First of all, biomimicry is borrowing and imitating processes that are observed in nature. Based on this algorithm, solutions are made to solve the problems facing humanity today.

«Biomimicry is about valuing nature for what we can learn, not what we can extract, harvest, or domesticate. In the process, we learn about ourselves, our purpose, and our connection to each other and our home on Earth», — says The Biomimicry Institute.

In addition to waste management, biomimicry can be an effective tool for solving other pressing problems of humanity. For example, Oksana Udovyk, Head of Experimental Research at the UNDP Laboratory for Innovative Development, demonstrated how and why we could learn from nature during a COVID-19 pandemic in several ways: virus detection, personal protective equipment, antibacterial surfaces, medical waste and more. Thus, the use of biomimicry has great potential in various areas of human activity.

Alternative electricity generation, an innovative approach to agriculture, and the harmless use of living organisms for plastic processing are the ideas that won this year's National Competition. Below we will get acquainted with the projects of the teams in more detail.

It is known that traditional energy sources are significant pollutants. The goal of the Tree Generator project was to create an alternative energy source that would be renewable and mobile.

The project uses the law of electromagnetic induction and feeds on the oscillations of branches on trees. The invention prototype is implemented in a device mounted on a tree in a place with access to the wind (for example, in the open near roads). Only with the help of a prototype, the inventors have already managed to charge a smartphone in just 2 hours.

Such a device is more efficient and much cheaper than other renewable energy sources. The cost of such an installation is approximately $37, and the payback period is less than nine months. In addition, this invention may be of interest to a vast audience: both tourists or private homeowners and entire institutions, such as communities or recreational facilities.

Most of the enterprises involved in agriculture today tie their plants with synthetic cords. Such materials do not decompose in the ground, so there is significant soil contamination with plastic. There are also environmentally friendly materials, but they lose synthetics in strength.

The team offers an effective alternative to the tying cords available on the market. The natural materials that make up this cord make it strong and biodegradable. This cord will mimic the process of plant rot. This option is safe for nature because, after cultivation, the rope will get into the soil and decompose together with the biomass of plants.

This invention will reduce harmful residues from agricultural production, as large greenhouses can use it. In addition, because these cords decompose along with plant biomass, they also act as organic fertilizers. Moreover, such innovation will have an economic impact, as biodegradable cords are cheaper and more efficient than other market counterparts.

It is no secret that the modern world is constantly facing environmental problems, and among waste, plastic appears often. At one of the bee farms, the authors of the MOL project found that a particular species of moth (giant wax moth, galleria mellonela) can digest plastic without harm to the body.

The MOL team proposes to use this property of a large wax moth by creating compost bins, where the moth will be a tool for recycling polyethylene. In addition to direct disposal, such a container will have two other advantages: reusable and organic waste separation.

This invention may be needed by representatives of various industries, such as farmers, waste processing plants, and textile manufacturers. Despite the economic component, the environmental factor of the project is also important, which distinguishes it from competitors. First, such containers do not pollute the environment (unlike RDF briquettes). Second, the invention of MOL also generates energy rather than using it, as is the case with chemical recycling techniques.

SYNCHRO SPACE brings together experts and innovators who, through their own experience, help startups reach new heights: develop and pilot their solutions. As a project partner, our Innovation Hub for Cities provided mentoring support to teams: this month was filled with intensive work in individual and group sessions. As a result of fruitful cooperation, all teams applied for the international competition, so now we support their victory!

Kateryna Pylypchuk — an international real estate investment expert with more than 15 years of experience in finding local and international startups in the field of PropTech. Kateryna is currently the Executive Director of FIABCI-Ukraine. Kateryna worked with teams on a business model and mission model of projects.

Olha Afonina — engineer-economist and manager of enterprises engaged in B2B, B2G, e-commerce. B2C and direct sales. Olga has been working in management positions in international companies for over 10 years, and also has more than 20 years of experience in the construction market of Ukraine. The main values ​​that Olga adheres to in her projects are openness, freedom and creativity. Olga helped the teams develop a marketing strategy with a special focus on the tactics of "green" marketing.

Natalia Veryovka — Creative producer of VDNH. For 10 years she worked on the creation of famous television projects and shows. In recent years, he has headed the creative laboratory of the VDNH, which creates and develops new projects and concepts aimed at influencing the culture of recreation, a conscious attitude to the environment and rethinking the historical past. Natalia helped the teams prepare a video presentation of the solutions.

Yelizaveta Koval — Development and Training Expert in SYNCHRO SPACE, mediator and facilitator, works with teams \ startups \ communities in the areas of conflict resolution, decision making, strategy building, working with user needs.

Alisa Bankovska — founder of the innovation hub for cities SYNCHRO SPACE and initiator of unique urban hackathons that unite different startups and city authorities for the development and implementation of innovative solutions in the cities of Ukraine and the world. As the accelerator program manager of the Ukrainian Startup Foundation, Alice helps Ukrainian startups to become successful global companies.

Alice and Elizabeth worked with teams to create an MVP and prepare applications.

On June 30, the teams applied for the international stage of the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge 2021, where they will compete with startups from around the world. For the SYNCHRO SPACE team, the mentorship of the three winning teams of the national stage was a valuable experience of working with biomimicry in partnership with UNDP. For the teams - the opportunity to gain expertise, experience of international cooperation, participate in global competitions, find investments and pilot their own projects on a much larger scale. Biomimicry is now steadily gaining popularity and is becoming a global trend in architecture and urban planning.

The SYNCHRO SPACE team appreciates that global trends resonate in Ukraine in the form of worthy startups that will worthily represent the country at the international level. We wish success to the teams in the next stage of the competition and in working on future projects! Only together we will be able to build our cities of the future, which will be synchronized with nature!