The ocean, a source of inspiration and innovation

“The ocean, a source of inspiration and innovation”, is the topic of the discovery day on biomimetics to be held on 18 March at the City of the Ocean by Nouvelle Aquitaine Region and Darwin. The Pays Basque Urban Community, which has committed to the Blue Economy model with its future technology park called Ocean Start, is a partner in this positive undertaking.  

After the first international show on renewable marine energy sources in 2016, Biarritz is preparing to host the discovery day on biomimetics on 18 March, organised by Nouvelle Aquitaine Region and Darwin and in association with partners such as the Pays Basque Urban Community. The latter has also chosen to take on the Blue Economy challenge with its Ocean Start technology park project, which is due to host the future Marine Biomimetics Centre. 

The concept of biomimetics will be explained on 18 March. A specific innovation strategy lies behind the concept, consisting in discovering how to innovate by taking inspiration from the workings of nature. The challenge is to make human technology and societies evolve towards greater restraint, efficiency and respect for the environment. The programme will include several round tables, conferences and exhibitions to illustrate the concept. Well-known experts will also be taking part in the event including Patricia Ricard, President of the Paul Ricard Oceanography Institute, Emmanuel Delannoy from the INSPIRE Institute, who is an expert on specialised sustainable development in interactions between living organisms and the economy, leaders from the Nouvelle Aquitaine Region, the Urban Community represented by its vice-president in charge of the field, Mayor of Biarritz Michel Veunac, and representatives from CEEBIOS (the European Centre of Biomimetics Excellence in Senlis), the Eurosima Cluster and Nobatek. There will also be two exhibitions in connection with the ocean on display: the first by Bastien Bonnarme, a photographer of the ocean and wide open spaces from the Basque Country, and the second by Edgar Flauw, a designer from Brittany who is passionate about the ocean. 

More information on the programme here.

Free entry, online registration required at: www.oceanclimax.fr/biomimetisme