Mimotype has developed novel material systems for bio-inspired organic semiconductor technology, enabling light generation modeled after nature. Claudio and Danilo Flores have created hydrogel-based light-emitting diodes for medical use in the wearable sector, high-end lighting experiences for the automotive sector, aerospace, and shipping industries, as well as innovative textile fibers.

Mimotype is not a “spin-out” but a “spin-in.” Coming from the private sector, we merged into the German high-tech landscape in a sort of reverse merger. Organizationally, we are an agile speedboat; nonetheless, due to leasing agreements with universities and research institutions, we have access to the latest machines and manufacturing facilities.

We have been working as innovation managers in the field of bio-inspired high-performance materials since 2017. Based on Claudio’s research in theoretical biology, we developed an approach for rapid prototyping of biomaterials founded on the core idea of convergent evolution. The application of this proprietary technology discovery principle led Mimotype into the field of organic electronics. Danilo knew even before completing his university law degree that he wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial career. Claudio began his PhD but decided after a year to put it on hold and dedicate his life to bio-entrepreneurship. Together, we shape and realize our own understanding of organic technology, aesthetics, and beneficial application areas.

We are expanding our groundbreaking work in bio-inspired organic semiconductor technology to address critical challenges in global food production. With global food demand expected to rise by 56% by 2050 and extreme weather events threatening supply security, innovative solutions are needed.

Our focus is on greenhouse cultivation, a sector where artificial LED lighting is currently essential for promoting plant growth. However, this is also energy-intensive and reliant on fossil energy sources, contributing to excessive emissions and creating volatile cost structures for producers.

Mimotype’s solution involves the use of biodegradable photoconversion films. These films use genetically modified fluorescent proteins derived from jellyfish to convert unproductive parts of sunlight, such as ultraviolet and green wavelengths, into photosynthetically active red and blue wavelengths. This process effectively harnesses unused solar energy for plant growth without requiring additional energy input.

By covering greenhouse walls with these biodegradable and biocompatible films, we can improve plant growth in various climates while significantly reducing the dependency on artificial lighting and energy consumption. This not only increases the efficiency and sustainability of food production in greenhouses but also helps secure our food systems against future uncertainties.

Mimotype makes unproductive light usable (c) Mimotype

Besides greenhouse cultivation, we see great potential in several other sectors, particularly in solar cell technology and the medical field.

Firstly, our bio-inspired materials could be used in solar cell technology to enhance efficiency and promote sustainable energy production. Solar cells are less efficient at converting light to energy at certain wavelengths. By photoconverting incoming light into wavelengths that match the optimal efficiency of solar cells, our technology could significantly improve their performance.

In the medical field, we envision advancing optogenetics in neurotechnology and research. This could lead to breakthroughs in understanding neurological disorders. Additionally, our biocompatible light sources could impact wearable medical devices, improving patient care and overall therapy outcomes.

We are probably the most resilient team in the world. It’s a great feeling to work in a budding family business. Of course, there are conflicts, but we learn to handle and de-escalate them. It’s the best school for applied psychology one could wish for. We couldn’t imagine having any other co-founder and wouldn’t want it any other way. I recently read that in crystallography, the concept of twin crystals is very important. I often think about how our joint growth relates to this.

Don’t follow trends and hypes; think critically and don’t go with the flow. If you are convinced of your vision and technology and feasibility are aligned, pursue your ideas even if few others are researching and developing in that field. These niches often incubate true breakthrough technologies. Don’t let investors, VCs, and startup coaches explain too much to you, as they usually have never founded a company themselves. Study the great scientific entrepreneurs of the past who displayed true boldness and changed the world. Even in the interconnected, digital age, nothing beats persistence, conviction, authenticity, and tenacity.

Der Beitrag Interview with the founders of nanotechnology startup Mimotype erschien zuerst auf Humboldt-Innovation Insights.

We show consumers where the products they buy in the supermarket really come from. Many companies lack the tools to tell the story of their products and to transparently demonstrate their sustainability to their customers. However, this is increasingly being demanded – not least due to the German Supply Chain Act.

In addition, consumers themselves increasingly want to factor in the social and environmental impacts of products and companies when making purchasing decisions. With seedtrace, this loop is closed: companies can make their sustainability efforts verifiable, thereby enabling consumers to make more conscious purchasing decisions. Transparency and sustainability become economically attractive.

With a tailored approach, impacts can be managed and verified for all stakeholders – from product communication to real-time product traceability. Impact claims can be verified by third parties or through internal documentation, leading to increased consumer trust. This supports our goal of integrating Corporate Social Responsibility efforts into operational marketing activities.

Seedtrace offers integrations for traceability and verification using blockchain technology or advanced supplier management solutions. The customized content management system can be seamlessly integrated into websites, packaging, and online shops. We adapt our platform to meet specific customer needs, strengthening collaboration with all stakeholders along the supply chain.

Seedtrace was born out of a clear problem: the missing link between a product’s origin and us as consumers. We are working toward a future in which all actors along the supply chain collaborate and grow together. We strive for a world where the people who produce our goods benefit from sustainable and environmentally responsible work.

Our impact ecosystem involves many different stakeholders. Strengthening collaboration across the entire supply chain is crucial. We believe in leveraging innovative technologies to analyze and improve complex supply chain processes — especially their social and environmental impacts.

Snippets of the software by Seedtrace

Der Beitrag Transparency in your shopping cart erschien zuerst auf Humboldt-Innovation Insights.