The Bionik Innovation Centre has been coordinating biomimetics research in Bremen since 2005 and is the central point of contact for knowledge and technology transfer between science and industry. The aim is to systematically transfer bionic principles into industrial applications, innovative products and sustainable processes.
The B-I-C supports and facilitates technology transfer projects at national and international level – from joint research and development to application in companies. In close cooperation with industry partners, practical solutions are developed that combine biological principles with engineering expertise.
As a research location, Bremen is the region's central technology cluster, particularly in the field of aerospace. The B-I-C's proximity to research and innovation-driven industries creates ideal conditions for biomimetic solutions with high industrial relevance.
An important component of knowledge transfer, for example, are regular student projects carried out in cooperation with industry partners. These projects address real industrial issues and test new bionic approaches. Companies gain early access to innovative ideas and qualified young talent, while students are involved in practical research and development processes.
The Transfer and Start-up Service at Bremen University of Applied Sciences supports HSB members and cooperation partners. Further information can be found on the HSB website.
In addition to the study programmes in biomimetics , the B-I-C offers practice-oriented formats for a broader and more specialised audience. These formats convey bionic thinking and development approaches and enable participants to experience their application to specific issues.
For example, two hackathons were held in 2022, each in collaboration with an industry partner. In this format, technical problems are worked on intensively within a clearly defined period of time. The problem serves as the starting point for a structured bionic development process: from analysis and identification of suitable biological models to the derivation of transferable principles.
All ideas and concepts developed are consistently geared towards addressing the underlying technical challenge. The formats promote interdisciplinary work, creative problem solving and the transfer of bionic principles into application-oriented concepts – for research, teaching and industrial innovation processes alike.
The Biomimetics Seminar is a regular online lecture series that runs throughout the semester. On selected Tuesdays during the semester, specialist lectures provide insights into various topics in biomimetics – from current research projects and methodological approaches to applications in technology and industry.
The lecture series brings together experts from science and practice and offers an interdisciplinary overview of bionic thinking and development processes. The seminar is aimed at students, researchers, industry partners and other participants interested in biomimetics, creating a space for knowledge exchange, networking and professional discussion.
As an interdisciplinary scientific discipline, biomimetics combines content from biology, technology, mathematics and computer science and is particularly well suited to contemporary STEM education. In addition to technical fundamentals, it promotes networked thinking, problem-solving skills and an application-oriented approach – key qualifications for school, university and career.
As a crossover discipline, Biomimetics teaches students how scientific and engineering perspectives interact. Biological models are analysed, abstracted and applied to technical issues. This results in vivid, practical learning approaches that make complex content understandable and increase motivation in the classroom.
The B-I-C has been involved in educational and outreach projects for many years, making biomimetics accessible to schools, teachers and learners. The aim is to promote interest in science and technology and to establish biomimetics as an innovative field of teaching and learning.
Numerous projects have developed teaching materials, concepts for school lessons and formats for teacher training and continuing professional development. These materials help teachers to integrate bionic content into their lessons in an age-appropriate, competence-oriented and curriculum-compatible manner.
Teachers and educational institutions interested in teaching Biomimetics or seeking support in developing teaching concepts are invited to contact the B-I-C.