Accelerator and grant under the “Ray of Hope” program

The Biomimicry Institute accelerator supports startups developing nature-inspired solutions to global environmental challenges. Each year 10 startups (Pre-seed to Series A) receive funding, training, mentorship, investor access, and participate in a Nature Retreat. 

Key criteria:

• Nature-inspired solutions & technologies: innovations based on natural principles, biological systems, or ecological relationships.
• Solutions may be:

• • grounded in scientific research;

  • derived from understanding biological systems;

  • enabling bio-inspired technologies.

Sectors (examples):

• Chemistry and materials, renewable energy, transportation and mobility.
• Biotechnology, MedTech, Climate Tech, BlueTech.
• Manufacturing, robotics, agriculture, water, etc.

Development stage:

• Startups at Pre-seed, Seed, or Series A stages.
• Typically a working prototype (TRL ~4) and funding between $250,000 and $5M (exceptions possible).

Geography:

• The program is global — applicants are welcome from all over the world.

Legal requirements:

• The startup must have an established legal entity.
• Typically, teams include at least two full-time members.

Participation requirements:

• Active engagement in the program and completion of deliverables.
• At least one founder must participate, including attendance at the mandatory 4-day Nature Retreat.

Key parameters:

• Participation in the program is free of charge, with no application fee.
• Each selected startup receives $15,000 in non-dilutive funding (provided as a grant).
• The amount may be subject to change.
• The program does not take equity in participating startups.

Within the grant (accelerator) program, supported activities focus on startup development over a 6-month period (August 2026 – February 2027).

Format and activities:

• The program is primarily remote, with one mandatory in-person week in the US (including a 4-day nature immersion; travel and accommodation covered).
• Weekly online activities: lectures, workshops, or panel discussions with external experts.
• Weekly live session (~1 hour) plus additional engagement (~3 hours).

Startup participation:

• Active involvement of at least one executive team member.
• Mandatory participation in the in-person event and completion of program deliverables.

After the program:

• Participants join the alumni ecosystem.
• Gain access to networks, resources, and potential partners/investors.
• May support future startup cohorts.

Program focus:

• Support for startups with nature-inspired solutions that create positive impact across targeted sectors.

The program roadmap outlines the sequential stages from application to accelerator completion.

Key stages:

• Application period: March 3 – April 24.
• Internal and external review: May – June.
• Selection announcement: mid-July.
• 10 startups are selected to join the accelerator cohort.

Program implementation:

• Accelerator start: August 31 (beginning with a 4-day Nature Retreat).
• Program end: February 2027 (Demo Day).

Additional notes:

• Applications are screened for eligibility and evaluated by a committee.
• The semifinalists will participate in online interviews in mid-June.

Key steps:

• Applications must be submitted by April 24, 2026.
• Review the application questions using the PDF version of the form.
• Prepare responses in advance, as the form must be completed in one sitting.
• Submit the application via the online application form.

Additional note:

• It is recommended to review the questions first before completing the form.

Within the grant program, applications are evaluated based on several key selection criteria.

Selection criteria:

• Problem & market potential: relevance of the problem, market size, growth potential, and existing traction.
• Solution & technology: level of innovation, potential for a sustainable competitive advantage, and economic viability.
• Nature-inspired approach: use of nature-based strategies and clarity of the scientific foundation behind the solution.
• Climate & biodiversity impact: ability to address environmental challenges, consider social impacts, and measure outcomes.
• Team: presence of key competencies, diversity, and the capability to achieve upcoming milestones.