biomimicry in action, consider Fusion Bionic technology, which draws inspiration from the surface structures of plants and insects. Upon examining the wing of a butterfly, the leaf of a lotus plant ↑, or the eye of a moth under a microscope, we observe a unique array of nano-pillars → that repel water, dirt, and bacteria, and enhance light absorption. Fusion Bionic’s technology replicates this surface treatment, along with its advantageous properties, on human-made materials. Termed “Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP)”, this highly efficient process nano-texturizes surfaces using the properties of light. It can be scaled up with low energy consumption and without the use of harmful chemicals or toxins. This innovative project has earned recognition as a finalist for the 2022 Ray of Hope Award, celebrating nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.