The Biomimicry Institute, a nonprofit championing a Nature Positive, inclusive, and regenerative future, has announced the ten startups selected for the 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator. Kicking off in

The Biomimicry Institute, a nonprofit championing a Nature Positive, inclusive, and regenerative future, has announced the ten startups selected for the 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator. Kicking off in September and spanning over the following six months, these nature-inspired ventures will join a Nature Retreat, receive $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, and access over $50,000 worth of resources, services, expert support, mentorship, and tools to fast-track their path to market. “Chosen from hundreds of global applicants, this year’s cohort brings some new regions and diversity to the Ray of Hope portfolio and proves that nature is not just a source of inspiration, it’s a blueprint for breakthrough innovation,” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute “I’m especially grateful for the invaluable guidance and dedication of our Advisory Committee members, whose insights challenged us to go deeper and ensure we’re supporting ventures that deliver lasting, meaningful impact.” The 2025 cohort expands the accelerator’s global reach, including its first startups from Colombia and the Netherlands. "We are so proud of the growth in The Biomimicry Institute's Ray of Hope Accelerator.” said John A. Lanier, Executive Director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, who has funded the Ray of Hope program for a decade. “It is noteworthy, and exciting, to see that this cohort spans 3 continents and includes companies with substantial leadership from women and immigrants. It shows the power and strength in diversity, a lesson found throughout the natural world." To kick off the program, the founders of the 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator cohort will take the stage during a special reception at New York Climate Week on Thursday, September 25. Held at Brickworks Design Studio on 5th Avenue, it will feature rapid-fire pitches from all ten startups, offering a first look at these cutting-edge, nature-inspired solutions. RSVP here: Luma link “Each year, I’m inspired by the ingenuity and courage of the startups we welcome into the Ray of Hope Accelerator, and this 2025 cohort is no exception.” said Janine Benyus, Co-Founder of the Biomimicry Institute. “These ventures demonstrate that when we turn to nature not just for inspiration but for guidance, we can create solutions that are both innovative and deeply impactful. I have so much hope knowing that these brilliant founders are leading the way toward a Nature Positive future." Now in its sixth year, the Ray of Hope Accelerator is moving forward with its six-month format following a successful pilot in 2024, thanks to a partnership with the Bentley Environmental Foundation, in addition to the support of its keystone partner the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and corporate innovation partner L’Oréal. To learn more about the Ray of Hope Accelerator and discover ways to get involved, visit our website: https://biomimicry.org/innovation/accelerator LEARN ABOUT BIOMIMICRY https://biomimicry.org/ https://asknature.org/ https://asknaturehive.biomimicry.org SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/biomimicryinstitute/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/biomimicryinstitute/ https://bsky.app/profile/biomimicry.bsky.social

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George Crombie, President of the APWA and a Norwich University faculty member, delivered a speech at the 2011

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