The giant manta ray, the world's largest ray, can reach up to 29 feet wide, significantly larger than other ray species. Discover more in our [Marine Life

The giant manta ray, the world's largest ray, can reach up to 29 feet wide, significantly larger than other ray species. Discover more in our [Marine Life Encyclopedia](https://bit.ly/30F1LsD).

Join our community of Wavemakers by subscribing to our channel. Stay connected with us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oceana/), [Twitter](http://twitter.com/oceana), and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/oceana/).

Rewatch our interactive showcase featuring ten startups from the Ray of Hope Accelerator. These founders, after six months, demonstrate how biomimicry—nature's strategies—addresses urgent

Rewatch our interactive showcase featuring ten startups from the Ray of Hope Accelerator. These founders, after six months, demonstrate how biomimicry—nature's strategies—addresses urgent global challenges in energy, materials, water, and biodiversity. Innovations range from bio-inspired coatings and surgical adhesives to cultured wood and microplastic filters.

The Ray of Hope Accelerator, a six-month program by the Biomimicry Institute, supports early-stage, nature-inspired startups with funding, mentorship, and expert access. Applications for the 2026 cohort open in early March. Join our Ask Us Anything Session on March 18 at 9:00 AM PT: Ask Us Anything Session.

Missed the Ray of Hope Demo Day 2024? Watch the recording to see 10 nature-inspired startups present groundbreaking, biomimicry-powered solutions for pressing environmental challenges. Discover

Missed the Ray of Hope Demo Day 2024? Watch the recording to see 10 nature-inspired startups present groundbreaking, biomimicry-powered solutions for pressing environmental challenges. Discover how these visionary companies are reimagining sustainability.

Hosted by the Ray of Hope Accelerator at The Biomimicry Institute, which supports high-impact startups with funding and mentorship, this recording offers inspiration for the future of nature-inspired innovation. Watch now.

Learn more about The Biomimicry Institute: biomimicry.org, asknature.org, asknaturehive.biomimicry.org. Connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

TEDx events are independently organized. Guidelines for organizers are detailed here. This talk was presented at an

TEDx events are independently organized. Guidelines for organizers are detailed here. This talk was presented at an independently organized TEDx event; learn more at ted.com/tedx.

John Lanier, Executive Director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, continues his grandfather Ray C. Anderson's environmental legacy. He advocates for a holistic climate change approach, exemplified by Drawdown Georgia, which tackles emissions and social issues like unemployment and hunger.

Lanier serves on the Southface Institute board and authored “Mid-Course Correction Revisited,” an update to his grandfather’s book. He holds a Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and economics from the University of Virginia.

Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) cause millions of deaths annually due to biofilm. ACatechol (cohort 2023) developed a groundbreaking, bioinspired catheter, inspired by marine

Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) cause millions of deaths annually due to biofilm. ACatechol (cohort 2023) developed a groundbreaking, bioinspired catheter, inspired by marine organisms, featuring a biofilm-repelling surface. Preclinical studies show over 40% infection reduction, potentially saving 2 million lives yearly and significantly reducing waste.

The Ray of Hope Accelerator (formerly Prize), honoring Ray C. Anderson, champions nature-inspired solutions for global environmental challenges. ACatechol was a 2022 finalist. The Accelerator continues to support nature-inspired startups. Learn more at AskNature.org, visit ACatechol, or explore the Biomimicry Institute.

Biofertilizers, which use living soil microbes to enhance plant growth, face a challenge: delicate bacteria often die on the shelf before application. Inspired by resilient tardigrades and

Biofertilizers, which use living soil microbes to enhance plant growth, face a challenge: delicate bacteria often die on the shelf before application. Inspired by resilient tardigrades and silkworm silk, Ivu Biologics developed a biodegradable seed coating. This innovation extends microbe shelf-life, boosting crop yields, restoring soil health, and reducing the need for conventional fertilizers and pesticides.

Ivu Biologics was a finalist for the 2022 Ray of Hope Prize. The Ray of Hope Accelerator (formerly Prize), created in honor of Ray C. Anderson, supports nature-inspired solutions for environmental and sustainability challenges. This program fosters innovative startups like Ivu Biologics, contributing to a sustainable and resilient world.

Conventional pigments, often metal or oil-derived, present environmental and health concerns, including carcinogens like titanium dioxide and links to human rights abuses. Sparxell offers a

Conventional pigments, often metal or oil-derived, present environmental and health concerns, including carcinogens like titanium dioxide and links to human rights abuses. Sparxell offers a breakthrough: the first environmentally sustainable, non-toxic pigments, glitters, sequins, and films. Inspired by structural color in nature, their patented process transforms cellulose nanocrystals into biodegradable, vibrant alternatives with state-of-the-art performance.

Sparxell was a finalist for the 2022 Ray of Hope Prize. The Ray of Hope Accelerator (biomimicry.org/rayofhopeprize/) supports nature-inspired solutions for global environmental challenges, fostering innovative startups. Learn more about Sparxell at sparxell.com and biomimicry at biomimicry.org.

The chemical industry currently relies on fossil fuels and extreme temperature and pressure, leading to high energy consumption, gigatons of CO2 emissions, and dangerous byproducts. Even existing

The chemical industry currently relies on fossil fuels and extreme temperature and pressure, leading to high energy consumption, gigatons of CO2 emissions, and dangerous byproducts. Even existing sustainable alternatives are often inefficient. Inspired by nature, Anodyne Chemistries has innovated a new bioelectric manufacturing process, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution than current thermochemical methods.

Anodyne Chemistries was a finalist for the 2022 Ray of Hope Prize, which supports nature-inspired solutions for global environmental challenges. The Ray of Hope Accelerator continues to foster a vibrant global community of innovative, nature-inspired startups. Learn more about Anodyne Chemistries and the Biomimicry Institute.

Additional resources: Ray C. Anderson Foundation | Innovation Newsletter | Anodyne on AskNature | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

This video highlights how a nature-inspired healing process is transforming coral reef restoration. With over half of the world's living coral lost since 1950 due to climate change, pollution, and

This video highlights how a nature-inspired healing process is transforming coral reef restoration. With over half of the world's living coral lost since 1950 due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing, traditional coral farming methods are often insufficient.

Startup Coral Vita addresses this by using micro fragmentation in land-based farms, growing climate-resilient corals up to 50 times faster than in nature. This innovative approach helps restore dying reefs globally.

Coral Vita was a finalist for the 2022 Ray of Hope Prize, which supports nature-inspired solutions for environmental challenges. Learn more at Coral Vita and the Ray of Hope Accelerator.

CompPair has developed a groundbreaking self-healing composite material. Triggered by heat, this innovative resin allows products to repair themselves, much like living organisms. This technology

CompPair has developed a groundbreaking self-healing composite material. Triggered by heat, this innovative resin allows products to repair themselves, much like living organisms. This technology extends product lifetimes, significantly reducing waste and energy consumption, thereby boosting the circular economy.

CompPair was a finalist for the 2023 Ray of Hope Prize. The Ray of Hope Accelerator, built upon eight years of programming and honoring Ray C. Anderson, supports nature-inspired solutions addressing global environmental challenges. It continues to foster a vibrant community of innovative, nature-inspired startups.

Learn more: CompPair | Ray of Hope Accelerator | Biomimicry Institute | Ray C. Anderson Foundation