The future needs technical innovations. But according to the Innovation Indicator 2024 of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), Germany's innovative strength is lagging behind. An opportunity to reverse this trend lies in the biologization of technology – an approach based on bioinspiration that has been highlighted by a number of authors in recent years. This is because nature provides an almost limitless pool of role models. The joint scientific project “BioTrans” is investigating how bioinspired solutions in the field of materials research can advance Germany as a research and industrial location. The particular focus is on knowledge and technology transfer as part of the BMBF funding measure “Biologization of Technology: Bioinspired materials research”.

The aims of the BioTrans project partners are to identify and multiply the innovation and sustainability potential of biologized technology. BioTrans networks the individual funding projects, supports the innovation processes – for example by processing and bundling the research results achieved and identifying new scientific issues - and helps to translate the research results into sustainable added value. Intensive public relations work supports the transfer of knowledge and technology.

Thus, to make bioinspired solutions usable for German industry, the Biologization of Technology is promoted as an innovation approach. Best practices will illustrate its benefits for industry and synergetic and interdisciplinary cooperation will be demonstrated and fostered to drive research and development forward.