1. AIRCRAFT “WINGLETS” INSPIRED BY BIRDS OF PREY

The story

A winglet is a nearly vertical fin located at the tips of an airplane’s wings, which improves efficiency by a few percent by reducing air turbulence and induced drag. In fact, the wing’s lift (which makes the airplane fly) is an upward force caused by the pressure difference between the low pressure created on the upper surface (upper surface) and the high pressure created on the lower surface (lower surface). At the wing tip, air tends to flow around the tip and back down, creating vortices, which are prevented by winglets. The English term “winglet” remains the most widely used, although French equivalents such as “penne” or “ailerette” have been proposed.

The winglet was developed at NASA’s Langley Research Center (United States) in 1974 by the American aerodynamicist Richard Whitcomb, who is also known for his work on the area rule and supercritical airfoils. Whitcomb published his work on winglets in 1976.

In 1985, Boeing announced a new version of the B-747, namely the 747-400, featuring increased range and cargo capacity. The wing of this model features an increased wingspan and the addition of winglets. The range has increased by 3.5% compared to the 747-400D, which has the same wingspan. We see the same gains in fuel efficiency on Airbus models.

Aeronautics is a sector that has historically drawn heavily on bio-inspiration, for reasons that are easy to understand: humans have always dreamed of flying like a bird. Clément Ader’s “L’Avion III” (1897), for example, was very directly inspired by a bat’s wing.

Bio-inspiration remains a rapidly evolving approach in this sector, aimed at improving the shapes, surfaces, and even the material structures of aircraft.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The shape of the winglets is directly inspired by the positioning of a bird of prey’s primary flight feathers. This design reduces the wingspan and thus drag while maintaining sufficient wing area to enable the aircraft to fly.

Did you know ?

Large-winged birds curve the feathers at the tips of their wings—also known as primary flight feathers—so they can fit perfectly into the columns of warm, rising air they use to soar.

2. FLYING IN FORMATION LIKE WILD GEESE

The story

After centuries of studying and imitating the mechanisms of flight, birds continue to teach us how to fly more efficiently. In fact, in November 2019, Airbus unveiled a new flight technique based on energy recovery (Wake Energy Retrieval—WER), which significantly reduces fuel consumption. This approach, dubbed “Fello’fly,” is inspired by the formation flight of wild geese.

During their long migrations, geese fly in an inverted V formation, which allows them to expend less energy. The wing beats of the lead bird create vortices that make it easier for the birds following behind to cut through the air, and so on. This allows them to recover the energy lost by the goose ahead of them to fly at the same speed, while expending less effort and thus burning fewer calories. A much-needed energy savings, especially considering that these birds travel thousands of kilometers!

Airbus hopes to adapt this technique to its long-haul commercial aircraft by having, for example, two A350s fly one behind the other, 3 km apart. The trailing aircraft then flies in a wake of rising air currents that generate lift, allowing it to reduce engine power and save 5 to 10% in fuel—a significant amount. An update to the aircraft’s flight control computers enabled them to pair up to fly in formation. A commercial demonstration, in partnership with two European airlines, is scheduled for 2021 to secure approval from the airlines and airspace regulators for its implementation.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

“Fello’fly” replicates the optimized behavior of geese flying in formation and applies it to airplanes, in order to achieve the same reduction in energy consumption.

Did you know ?

Wild geese migrate in the fall to southern countries, where they spend the winter. They display remarkable organization as they travel distances of up to 10,000 km in flocks ranging from several hundred to several thousand birds!

3. WIND TURBINE AS QUIET AS AN OWL

The story

Wind turbines are too noisy. To solve this problem, researchers at the University of Cambridge have turned their attention to owls’ feathers to reduce noise pollution from wind turbines.

Owls are indeed capable of flying both silently and quickly. This feat is due to the coating on the feathers of these hunting birds, which the researchers analyzed at the microscopic level. More specifically, owls’ wings feature a comb-like structure along the trailing edge of the wing (at the rear of the outer vane of the owl’s flight feathers) and are covered with silky down. As a result, the noise caused by air passing through the owl’s feathers is broken up and softened as it exits the wing.

Scientists had initially envisioned a wing surface that mimicked this downy texture, but the design remained somewhat fragile. The engineers focused on the trailing edge and developed a type of aerodynamic comb that reduces friction noise with the air without affecting the machine’s performance. Enercon and Siemens are now applying this technique to optimize the aerodynamics of rotor blades and reduce noise.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The noise produced by a wing is largely caused by airflow over its rear edge (trail edge). To reduce this turbulence and make its flight stealthy, the owl’s wings are covered with a downy, fluffy coating, which “breaks up” the vortices at the trailing edge, reduces friction, and “scatters” the noise.

Did you know ?

The owl catches its prey in flight. The silent nature of its wings allows it to fly silently, making the predator’s approach almost undetectable to the small rodents it pounces on …

4. WHEN YOUR WINDOWS GENERATE ENERGY

The story

To meet the challenge of carbon neutrality and positive-energy buildings, renewable energy must be seamlessly integrated into our urban landscapes. In contrast to traditional silicon solar panels, which are sometimes considered unattractive or too heavy, the deep-tech startup Crystal Energy offers a major technological breakthrough: transforming every window into a source of electricity, without compromising transparency, aesthetics, or thermal and acoustic comfort.

The result of ten years of research at the Laboratory of Reactivity and Solid-State Chemistry (LRCS—CNRS / University of Picardie Jules Verne) under the leadership of Frédéric Sauvage, this patented innovation is integrated directly into the core of double-pane glass in the form of electrogenerating glass. The secret? The integration of photoactive pigments invisible to the human eye, capable of selectively capturing incident light (near-infrared) and converting it into electricity.

Exemplary in its simplicity, this technology is extremely efficient: it uses no critical or toxic metals and requires only 20 milligrams of pigments per square meter of glass. With promising performance levels of up to 35 watts per square meter, a building equipped with 50 square meters of this invisible glazing could cover nearly half of its electricity needs, transforming the facades of skyscrapers into discreet power plants.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

This innovation is biomimetic in its operation, as it faithfully replicates the principle of natural photosynthesis, but captures only the invisible portion of the solar spectrum (infrared). The windows thus allow 100% of visible light to pass through to preserve the glass’s transparency, while converting invisible energy into electricity.

Did you know ?

Photosynthesis is one of nature’s oldest miracles. Do you remember the equation? By combining carbon dioxide from the air + water drawn up by the roots + energy from sunlight, the plant produces sugars (glucose) to grow, while releasing oxygen and water. That is: 6CO₂ (carbon dioxide) + 12H₂O (water) + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose) + 6O₂ (oxygen) + 6H₂O (water)

5. THE TRAIN AND THE BIRD

The story

Aerodynamics owes a great deal to the study of living organisms: in Japan, a high-speed train, the Shinkansen, connects Osaka and Hakata, passing through numerous tunnels. However, inside tunnels, the air is compressed, which increases air resistance. How can the train minimize energy loss and speed reduction while counteracting these pressure changes?

Engineers turned to a master of rapid transitions between two media of different densities: the kingfisher. This bird dives headfirst to capture its prey underwater and moves very quickly and “silently” from air to water—two media with different pressures—which mirrored the problem the engineers needed to solve.

The idea was to mimic the shape of its beak and head, yielding an astonishing result: with a 15% reduction in power consumption, the train’s top speed increased from 210 to 320 km/h, simultaneously reducing speed-related issues and noise pollution at tunnel entrances and exits.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The kingfisher’s streamlined shape allows it to hunt while minimizing disturbances caused by aerodynamic and hydrodynamic drag, enabling it to lose less speed and avoid alerting its prey when it enters the water.

Did you know ?

The kingfisher (family Alcedinidae) lives along the banks of calm, clean, and shallow waters, which allow it to spot its prey from its perch. The bird is also a good natural indicator of water quality.

6. THE LIGHTWEIGHT AIRPLANE

The story

Thanks to the development of the micro-lattice—the lightest material in the world—the aircraft manufacturer could make its planes lighter and reduce their fuel consumption.

“We’ve succeeded in creating the lightest material in the world,” says Sophia Yang, a researcher at the California-based HRL laboratory, which works with the American giant. Scientists drew inspiration from human bones to develop the micro-lattice. From the outside, bones appear rigid, “but if you look inside, you’ll see small hollow cavities. That’s what makes a human bone very strong yet also very light,” explains the scientist.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The micro-lattice is inspired by the honeycomb structure of human bones. Made up of an assembly of hollow tubes 1,000 times thinner than a strand of hair, this material is 99.99% air, making it ideal for flight while remaining extremely strong.

Did you know ?

An adult human body has 206 bones. There are two types of bone: compact bone and cancellous bone. Compact bone is dense and is found in the outer part of long bones, such as the femur. It surrounds the cancellous bone, which contains bone marrow.

7. A CHURCH VENTILATED LIKE A TERMITE MUND

The story

This church is located in Nianing, on the “Shell Coast,” south of Dakar.

To create natural passive ventilation, the project draws inspiration from the functioning of the African termite mound, an extremely efficient model of thermal regulation.

The bell tower is designed as a “ventilation chimney” that ensures a natural and steady thermal draft throughout the day.

Facing east and soaring toward the sky, the building is closed off on the north and south sides to protect against the sun and the harmattan wind blowing in from the desert. The building opens to the west to capture the cool trade winds through a series of volumes divided into seven vaults, with a bell tower rising to a height of 45 meters.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The Macrotermes michaelseni termite mound takes advantage of air currents and maintains a constant temperature of around 27°C, even though the outside environment can experience a temperature range of up to 50°C.

Did you know ?

In some African countries, termites are capable of building termite mounds up to 8 meters high.

8. STRUCTURES THAT HEAL THEMSELVES THANKS TO CALCIFYING BACTERIA

The story

Certain bacteria have the ability to strengthen soils through biocalcification, creating a calcareous cement based on calcite—a biochemical mineral composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) that is very abundant in calcareous sedimentary rocks such as stromatolites.

This phenomenon inspired the research and experimentation conducted at the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône through the Boréal project (short for “Biorenforcement of Embankment Structures”), developed at the Center for Behavioral Analysis of Hydraulic Structures (CACOH) at Port Edouard-Herriot on the banks of the Rhône River. The process, dubbed “Biocalcis” and patented by Soletanche Bachy, relies on the bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii, which, when in contact with a calcifying solution (urea and calcium salt), can form calcite crystals capable of binding sand grains together.

The method’s primary applications include treating internal erosion of dikes, dunes, and embankments, as well as combating soil liquefaction during seismic events.

The process also demonstrates the advantage of preserving soil porosity to allow groundwater to flow—another lesson inspired by nature to avoid creating impermeable barriers. Along similar lines, but with a different approach, Hendrik Jonkers (winner of the European Inventor Award) at Delft University has developed a self-healing concrete based on another calcifying bacterium, Bacillus pseudofirmus.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

When fed a solution containing urea and calcium salt, the bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii produces calcite crystals. When this biochemical reaction occurs between grains of sand, it binds them together. The soil hardens.

Did you know ?

Shark Bay in Australia is the only place in the world where stromatolites continue to grow. They owe their thriving existence to the high salinity—twice that of the oceans—which keeps algae-eating organisms at bay, and to the very high rate of water evaporation due to the shallow depth. Each “mushroom” is formed by the accumulation of thin layers of calcium carbonate deposited during the photosynthetic activity of the cyanobacteria living on top of the stromatolite.

9. HEART PUMPS THAT UNDULATE LIKE FINS

The story

Heart failure affects 60 million people worldwide. It is characterized by a loss of the heart’s contractility; the heart muscle becomes too weak to eject enough blood into the body to ensure its distribution and meet the physiological needs of the organs.

People with very advanced heart failure may benefit from a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a pump connected directly to the heart that links the tip of the left ventricle to the aorta. These pumps take over the heart’s function and help restore sufficient blood flow to alleviate the symptoms of the disease in critically ill patients. However, LVADs are often associated with severe and frequent adverse effects, with 7 out of 10 patients experiencing a serious complication (stroke, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, etc.) within the year following implantation.

CorWave is a French company that offers innovative cardiac assist devices designed to prevent the complications associated with current pumps. CorWave pumps use a unique undulating diaphragm pump technology invented by engineer Jean-Baptiste Drevet. The disc-shaped membrane at the heart of these cardiac pumps mimics the undulating swim of marine animals, with the difference that the membrane is stationary—it is the fluid that moves. The wave travels from the outside toward the center of the disc, propelling blood toward the central opening.

Unlike current pumps, CorWave pumps are capable of restoring blood flow while preserving the heart’s pulsatility, providing a truly physiological blood flow. This technology also ensures the necessary blood flow within a compact design, making implantation easier. The CorWave LVAD is also more responsive, capable of instantly adapting to patients’ needs in real time, providing a higher flow rate during periods of physical activity and a lower flow rate during periods of rest.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The CorWave LVAD undulating membrane is a biomimetic technology inspired by the swimming motion of marine animals, whose undulating movement allows them to move powerfully and nimbly through the water.

Did you know ?

The humpback whale has massive, very powerful pectoral fins. They serve as a rudder and stabilizer, giving it exceptional maneuverability—allowing it, for example, to perform tight loops underwater.

10. AN ANTIBACTERIAL SURFACE LIKE SHARK SKIN

The story

Sharks have very tough skin covered with sharp, tooth-shaped placoid scales known as dermal denticles. These dermal denticles protect the animal by preventing organisms in the water—such as microorganisms, algae, and crustaceans—from attaching to it and potentially contaminating or hindering it.

An American company drew inspiration from these denticles to create an antibacterial surface. This bio-inspired technology is of great interest in hospital settings, for example, where operating rooms, catheters, bandages, and other equipment can be coated with this material.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The company Sharklet has developed a coating inspired by shark skin that reduces the spread of bacteria by 94% by replicating the denticles on a micron scale (1,000 microns in a millimeter).

Did you know ?

The shape and size of sharks’ dermal denticles vary by species. These denticles also play a role in the sharks’ swimming efficiency by creating a laminar water flow, thereby reducing drag.

11. SCRATCH, THE FIRST BIO-INSPIRED DRY ADHESIVE

The story

The history of VELCRO® hook-and-loop fasteners began in 1941 when George de Mestral (1907–1990) returned from a walk with his dog and noticed numerous burdock seeds clinging to its fur. This Swiss engineer (an EPFL graduate) and inventor then decided to take a closer look at these small clinging structures. He examined the burdock seeds under his microscope and discovered tiny hooks that easily cling to animal fur or clothing.

With a keen mind for reflection, creativity, and design (he received his first patent at age 12), he came up with the idea of combining two cotton strips—one with hooks and the other with loops—to replicate the self-fastening effect of burdock seeds.

After 10 years of research and development with the Institut Textile de France, George de Mestral combined a velvety side with a hook side to create the famous hook-and-loop fastener. In 1952, he founded the company VELCRO SA and registered the VELCRO® trademark. From then on, “Velcro” experienced global—and even space-age—growth, used by NASA and by all of us.

The practical applications of this innovation are countless, but it is also an adhesive system that can be described as “dry glue,” which emits no Volatile Organic Compounds.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

George de Mestral drew direct inspiration from the way burdock flowers cling to certain surfaces using tiny hook-shaped structures to create a hook-and-loop fastening system. In this case, bio-inspiration led to an invention that very faithfully replicates nature.

Did you know ?

Burdock is a plant that is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has soothing properties and can help relieve itching.

12. THE MYCELIUM REVOLUTION IN MATERIALS

The story

Faced with resource depletion and pollution from plastics and petrochemicals, what if the solution were growing right beneath our feet? A veritable invisible network that weaves life beneath the forest, mycelium—the root structure of fungi—is bringing about a major revolution in the world of materials. Completely biodegradable and sustainable, it offers a cost-effective alternative capable of replacing leather, plastic, and synthetic rubber in a wide range of industrial applications.

The startup Fungus Sapiens has developed MÆLIUM™, a revolutionary biotextile. Inspired by the agricultural ingenuity of Atta ants, this material—grown in a vertical farm—repurposes agricultural and forestry waste to create a durable alternative to leather. Its environmental impact is undeniable: it consumes only 40 liters of water per square meter (compared to 150,000 to 200,000 liters for tanning a cowhide) and grows in just a few weeks.

This versatility of mycelium is evident everywhere: Permafungi uses it to make 100% compostable protective packaging, while the Bioregion Institute is revolutionizing urban design with Baremark, a playground flooring material that completely eliminates microplastic pollution from fossil-based rubber. Even the sports industry is embracing this trend with Koz Surfboards, which designs surfboards grown locally in molds using plants and rainwater, replacing traditional polluting foams and avoiding material waste. A transition toward living, circular, and zero-waste materials.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

Mycelium is nature’s greatest binding agent. Instead of manufacturing materials by extruding or assembling heavy chemical polymers, this approach relies on organic growth. By feeding on agricultural byproducts, the microscopic filaments of the fungus branch out and self-assemble to bind the material together, acting as a biological glue and a natural 3D printing factory.

Did you know ?

In nature, mycelium forms the “Wood Wide Web,” a giant underground network. Through mycorrhizal symbiosis, it forms a partnership with the roots of 90% of terrestrial plants to provide them with water and essential nutrients (such as phosphorus and nitrogen) that they could not obtain on their own. In exchange, plants provide it with sugar produced through photosynthesis. Without this invisible network of mutual aid, our forests simply wouldn’t exist!

13. SELF-CLEANING WINDOWS WITH THE LOTUS EFFECT OR “FAKIR EFFECT”

The story

The design of these surfaces is inspired by lotus leaves, whose extreme hydrophobicity causes any water droplet that falls on their surface to roll off like a marble. Thanks to this “lotus effect,” the surface cleans itself as the droplets carry away dirt and bacteria as they roll off.

This effect opens the door to a wide range of applications, including windows, paints, and other surfaces, which thus become self-cleaning, always staying dry and clean.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

Self-cleaning surfaces are inspired by the superhydrophobic structure of a leaf, which consists of micrometer-scale roughness and a layer of nanometer-scale wax crystals. The limited contact area provided by this structure ensures that the droplet can move freely.

Did you know ?

The lotus leaf’s water-repellent properties prevent the buildup of unwanted material, which would weigh it down and hinder photosynthesis. This also prevents certain pests from settling on it.

14. ANTI-COLLISION WINDOWS TO PROTECT BIRDS

The story

Every year, more than one billion birds are killed when they collide with the glass facades of buildings and skyscrapers—that’s 32 every second! The resulting head trauma is fatal in half of all cases, making this phenomenon—though invisible—the second leading cause of bird mortality, after habitat destruction. Because glass walls reflect the sky, trees, and light, birds are unable to perceive them as barriers to avoid—regardless of the building’s architecture.

To address this problem, the German company Arnold Glas sought a way to make glass visible to birds. Based on the principle that birds perceive ultraviolet light, the company designed a very special type of glass called “Ornilux Bird Protection Glass”: it features a patterned, UV-reflective coating that makes it visible to birds while remaining virtually transparent to the human eye.

The inspiration behind this innovative project comes directly from orb-weaver spiders, which build their webs using UV-reflective silk threads—called stabilimenta—to prevent their webs from being destroyed by birds or wasps, for example. Ornilux was therefore developed with a patterned coating—simplified compared to the patterns found in spider webs to facilitate the application process—making the surface more reflective than a solid coating.

The first “bird-friendly” glass sold by the company, called Ornilux SB1, has been on the market since 2006 and has proven highly effective in reducing the number of collisions.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

Ornilux glass is directly inspired by stabilimenta—that is, the UV-reflective threads used by orb-weaving spiders. Just as birds see these webs and alter their flight paths to avoid destroying them, they can detect these glass walls and avoid colliding with them.

Did you know ?

Aside from this reflective quality, spider silk has long fascinated researchers and engineers because of its mechanical properties. Although it is thinner than a strand of hair, it is also five times stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis and can stretch up to four times its length without breaking!

15. THE SHORTEST ROUTE

The story

In order to find the optimal path to a food source, ants mark their routes with pheromones—odorous chemicals that trigger physiological or behavioral responses among individuals of the same species. Through the messages they send, pheromones serve as a true means of communication.

An ant will mark the path it has traveled to reach food with pheromones. The shorter the route, the faster the ants will make the round trip, and the more frequently it will be used. The optimal path will therefore be coated with pheromones more quickly than other possible routes, which will eventually be abandoned in favor of this better path.

In 1990, this mode of operation inspired Marco Dorigo and his colleagues to develop optimization algorithms for various fields. He published “Inspiration for Optimization from Social Insect Behavior” on July 6 in the journal Nature, and the book Ant Colony Optimization was released in 2004. GPS routing technologies are a prime example of this, resulting in a considerable reduction in the economic and environmental impact of related activities. Research teams at the CNRS have also explored such algorithms to optimize everyday activities such as waste collection and mail delivery.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

Optimization algorithms involve sending “virtual ants” from point A to point B along different paths. “Virtual pheromones” are deposited, taking into account the phenomenon of evaporation at each iteration, and gradually revealing the optimal solution.

Did you know ?

The evolutionary success of ants stems largely from their ability to cooperate within castes to divide labor, such as foraging for food. They are known as “eusocial” insects.

16. SOLAR-POWERED GEOLOCATION FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

The story

Sometimes we lack a sense of direction and struggle to find our way home. A desert ant, Cataglyphis fortis, never gets lost—even without any landmarks on the horizon. Knowing how to determine one’s location without GPS is one of the greatest challenges facing autonomous vehicles. The Bio-Inspired Systems team at the Institute of Movement Sciences (ISM) took on this challenge by studying this unparalleled champion of navigation.

The Cataglyphis fortis ant lives in the Sahara Desert, an environment devoid of any visual landmarks where the ground temperature reaches 60°C. To survive, it cannot rely on pheromone trails, which would evaporate instantly. And yet, it is able to return home in a straight line after exploring its territory by zigzagging from left to right in search of food. This greatly intrigued the researchers. They discovered that it uses an internal pedometer to measure distance (it literally counts its steps!), coupled with a celestial compass sensitive to polarized light from the sky (which we cannot perceive) that indicates its direction.

Drawing on these natural strategies, ISM researchers are designing optical sensors sensitive to light polarization and developing algorithms capable of measuring direction, estimating position, and following familiar routes. Like the famous AntBot navigation robot developed by the lab, the entire system operates in a completely decentralized manner: without GPS, without prior mapping, and with minimal computing power.

This cutting-edge research paves the way for robust, low-cost navigation solutions that are resilient to cyberattacks and satellite system failures. It has direct applications in mobile robotics, the automotive industry, and aeronautics (particularly for drones), where reliability, safety, and autonomous movement have become essential.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

Engineers have developed optical sensors that mimic the eyes of insects and are sensitive to polarized light (UV rays from the sun that have been altered by the atmosphere). By analyzing the orientation of these light rays, the vehicle calculates its exact heading and position in real time.

Did you know ?

The Cataglyphis fortis ant, which served as the model, lives in the Sahara Desert. While it can find its way back, it’s in its best interest not to dawdle along the way. Cataglyphis ants are also sprinters. Its cousin, Cataglyphis bombycina (the silver ant of the Sahara), can run at a speed of 108 body lengths per second! On our scale, that would be like seeing Usain Bolt clocked at nearly 800 km/h!

17. BIO-INSPIRED REEFS TO PROTECT THE COASTLINE AND ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY

The story

Developed by the startup LINEUP OCEAN, the multifunctional SURFREEF technology enhances the coastal resilience of coastal cities in the face of rising sea levels and erosion. Composed of concrete modules called UPBLOCK, this innovation draws inspiration from natural structures that dissipate wave energy while actively supporting marine life and coastal communities: mangroves!

Like these ecosystems, SURFREEF intelligently attenuates wave energy and limits shoreline erosion. Unlike traditional rockfill or solid seawalls that abruptly block the sea, its ultra-porous structure—3D-printed on a large scale—promotes the free flow of water and sediment and enhances the natural resilience of beaches.

Each UPBLOCK module provides 40 m² of habitat conducive to biodiversity (crevices, cavities, shaded areas) and incorporates a low-carbon 3D mortar—the only one of its kind in the world—made from recycled oyster shells. Rapid colonization by local marine species further increases the barrier’s roughness, enhancing wave attenuation over time: a biomimetic virtuous cycle takes hold, benefiting the coastline. Thanks to mathematically optimized placement, SURFREEF adapts to any configuration by mimicking coral reefs, sandbars, or rocky headlands, depending on local coastal engineering challenges.

LINEUP OCEAN modules replicate this three-dimensional porosity: instead of offering rigid resistance to the ocean’s force, they divide, slow down, and dissipate the water’s energy through their cells, just as a mangrove forest does.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

This technology draws direct inspiration from the root systems of mangroves, as well as from rocky seabeds and seagrass beds. In nature, the roots of these trees form a complex network—a tangle of ultra-porous “cages” that act as sediment traps and natural breakwaters.

Did you know ?

The mangrove tree is the king of the mangrove forest, a unique ecosystem located at the boundary between land and sea. To survive in coastal mudflats—an unstable, completely oxygen-deprived, and salt-saturated environment—it has developed these spectacular stilt-like roots… which serve as a giant nursery: nearly 80% of commercial fish species in certain tropical regions depend on mangroves for their survival during the juvenile stage!

18. NEW REGENERATIVE BIODIVERSITY HABITATS

The story

The Calanque de Cortiou, south of Marseille, has long served as a wastewater outfall, which has had a lasting impact on the shallow waters. The local challenge is to recreate substrate conditions that will allow the species living there to recolonize the area. The Rexcor project, led by Seaboost, was selected in response to a call for proposals launched in 2013 by the Calanques National Park to address this issue. It involves the deployment of 36 submerged artificial reefs of three different types, working in synergy to restore complementary ecological functions and facilitate the recolonization of the habitat by flora and fauna.

The Rexcor project, currently in its experimental phase, relies on long-lasting (>30 years), neutral reefs that require no maintenance. It is already showing positive signs of the local ecosystem’s recovery (lobster, grouper, etc.).

The Ragues reef consists of several porous platforms made of biogenic concrete, modeled after the faults and fissures found in shallow rocky areas. It serves as a substrate and habitat for benthic species (crustaceans, cephalopods, etc.) on the lower levels, and for more mobile species (sea bream, sea bass, etc.) on the higher levels exposed to the current.

The Fractal Reef consists of an interlocking assembly of hexagonal plates oriented in various directions, reminiscent of a lotus flower. This structure thus provides varying exposures to light and current, optimizing the growth of sessile species such as algae.

The 3D Reef is the first 3D-printed concrete reef in the Mediterranean, created in collaboration with XtreeE. It is a habitat that replicates the structural complexity of coral-rich seabeds. It draws inspiration from the structure of these mesopelagic environments, creating cells of varying sizes and exposures that serve as substrates and shelters.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The reefs developed by Seaboost are inspired by the structures and textures of rocky shallow waters and seaweed, providing shelters adapted to the conditions of these specific environments.

Did you know ?

Shallow rocky bottoms, located at shallow depths, are extreme, highly productive environments where there is intense competition for space. They also experience significant seasonal temperature fluctuations, ranging from -5°C to +45°C on the rocks just below the surface!

19. A MATERIAL THAT’S BOTH STRONGER AND LIGHTER!

The story

In industry and construction, the quest for lightweight materials has become a top priority for reducing energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and the use of precious resources. However, removing material traditionally weakens a part’s strength. To solve this dilemma, Modulatio, led by Romuald Vigier and Ximena Walerstein, offers a major breakthrough through “variable-density honeycomb structures” (or lattice structures).

Inspired by the internal architecture of vertebrate bones, Modulatio’s patented technology enables the design of industrial components whose internal density varies precisely according to the mechanical stresses they undergo. Instead of using a solid, heavy block of material, the process distributes just the right amount of material to strategic locations, allowing the rest of the structure to “breathe” thanks to the voids. The result is spectacular: the parts retain their full mechanical capabilities while using less raw material.

Applicable to a vast array of materials (metals, concrete, polymers, ceramics, elastomers), this innovation integrates directly into standard industrial molding processes, particularly in cutting-edge sectors such as transportation and construction. Beyond weight savings, these bio-inspired lattice structures also excel where solid materials fall short: they offer unprecedented performance in terms of kinetic energy dissipation upon impact, vibration absorption, and heat transfer.

Take the example of an automotive suspension arm: once the objectives and constraints are established, the Modulatio algorithm defines the optimal lattice structure and results in a suspension arm that is 20% lighter yet can withstand the same stresses as the existing one. With four suspension arms per vehicle, this quickly adds up to several million metric tons in weight savings—all by redesigning just a single part!

Why is it bio-inspired ?

The skeletal structures of vertebrates seem to be straight out of a sophisticated engineering design aimed at achieving the best possible balance of weight, volume, and performance. Birds, for example, have every reason to fly as lightly as possible if they want to conserve the energy !

Did you know ?

Living organisms are the true experts when it comes to emptiness! In nature, organic matter is an energy-intensive resource that takes a long time to produce. To survive, organisms have developed a strategy: to maximize performance with a minimum of matter. Bones are an excellent example of this.

20. HYPER-DRY FACADES THANKS TO THE DESERT BEETLE

The story

The desert darkling beetle, scientifically known as Onymacris unguicularis, is a small black beetle with long hind legs and a shell featuring alternating bumps and depressions. It is found primarily in the dunes of the Namib Desert.

In this hot, arid environment, this small creature has developed a unique and ingenious method for collecting the scarce water droplets necessary for its survival. In the morning, when the sand dunes are shrouded in the moisture of the fog, the desert beetle emerges from the sand, climbs to the top of the dune, lowers its head, and positions itself at a 45° angle, with its hind legs pointing upward. The fog condenses on its back, which consists of alternating bumps and depressions. The tops of the bumps, which are hydrophilic, attract and condense the water, which eventually falls into the depressions, which are hydrophobic. The water then beads up and flows along a network of channels that converge at the animal’s mouth to quench its thirst.

The company Sto drew inspiration from the desert beetle’s design by replicating these surface irregularities to create “always-dry” paints (“StoColor Dryonic”), which also prevent the growth of algae and fungi.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

To achieve facades that remain dry under all conditions or dry extremely quickly, the company Sto took its cue from nature—specifically, the desert beetle. The principle relies on targeted water drainage and rapid drying after rain, fog, and even dew. The extremely rapid drainage of water is made possible by the surface microstructure, which is engineered using a combination of binder and filler materials.

Did you know ?

Although the darkling beetle rises early to catch the dew, it goes to sleep late, after basking in the sun from late afternoon until nightfall. In this way, it stores up heat to withstand the cold of the desert nights in the small burrow it digs in the sand to spend the night.

21. CARBON-FREE TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER USING MICROALGAE!

The story

ZENI is an impact-driven company that offers a circular and sustainable, nature-based solution for treating industrial wastewater, particularly in the agri-food and aquaculture sectors. Through the natural action of microalgae, this disruptive technology enables manufacturers to solve the most challenging environmental issues, focusing primarily on the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Whereas traditional wastewater treatment plants consume a great deal of energy and generate polluting sludge considered waste, ZENI’s process transforms wastewater treatment into a dual source of revenue. On the one hand, the treated water is pure enough to be directly reused in factories, saving millions of liters of drinking water each year. On the other hand, the system produces high-value-added microalgae biomass.

Fully recyclable on an industrial scale, this plant-based biomass opens up new and highly profitable economic opportunities. Depending on local needs and industries, it can be processed into bio-based fertilizers with high agronomic potential, animal feed, bio-based polymers, or even active ingredients for cosmetics. This major environmental transition guarantees manufacturers a rapid return on investment while preserving the planet’s resources.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

This innovation is based on phycoremediation, a branch of phytoremediation dedicated to the decontamination and restoration of environments specifically using algae. Microalgae act as highly effective natural filters. To feed and grow, they directly absorb nitrogen and phosphorus dissolved in water through cellular uptake.

Did you know ?

Microalgae, which first appeared nearly 4 billion years ago, are the origin of life on Earth. These microscopic, single-celled organisms are highly efficient at photosynthesis. On a global scale, oceanic phytoplankton (composed of microalgae) captures more CO₂ than all the world’s forests combined and produces nearly 50% of the oxygen in our atmosphere.

22. A CIRCULAR, BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER PRODUCED THROUGH THE FERMENTATION OF BIOWASTE

The story

Can we do without oil by drawing inspiration from the metabolism of living organisms? That is the challenge taken on by the circular economy initiative launched by the startup and deep-tech company Dionymer. The company has developed a disruptive technology that uses bacterial fermentation to convert organic biowaste into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are bio-based and naturally biodegradable polymers.

This patented innovation addresses two pressing environmental challenges simultaneously. On the one hand, it recycles organic waste at the source by offering a local, high-value-added solution for municipalities, the agri-food industry, and anaerobic digestion facilities. On the other hand, it reduces the carbon footprint of downstream manufacturers by directly replacing petrochemical-based plastics in key sectors such as cosmetics, packaging, textiles, and agriculture.

Dionymer is currently validating its first commercial product lines: Orya, an ultra-pure PHA powder intended for cosmetics, and Orpel, PHA pellets designed for standard plastics processing. The company is accelerating its move to industrial scale with the deployment at its Bordeaux site of a pre-industrial pilot unit with a capacity of one metric ton per year, paving the way for a fully carbon-neutral green chemistry.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

This technology harnesses the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms (bacteria) that can naturally synthesize plastic. In nature, when these bacteria digest organic matter but lack certain nutrients, they store the excess carbon in the form of internal PHA granules.

Did you know ?

Don’t confuse bacteria that “make” plastic with those that “eat” it! In the media, we often hear about “superbacteria” capable of breaking down plastic waste. But at Dionymer, the “superpower” is reversed: the bacteria we use don’t destroy anything—they build! They act like tiny factories that transform simple bio-waste into a high-quality, bio-based, and biodegradable material.

23. NAVIGATING BLINDLY

The story

With its roots in the world of research, ELWAVE is a French company that develops, manufactures, and markets innovative solutions for detection, navigation, and surface characterization in complex underwater and industrial environments.

ELWAVE’s products are based on patented “electrical sense” technology—an electromagnetic technology inspired by the perception mechanisms of fish living in turbid and confined environments where vision and sonar are ineffective.

The team at Institut Mines-Télécom Atlantique, led by Frédéric Boyer, has been studying this “electric sense” since 2007 to develop new sensors and fluid dynamics-based modeling tools for underwater robotics. This research has enabled the company Elwave to develop several prototypes of eel-like robots and the first underwater robot capable of navigating using an electromagnetic navigation system based on this electrical sense of vision.

These unique electrical detection systems can be adapted to any type of vehicle or robot and provide real-time, 360° perception of underwater and industrial environments with demanding operational conditions. They operate by emitting an alternating current that creates a low-frequency electric field, measuring changes in current intensity at each electrode, and then using an algorithmic process to detect and characterize objects.

Their effectiveness has been demonstrated in various environments and for numerous applications, including sediment analysis, local mapping, and obstacle avoidance by industrial robots (human-robot collaboration, known as cobotics).

Why is it bio-inspired ?

Elwave develops 360° sensors directly inspired by the natural ability of certain tropical freshwater fish to generate an electric field and analyze disturbances in it to map their environment.

Did you know ?

African mormyrids and South American gymnotiformes are examples of species that have developed electrical sensory perception to navigate, capture prey, and communicate.

24. CONFUSE THE MESSAGES TO REPLACE PESTICIDES

The story

Insects are able to communicate with one another by releasing pheromones, particularly sex pheromones emitted by females to attract males, which detect them using olfactory sensors on their antennae. The chemical signal transmitted in this way is then converted into a nerve signal, which influences the insect’s behavior and prompts it to seek out mates.

It is possible to synthesize these pheromones in the laboratory and use them in a sexual confusion strategy. Releasing sex pheromones over a plot of land prevents males from locating females and thus prevents reproduction. This method of masking the females’ scent helps limit egg-laying and the emergence of larvae that damage plants and crops.

M2i is a French industrial group specializing in the design, formulation, and production of complex molecules. The company has developed its own expertise in pheromones for the biological protection of crops and animal welfare.

The advantage of this approach is that it is not harmful to wildlife, humans, or even the targeted insect, which will live out its life normally but without reproducing. It also has no impact on the environment, especially since it requires no inputs and produces no waste. This eco-friendly solution is bio-based, microplastic-free, and does not cause resistance in the targeted insects. Finally, since pheromones are species-specific, this approach respects surrounding biodiversity. Combined with their high effectiveness (80 to 90% reduction in crop damage), pheromones thus represent an alternative to pesticides that can be used in field crops, orchards, greenhouses, forests, and green spaces—and even by amateur gardeners!

M2i employs nearly 200 people, holds approximately 40 international registrations, and markets a catalog of 70 products in 65 countries. In 2021, its solutions—based on 27 patent families—helped prevent the use of 20,000 metric tons of pesticides.

Why is it bio-inspired ?

By precisely replicating insect pheromones and dispersing them extensively and evenly across the plot, M2i releases “decoys” that mask the “real” chemical signals emitted by the females.

Did you know ?

Although it may seem harmless, the box tree moth is one of the most feared pests. This caterpillar, native to Asia, feeds exclusively on the leaves, buds, and bark of boxwood. Don’t be fooled by its small size—this predator has a voracious appetite!