At the opening, Dr. Rainer Erb (BIOKON), Dr. Claudio Dalle Donne (Airbus Operations GmbH), and Dr. Rosita Cottone (Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) emphasized the high innovation value of biologically inspired approaches and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable technological development. 

First Conference Day: Presenting Funded Research Projects 

The first day of the conference focused on twelve funded research projects. Through lectures, discussions, and two poster sessions, the latest findings on the development and application of bioinspired materials were presented – ranging from biofunctional surfaces to self-healing materials and bionic manufacturing processes. It became clear that biologization of technology is a “team effort” – combining the knowledge of nature's mechanisms with engineering, driven by the goal of creating innovative and sustainable value creation. 

The first session focused on medical technology applications, where bioinspired materials are increasingly being incorporated into patient-related products. In a subsequent Fishbowl discussion, participants explored ways to safely transfer innovations to clinical practice under the requirements of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). In addition to regulatory issues, the opportunities of digitalization for standardization and building trust were also discussed. 

The second session addressed industrial applications – from surface innovations for various industries to filtration systems and automation technology. The following discussion focused on technology transfer, economic utilization, and innovation management. The conversation revolved around how academic research and industrial practice can be better aligned to efficiently bring bioinspired solutions to market-ready products. 

Second Conference Day: Corporate Forum, PhD Seminar, and Exclusive Tours at Airbus and ECOMAT Bremen 

The second day of the conference began with a keynote by Dr. Klaus Rischka (Fraunhofer IFAM) on "Adhesion in Nature". He demonstrated how biological adhesion mechanisms – such as those found in mussels and insects – could revolutionize technical bonding technologies. This was followed by two parallel formats offering targeted insights into practice and careers: The Corporate Forum highlighted success factors for the transfer of bioinspired research and showcased the market potential of biologization of technology, with contributions from Dr. Rudolf Bannasch (EvoLogics GmbH), Bastian Schäfer (Airbus Operations GmbH), and Dr. Tim Kunze (Fusion Bionic GmbH). The PhD Seminar gave young professionals from academia and industry the opportunity to discuss career options, the importance of networking and mentorship, and the role of intrinsic motivation in personal decision-making and development. 

To conclude, Airbus and ECOMAT Bremen opened their doors for exclusive tours. Participants received insights into research facilities and production areas where high-tech and biologization are already working hand in hand today. 

The Status Conference 2025 impressively demonstrated how the biologization of technology is gaining momentum. It connects fundamental research, industrial implementation, and societal innovation with the goal of developing sustainable, functional, and future-proof technologies modeled after nature. 

Presence at the German “Bionik-Kongress” and Awarding of the Bionik Award 2025 

Immediately following, around 140 experts participated at the 11th edition of “Bionik-Kongress” under the headline “Patents from Nature" at ECOMAT, where many of the impulses from the status conference were further explored. During the evening event, the winners of the Bionik Award 2025 were honored. This award, presented by the Biomimetics Network of Excellence e. V., supports students, apprentices, and young professionals who tackle concrete technical challenges and develop creative, practical, and highly feasible ideas for bionics and biologization of technology. Overall, participants experienced four days in Bremen focused on a biologically inspired technological future.