On April 24, the first annual Risk and Value Creation Forum, a finance innovation conference focused on evolving the concept of risk (as a key constraint in achieving sustainability goals), new risk frameworks, and biomimetic technology innovation as a sustainable value creation opportunity (at the startup and public company level), will take place in Mountain View, CA.
Based on the concept of biomimicry, created by writer Janine Benyus in 2002, the field of biomimetic innovation is growing rapidly. The Risk and Value Creation Forum reports that activity in the field of innovation based on nature increased seven-fold from 2000 to 2013, and papers published around the field increased by eight-fold. Between 2012 and 2013, biomimetic patent issuance increased by 27% and scholarly articles jumped by 28%. They predict that by 2030, bioinspiration will generate $425 billion of U.S. GDP and $1.6 trillion of global GDP. Several universities including ASU and MCAD have launched biomimicry disciplines and design courses, respectively, and biomimicry design challenges are also gaining popularity.
Next week’s Risk and Value Creation Forum, which organizers say is part of broader work towards building an economy that creates conditions conducive to life, will also host the launch of the BVC Fund, an early-stage biomimetic technology investment fund, and feature portfolio companies from StartupNectar, a biomimetic technology incubator. The selection criteria is breakthrough biomimetic technologies that have the potential to transform entire industries at the materials science level - with water, energy, and materials science as the three investment categories.
Over 100 thought leaders are expected at the event. Speakers include:
- Rick Bookstaber, Research Principal, Office of Financial Research at US Treasury
- Lynn Reaser, Chief Economist PLNU, and Chief Economist for the Council of Economic Advisors for California State Treasurer
- Tomas Carruthers, CEO of the London Social Stock Exchange
- Simon Tribelhorn, CEO of Liechtenstein Bank Association and Executive Director of LIFE Climate Foundation Liechtenstein
- Eva Wilmann de Donlea, Director Sustainability Intelligence P/L and former Chair of The Climate Council
- Darren Beck, Director of Environmental Initiatives and Shared Value at Sprint
- Steve Hipskind, Head of Earth Sciences at NASA
The conference will also highlight emerging trends on modeling and managing risk, the latest insights in finance innovation aligned with nature’s strategies, and a pitch session platform for entrepreneurs and investors with a focus on emerging value creation opportunities. The agenda will also feature a number of key value-creation discussions around biomimetic technology, how to align economic activity with Earth’s operating conditions, changing the way banks value risk and how to protect your company’s assets.