Biological Solutions
The focus of this Flagship Enabler is leveraging biological solutions, including both "natural" and "synthetic" approaches, to generate game-changing sustainability outcomes and reach our Flagship Destinations.
Life on Earth is by definition, biological, and protecting it is the ultimate aim of any work in sustainability.
Harnessing the power of biology can help achieve the positive outcomes that the planet and society now require. Humans have long harnessed biological resources to provide for essential needs, like shelter, food, and medicine. Advancements in technology have enabled a new era of synthetic biology, enhancing solutions already found in nature or creating new ones altogether to serve 21st century challenges. Solutions in this Flagship draw upon both natural and synthetic biology to meet humanity's current needs and ensure that the needs of future generations can be sustainably and productively met.
Accelerator Contacts
Timothy Bouley
Managing Director
Trevor Cambron
Sustainability Technology and Business Analyst
2025 Projects
Six teams were awarded biological solutions funding in May 2025. Projects range in purpose and approach, employing latest technologies and tools from bioengineering, ecology, and other life science disciplines. Direct and indirect approaches to reducing carbon emissions are targeted to diverse applications in pharmaceuticals, mining, materials, agriculture, and other biologically dependent industries.
A fermentation strategy to eliminate deforestation and reduce emissions during Taxol production
Biomining rare-earth elements to upgrade unconventional ores for electricity technologies
Engineering carbonic anhydrase for industrial carbon sequestration
Integrated rice-fish farming to fight schistosomiasis, improve food security, and promote economic growth in Africa
Naturally modified cellulosic materials to replace petrochemical products
Optimizing agrivoltaic systems for crop productivity and soil carbon sequestration
Previously Funded Projects
In 2022 the Sustainability Accelerator funded its first cohort of 31 teams. This project leveraged biological systems to advance a sustainability solution.
Engineering biology to recycle plastic: Valorizing polyester and polyethylene waste
