Name: Biomimetics24: Nature-Inspired Design and Development | Northrop
Start: 2024-10-08
End: 2024-10-08
Location: Best Buy Theater at Northrop

The inaugural Biomimetics International Industry Strategy Symposium: Nature-Inspired Design and Development (Biomimetics24) will advance the biomimetics industry and accelerate the adoption of nature-inspired innovations. This convening will be transformative in the global quest to build a sustainable future inspired by nature’s genius.

Hosted at the University of Minnesota, this industry strategy symposium will convene the global biomimicry community, composed of academia, researchers, policymakers, native nations, and businesses. This event is the first of its kind to gather key players across the growing industry and will promote and catalyze: industry dialogue, cutting-edge research, best practices, collaboration and partnerships, standardized methodologies, and economic action at scale in the many emerging fields of biomimicry.

Participants will enjoy: inspiring and substantive networking, knowledge sharing, and advocacy across diverse biomimicry applications from construction and health to textiles, consumer goods, AI, education, and more. For a detailed list of speakers and more, visit Biomimetics24.

Agenda: 2024 Biomimetics International Industry Strategy Symposium

7:30-8:00 am Breakfast

8:00-8:10 am Conference Overview: Purpose, Pragmatism, Persistence, and Patience …Pays
Michael W. Wright, CEO Intercepting Horizons

8:10-8:30 am Welcome / Transformative Opportunities Offered Through Bio-inspired and Biomimetic Pathways
Dr. Shashank Pyria, Vice President of Research & Innovation, UMN

8:30-9:00 am Biomimetic Regional Development: A Northern Minnesota Case Study
Tom Fisher, Director, Minnesota Design Center & Professor, Architecture, UMN

9:00-9:30 am Hypernatural: Architecture's Evolving Relationship with Nature
Blaine Brownell, FAIA LEED AP, Professor and Director, David R. Ravin School of Architecture, University of North Carolina, Charlotte

9:30-9:45 am Break

9:45-10:15 am Decay and Regeneration in Architecture
Dr. Marc Swackhamer, Professor & Chair Department of Architecture, College of Architecture & Planning, University of Colorado

10:15-10:45 am Bringing More Biology into Biomimetics: Opportunities and Challenges
Dr. Emilie Snell-Rood, Professor, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, Snell-Rood Lab, UMN

10:45-11:15 am Biomimicry Innovation: A View From The University-Industry Interface
Dr. Peter H. Niewiarowski, Integrated Bioscience Department of Biology, University of Akron

11:15-11:45 am Beyond Anthropocentric Design
Dr. Prasad Boradkar, Dean, College of Design, UMN

11:45-11:55 am UPDATE
Wendy Meadley, CEO, Expo2031

11:55 am-12:55 pm LUNCH

12:55-1:10 pm Discovering the Smell Molecules: Mimicking the Olfactory Engine
Chris Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Simplifi Automation

1:10-1:40 pm Leveraging Nature: Inspiring Commercially Viable Pathways to Ecosystem Resilience
Matthew Aghai, Managing Director, Viridian Ecosystems

1:40-2:10 pm Biomimetics and Public Policy: Advocacy Pathways for Sustainable Innovation
Dr. John Pournoor, Chief Executive Officer, Government Analytica LLC

2:10-2:40 pm Sustainability Progress in Owned Brands at Target
Stephanie Grotta, Vice President, Responsible Sourcing & Sustainable Capabilities, Target Corporation

2:40-2:55 pm Break

2:55-3:50 pm Panel Topic: Valuing ‘The Humanverse’
Moderator: Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Founder + Chief Executive Officer, DevryBV Sustainable Strategies,
Panelists: Stephanie Grotta, Dr. Peter Niewiarowski, Dr. John Pournoor, Dana Thompson, Arnoud de Villegas

3:50-4:20 pm Open Discussion and Q& A
Tom Fisher & Prasad Boradkar

4:20-4:30 pm Biomimetics International: Reaching Critical Mass
Michael W. Wright, Founding Member, Biomimetics International

Closing Remarks

Know Before You Go

Event Information

Seating: Ticket required, General Admission
Doors Open: 7:30 am
Conference Begins: 8:00 am
Meals: Breakfast at 7:30 am, lunch at 11:55 am
Conference Ends: 4:30 pm
Tickets: Check the email you provided when you placed your order to locate your digital ticket. Be sure to check your spam or junk mail folders if you do not see them.
Detailed Event Information: Find Your Event Info link on your order confirmation or check your email within 48 hours from the start of the event for detailed information from Northrop, U of M