Biomimicry Launchpad
The Biomimicry Launchpad features a virtual 10-week customer discovery and technology validation incubator that covers topics such as understanding a customer’s problem or need, articulating a value proposition, and how to build a rockstar team.
“Seeding and accelerating nature-inspired solutions to global challenges is the aim of this partnership,” said John Lanier, executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation. "I know that my grandfather, Ray Anderson, would have been an enthusiastic supporter of this challenge and the teams who enter it. With our support, the best ideas will be the seeds of new businesses that will carry forward Ray’s vision – that with nature as a guide, business and industry can change the world for the better.”
Ray of Hope Accelerator
In 2024, the Ray of Hope Prize® program evolved to become the Ray of Hope Accelerator. Now each year, the Ray C. Anderson Foundation (founding sponsor), with support from other funders, supports a cohort of ten high-impact nature-inspired startups, spanning from Pre-seed to Series A stages and representing various sectors and regions. Each selected startup receives $15,000 in non-dilutive funding and over $50,000 worth of in-kind services. This incudes tailored coaching, investor introductions, a 4-day Nature Retreat, and comprehensive training materials covering topics such as Impact and Sustainability Business Training, Innovation Storytelling & Amplification, DEI, and Founder Mental Health.
This is not your typical accelerator. The Ray of Hope Accelerator prioritizes individual growth for startup founders, and visionary leaders. The program emphasizes relationship-building and fosters a vibrant community of innovative startups inspired by nature to drive positive impact. Learn more about the Ray of Hope Accelerator here.
Ray of Hope Prize®
The Ray of Hope Prize® was a $100,000 prize competition that provided top biomimicry startups with sustainable business training, media & industry exposure, and funding to accelerate their path to commercial success. This prize was awarded annually to the top nature-inspired startup following Ray’s legacy of sustainable business success.
Past Ray of Hope Prize Winners
2016 - BioNurse (Now Lifepatch) from Chile
2017 - NexLoop from New York City
2018 - Nucleário from Brazil
2019 - Watchtower from Boston
2020 - ECOncrete® from Israel
2021 - Spintex from the United Kingdom
2022 - GreenPod Labs from India
2023 - Sparxell from the United Kingdom