Nature-inspired Solutions: 2025 Cohort Startups Pitches & Reception
Join us for an inspiring evening announcing the 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator cohort, hosted by the Biomimicry Institute during New York Climate Week.
Where: 📍 Brickworks Design Studio, 5th Avenue NYC
When: 📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 6:00–8:00pm
Meet the ten visionary nature-inspired startups reimagining our materials, energy systems, and infrastructure. From pine cone-inspired wildfire detectors to aquatic plant root-inspired microplastic filters, these founders are learning from nature to solve our most urgent climate and biodiversity challenges.
Enjoy networking with fellow innovators, investors, and sustainability leaders - plus a fast-paced round of startup pitches.
Hosted By -
Sarah McInerney, Program Director, The Biomimicry Institute
Maëlys Renaud, Ray of Hope Program Manager, The Biomimicry Institute
Raven Rice, Ray of Hope Program Coordinator, The Biomimicry Institute
If you have questions, please contact Maëlys Renaud at maelys.renaud@biomimicry.org and Sarah McInerney at sarah.mcinerney@biomimicry.org.
About the Ray of Hope Accelerator -
The Ray of Hope Accelerator, an initiative of the Biomimicry Institute, supports nature-inspired startups to scale systemic solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges by identifying and supporting the worlds' most promising nature-inspired startups across industries. The accelerator is supported by our partners at The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, the Bentley Environmental Foundation, and L’Oréal.
For more information about the accelerator and to explore the 2025 cohort, visit our website: here.
This event kicks-off the 2025 accelerator. Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in 2026.
Gratitudes -
We would like to extend a huge thank you for Brickworks Design Studio for generously providing this space for this event. Located on New York City’s iconic 5th Avenue, the Brickworks global flagship Design Studio is where timeless materials meet forward-thinking design. Spanning over 16,000 sq. ft., this beautifully curated space offers architects, designers, and innovators a premium environment to explore Glen-Gery’s high-end, locally manufactured and globally sourced brick collections. As a venue rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and the built environment, it’s a fitting home for our nature-inspired innovation event, where design, technology, and innovation converge to shape a more regenerative future.