Ray C. Anderson Foundation

Today, we are launching applications for the 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator, gathering nature-inspired startups from around the world! Are you a fit?  We’re seeking early-stage startups that are: 🌱 Nature-inspired: Leveraging biological processes, materials, chemistry, or systems to drive innovation 🌎 Impact-driven: Focused on tackling climate and environmental challenges with scalable solutions 🚀 Early-stage: Ranging from Pre-Seed to Series A Why apply? Join a global ecosystem of founders, investors, and experts dedicated to accelerating nature-inspired solutions. Learn more about the program, the eligibility and selection criteria, and apply now for the 2025 cohort: https://lnkd.in/dJW8yhGX  Deadline: 11:59pm EST, April 25th, 2025 Thank you to our funding partners, the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and the Bentley Motors Environmental Foundation for your support and belief in nature-inspired changemakers. Read our press release for more information: https://lnkd.in/gSq94vVN We can’t wait to see what brilliant nature-inspired ventures our global community has been creating and look forward to working together to scale their impact. -The Ray of Hope Team ____ The Ray of Hope Accelerator, an initiative of The Biomimicry Institute, accelerates the growth of nature-inspired startups to scale systemic solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Every year, we support a cohort of ten high-impact nature-inspired startups from around the world. Curious about the application process, program content, structure and benefits? Join our online Ask Us Anything Session on Wednesday, March 19th at 12pm EST, where you can ask our team anything about the Ray of Hope Accelerator: https://lu.ma/o60zbt8r.

Did you know poor air quality can lower children’s test scores, reduce crop yields, and even disrupt the stock market? At Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's Green Team Summit this past weekend, our very own Dr. Preeti Jaggi, chair of GaCCA, and Tanya Coventry-Strader of Mothers and Others for Clean Air, led an eye-opening conversation on the hidden connections between air quality, climate change, and public health. From root causes to real-world impacts, they shared practical ways we can all advocate for cleaner air and healthier communities. #HealthyAirIsHealthCare #Healthcare #Leadership #HealthyAirIsHealthCare

The Climate Smart Farmer Program, a collaborative effort between Georgia Organics and McIntosh SEED, is demonstrating the power of partnership in advancing climate solutions. This program, funded through our Climate Solutions & Equity Grants, is empowering Black and Brown farmers in coastal Georgia to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices with remarkable success: • 9 out of 10 participating farms received approval for USDA conservation programs. • One farm successfully installed solar panels, showcasing the integration of renewable energy solutions. Watch our latest #GeorgiaClimateDigest video interview to learn more about this inspiring initiative and its impact on the Georgia landscape. https://lnkd.in/giFdCQba 

Join us next Thursday for the first of our monthly annual CJEM via Zoom: https://lnkd.in/e5466A2A. This months CJEM is an interactive session that focuses on building meaningful relationships through active listening and education through One on One meetings. We seek to teach about the importance of solidifying connections to better organize, and make the first steps towards forming community. If you're looking to learn more, be sure to register before Thursday at 6PM. Bring a notepad and a pen. We're excited to see you there!

Legendary pitches, incredible storytelling, and a community in action! 🎤🌍With about 200 participants, Demo Day was a huge success thanks to the dedication of our founders, the support of our network, and the inspiring conversations that followed. 💬 From a participant: "It was incredible to hear from all the teams and see such a vibrant and beautiful community come together in the name of nature-inspired solutions!" 💬 From an investor: "Please pass on my gratitude to the team and founders. I will certainly follow up with some of them!" To all who attended, engaged, and championed nature-inspired innovation, thank you. Let’s keep the conversation going! Which pitch stood out to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ Watch the Demo Day recording here, featuring: AZUL Energy Inc., Brokkr Mineral Resources Corp., Cellulotech, Fiberly, Gel Matter, ReefCycle, SanaHeal, Inc., Scentian Bio, Soarce, Valerion Energy 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gUjApnhw ___ The Ray of Hope Accelerator, an initiative of The Biomimicry Institute, accelerates the growth of nature-inspired startups to scale systemic solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Every year, we support a cohort of ten high-impact nature-inspired startups from around the world. We’ll be opening applications for the 2025 cohort on March 3rd, stay tuned! 💡 Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dJW8yhGX #RayOfHopeAccelerator #NatureInspiredInnovations #DemoDay