Over millions of years of competition and adaptation, nature has produced the ultimate medicine cabinet. Pharmaceutical companies have caught on – bioprospecting to learn how human health can benefit from Mother Nature’s medicines. First time hearing about this? It’s biomimicry in action, and it’s a bigger part of our lives already than you probably realize. As a warming climate increases the presence of infectious diseases and global pandemics, life-saving treatments are in higher demand than ever. Hopefully researchers can find these miraculous natural molecules and sustainably develop drugs before it’s too late. It’s a race against ourselves – humans and the sixth mass extinction of the world’s biodiversity.

The Biomimicry Institute and Ray C. Anderson Foundation are proud to announce the 9 finalist teams competing for the 2020 Ray of Hope Prize®. These cutting-edge startups are advancing nature-inspired solutions that address a wide range of problems. From eliminating toxic paints and dyes, to providing a new, regenerative approach to marine infrastructure, these game-changing companies are providing a ray of hope in the world today.

More than anything, we wanted to reach out with care and, as is our penchant, some nature-inspired strategies. As an organization that advocates modeling nature, many have asked us to comment on how we humans might respond to this global viral outbreak, adapt, and become resilient. In the interest of compassionate communication, I’d like to offer a thought about what we might do after this forced, difficult, collective pause.

If you haven’t traveled to Indiana, you likely haven’t heard about the Indiana Dunes. Along the shores of Lake Michigan there lies an unusual, natural sand dune, created by a glacier that retreated over 12,000 years ago.  Filled with rich biodiversity, the Dunes make a perfect place for learners at any age to find inspiration from nature’s resilient adaptability.