Putting Biomimicry to Work in the Workplace: 10 Examples

1. Qualcomm: a screen inspired by butterflies

Qualcomm, an American company specializing in mobile technologies, has designed a revolutionary display using biomimicry: the Mirasol Display. Morpho butterfly wings were the source of inspiration here. They're able to reflect light and create vivid colors without having actual pigment.

Unlike conventional displays, which require energy-hungry backlighting, the Mirasol screen uses ambient light to display images. This reduces energy consumption and ensures perfect visibility, even in direct sunlight. That's the perfect solution for mobile devices! 

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2. Boeing: microlattice, an ultra-light material inspired by bone structures

Boeing, the world leader in the aerospace industry, has developed one of the world's lightest (yet strongest) materials: microlattice. This metal is inspired by bone structures, which combine lightness and strength.

Thanks to their internal honeycomb structure, all animals—birds in particular—have bones that are both light and strong. Now Boeing has replicated this structure to create a material that is 99.9% air, yet strong enough to withstand heavy loads. This significantly reduces an airplane's weight, in turn reducing fuel consumption and improving fuel efficiency.

3. ECOncrete: concrete that supports marine biodiversity

Israeli company ECOncrete has developed an innovative new type of concrete that fosters marine life. Unlike conventional concrete, which is smooth and not conducive to biological colonization, ECOncrete's concrete mimics natural surfaces such as rocks and coral reefs by imitating their irregular textures.

In nature, marine organisms anchor themselves to these rough surfaces to develop. ECOncrete draws on this principle to create coastal infrastructures (like seawalls and jetties) which—in addition to fulfilling their technical function, preserve marine ecosystems. This example shows that biomimicry not only enables business innovation but also has a positive impact on our ecosystem. It's an approach advocated by regenerative companies in particular.

4. Sharklet Technologies: an antimicrobial surface inspired by shark skin

Sharklet Technologies is an American company developing innovative antimicrobial surfaces that prevent the proliferation of bacteria without all the need for toxic chemicals. Their technology is inspired by shark skin, a natural surface that simply prevents micro-organisms from attaching to it.

In the wild, shark skin is covered with tiny denticle-like structures that interfere with bacterial adhesion. By reproducing these patterns, Sharklet Technologies has created a microstructured texture that prevents bacteria from colonizing surfaces and limits the risk of infection. A technology particularly suited to medical environments, where infection prevention is essential.

5. Biome Renewables: wind turbines inspired by maple leaves

Specializing in renewable energies, Canadian company Biome Renewables has found inspiration in maple seeds and owl feathers for its innovative wind turbines. By observing how falling maple seeds spin, the company has created turbine blades capable of capturing wind energy more efficiently.

Biome Renewables also found inspiration in owl feathers, known for their ability to reduce noise in flight, minimize turbulence, and reduce the noise generated by wind turbine blades. This biomimetic design not only improves turbine efficiency but also makes them quieter.

6. GreenPod Labs: preserving food thanks to nature

Indian company GreenPod Labs uses biomimicry to fight food waste. It's developed a technology that draws on plants' natural protective mechanisms to extend the shelf life of fruit and vegetables and is completely chemical-free.

In nature, certain plants release organic compounds that slow down the ripening of fruits, protecting them for longer. GreenPod Labs has recreated this natural process using biodegradable sachets containing plant extracts. Placed close to fresh produce, these sachets delay food degradation. They can thus replace the chemical preservatives the food industry has traditionally relied on.

7. Mycoworks: ecological leather made from mushrooms

Biomimicry is also making inroads into the fashion industry. Take a look at Mycoworks, an American start-up that's come up with an ecological alternative to leather from animal hides.

Their material, called Reishi, is made from mycelium, the underground part of mushrooms. This natural network of fibers is as strong as animal leather yet requires no breeding or harmful chemicals. Drawing inspiration from the natural mechanisms of mycelium, Mycoworks has succeeded in developing an eco-responsible leather with the same texture and durability of traditional leather.

So, the next time you see a mushroom, ask yourself: can I do more with it than eat it?🤨

8. Prophesee: technology inspired by human vision

French company Prophesee, meanwhile, has found its own inspiration in the human retina to develop revolutionary neuromorphic sensors for cell phones. Unlike conventional cameras, which capture a complete image at every moment, Prophesee's sensors detect only changes in the environment, just as the retina does, making them more efficient and responsive.

This natural principle enables Prophesee to design sensors that consume less energy and operate faster. A technology that is particularly useful in sectors such as industry, robotics and autonomous cars.

9. Terumo Corporation: from mosquitoes to medical needles

Terumo Corporation, a Japanese company specializing in medical devices, has developed innovative needles that mimic how mosquitoes pierce the skin. Traditional needles often cause pain during injections, but Terumo has designed an ultra-fine needle that reproduces the technique of mosquitoes, which are known to bite without the person even sensing any pain.

Mosquitoes have a proboscis with micro-teeth that enable them to penetrate the skin gently, without all the tissue trauma of traditional needles. Terumo has applied this same biomimetic approach to create thinner, more comfortable needles, reducing pain during medical injections. 

10. Interface: carpeting inspired by forest floors

Interface is a pioneering manufacturer of sustainable, eco-friendly floor coverings. Inspired by natural ecosystems, it developed the first biomimetic carpet range, called "Entropy," with a design that imitates the random appearance of forest floors.

Unlike traditional carpets, which follow repetitive patterns, Entropy tiles are assembled in no particular order, considerably reducing waste during installation. If a tile is damaged, it can be replaced without compromising the overall aesthetic, just like in nature, where each element blends harmoniously into its environment.

 All just to show how biomimicry can replace and improve everyday materials!

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