The University of Oxford’s TIDE Centre has launched the Nature’s Intelligence Studio at COP30 in Brazil. The programme aims to turn biological ideas into practical technologies. It also supports fair benefits for communities that hold rich biodiversity. Because of this combined focus, the initiative is being welcomed as a new model for sustainable innovation.

🧬 Nature-Inspired Ideas for Clean Innovation

The Studio explores how living systems solve complex problems. These systems evolved over billions of years. Therefore, they provide strong models for low-carbon technologies and resource-efficient industry.

The Studio includes three core work streams:

• Energy Atlas of Nature’s Innovations – connects industrial challenges with biological ideas using AI.
• Global Ideathon – gathers creative solutions from researchers and innovators across the global south.
• Benefit-Sharing Framework – protects community rights and ensures ethical use of biodiversity knowledge.

Professor Amir Lebdioui emphasized that the developing world holds most of Earth’s biological intelligence. However, this value rarely supports local development. The Studio aims to change this pattern by giving communities a central role in innovation.

🌿 Aligning Conservation With Local Benefits

The project shows that environmental protection and economic development can move together. Because biodiversity offers insights for energy, materials and climate solutions, preserving ecosystems becomes a source of economic opportunity.

Dr Alicia Montalvo from CAF said the partnership brings together:

• Scientific expertise
• Policy guidance
• Entrepreneurship and innovation networks

As a result, biological ideas can reach real-world use faster. The initiative also strengthens ties between Oxford and biodiversity-rich regions. The Amazon, for example, offers thousands of biological models that can inspire clean technologies.

🌎 Global Collaboration to Meet Climate Goals

The Nature’s Intelligence Studio will operate through close cooperation with partners in Brazil, France, Estonia and other regions with high biodiversity. This network strengthens the programme’s ability to turn biological ideas into practical solutions.

Deuza Santos from the National Institute of Amazonian Research said the initiative creates a bridge between regional knowledge holders and Oxford’s global research teams. She noted that this connection allows communities to guide how their biological resources inform technology and innovation.

The timing is notable. COP30 highlights the urgent need for climate action and biodiversity protection. As countries search for workable and fair approaches, Oxford’s new programme offers a fresh model. Instead of focusing only on engineered systems, it encourages learning from biological strategies that have evolved over billions of years.

Supported by nearly £1 million in funding from Oxford, CAF and philanthropic foundations, the Studio plans to expand into other biodiversity-rich regions. Its long-term goal is simple: use nature’s ideas to build cleaner industries while ensuring that communities benefit from the innovations inspired by their ecosystems.