Janine Benyus

Janine Benyus, Co-Founder of the biomimicry institute

“We’re awake now, and the question is how do we stay away to the living world? How do we make the act of asking nature’s advice a normal part of every day inventing?”

Janine, a biologist, author, and innovation consultant, popularized biomimicry in her 1997 book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. She introduced a discipline that mimics nature’s designs—like solar cells inspired by leaves—to create sustainable solutions.

In 1998, she co-founded Biomimicry 3.8, the first bio-inspired consultancy, working with over 250 clients, including Boeing and Nike. In 2006, she co-founded the Biomimicry Institute, a nonprofit that drives global sustainability through design challenges and resources like AskNature, a comprehensive biomimicry database.

Janine has reached millions through TED talks, keynotes, documentaries, and features in major outlets like TIME, Forbes, and The New York Times. Her accolades include the RSA Bicentenary Medal (2022), TIME’s Hero of the Environment (2008), and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Mind Award (2012).

Believing that learning from nature inspires protection, Janine continues to share the wisdom of “wild teachers” to spark sustainable change worldwide.