The Biomimicry Institute has announced the 10 startups selected for the 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator. The six-month program provides $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, resources, and mentorship to nature-inspired ventures. The 2025 cohort includes startups from Colombia, the Netherlands, and the US, and addresses a range of challenges, including wildfire prevention, biomimicry-enhanced plant cell culture, and microplastic filtration.
The selected startups use biomimicry to develop innovative solutions, such as plant-based coatings, bio-based materials, and surgical adhesives. The program aims to support ventures that deliver lasting, meaningful impact and address the climate change and biodiversity loss polycrisis. The Ray of Hope Accelerator is now in its sixth year and is supported by partners including the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and L’Oréal.
The 2025 cohort will kick off with a reception at New York Climate Week, where the founders will pitch their startups. The Biomimicry Institute’s CEO, Amanda Sturgeon, and Co-Founder, Janine Benyus, expressed their excitement and hope for the cohort, highlighting the potential for nature-inspired solutions to create a more sustainable future.