Biomimicry is a relatively new science, consisting of the replication of materials and practices found in nature to solve human challenges. It is best described by Jane M. Benyus, author of “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature,” as the echoing of nature’s processes and structures, to use as a guide in aspects of every day life. The Biomimicry Institute, founded in 2005 by Benyus, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the network of biomimics and fostering new ideas.
The Biomimicry Institute is hosting its third annual student design challenge, to find solutions that can be used for real-life situations and move us towards sustainable innovation. Past competition winners have brought their winning concepts to fruition with corporate clients. The theme for this year’s competition is: “Biomimetic Solutions to Energy Efficiency Challenges.”
This contest is open to student teams from any university in the world. The Institute advises that university staff give students an elective course in order to allocate enough time for their entries during the Fall 2012 semester, while also incorporating the project with current course learnings (i.e., design, engineering, biology, and/or innovation). Prior to participation, teams must register with the Biomimicry Institute at www.biomimicryinstitute.org.
Further information about the contest can be found here.
