Biomimicry Institute Ray of Hope Accelerator 2025 ($15,000 in Non-Dilutive Funding) – YOA

 

Deadline: April 19, 2025

Applications are now open for the Biomimicry Institute Ray of Hope Accelerator 2025—a 6-month program designed to accelerate the growth of nature-inspired startups tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Each year, the program supports ten high-impact startups from around the globe, spanning Pre-Seed to Series A stages and various industry sectors. Selected startups receive:

• $15,000 in non-dilutive funding
• $50,000 worth of in-kind services, including expert mentorship, science-based storytelling support, and connections to corporate leaders and mission-aligned investors
• An in-person Nature Retreat, where founders will enhance their leadership skills, build a strong community, and embrace a nature-inspired approach to business

Benefits

• $15,000 in non-dilutive capital to support startup growth
• $50,000 worth of in-kind services, including mentorship and networking opportunities

Eligibility

The program is open to applicants worldwide and seeks early-stage startups that are:

• Nature-inspired – Utilizing biological processes, materials, chemistry, or systems to drive innovation
• Impact-driven – Focused on solving climate and environmental challenges with scalable solutions
• Early-stage – Ranging from Pre-Seed to Series A

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

• Problem & Market Potential – Is the problem significant? Is the market large enough for sustainable business growth and investment? What traction has the startup achieved?
• Solution & Technology – Is the technology disruptive and unique? Does the solution provide a sustainable competitive advantage?
• Nature Inspiration – Does the startup’s solution mimic or model a strategy found in nature? Is the science behind the innovation well-articulated?
• Environmental & Social Impact – What are the real-world environmental and social benefits? How does the startup align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
• Team Strength – Does the team have the diverse expertise and key capabilities needed to reach critical milestones?

Application

Click here to apply

For more details, visit Ray of Hope Accelerator.