Biotechnology involves using biological processes, living systems, and organisms for healthcare and industrial purposes. The innovation of bio-inspired tech in Southeast Asia is making a difference on the planet and in many industries in the region. Natural resources have been depleting rapidly and will continue to dwindle as the population grows.
The emergence of biotechnology in Singapore played a role in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers spent time deciphering the virus’ DNA and focused on developing novel medical treatments for the future. Companies in the sector are creating products like cancer detection kits, generating greener and cleaner raw materials using enzymes, making chronic ageing treatments, and more.
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On the other hand, biomimicry is the practice of studying and imitating nature using technology to design solutions to people’s problems. For example, some biomimicry-informed designs include a composite lamp made from orange peels or high-fibre pineapple leaves converted to plastic composite.
Overview of Southeast Asia’s role in the development of bio-inspired tech
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has committed to growing the bio-inspired tech industry. For example, the development of the Biopolis in Singapore—a co-working space for biotech startups—created a global centre for research and development (R&D) in biomedical sciences. Moreover, it enabled more new businesses to access funds and resources like lab spaces and equipment, enhancing the industry.
Southeast Asia has limited land areas, but its population is expanding rapidly. Natural ecosystems inspire urban planning, allowing different species to coexist harmoniously. A vital element in recent developments is the switch to greener and more sustainable construction and planning concepts. New houses meet enhanced energy requirements by using renewable sources and lab-created sustainable materials in construction.
According to Science Direct, green buildings save at least 30% of energy consumption, unlike standard structures. Such a massive reduction benefits the environment and reduces costs for the homeowner. Meanwhile, ASEAN seeks to facilitate the reduction of an overreliance on non-renewable sources, aiming for 23% of all energy to come from renewable options.
Designers, architects, and urban planners can use biomimicry in their work, emulating the form of the object from nature to create a product. For instance, humpback whale fins inspired the design of wind turbine blades, which are more efficient. Other examples of nature include taking an image of the environment and recreating its shape as furniture.
Challenges and ethical considerations
As with all sectors, the bio-inspired tech industry faces several challenges and ethical considerations:
Funding
The first issue is attracting more investment to power innovation in Southeast Asia and encouraging startups to emerge and deliver solutions. Currently, the global economic climate is not conducive for investors as there are high interest rates, inflation, fears of recession, increased costs of production, and reduced capabilities to spend on green energy.
Furthermore, energy costs are high and restrictive, making it challenging to focus on one’s business. Regional governments can do more to boost up-and-coming startups by setting aside money in the annual budget to finance the biotech industry. Additionally, they could offer subsidies to encourage more businesses to sign up or to be able to afford different kinds of technology.
Government policies and regulations
Most ASEAN businesses understand that the regulatory climate can be challenging for all company types. There is a need to move towards more favourable policies to help startups and their founders establish themselves in the industry. The concern arises from the fear that some of the steps taken by the leaders may create loopholes, which may be exploited by dangerous people, damaging the environment and people’s health.
Ethical considerations
Innovative solutions like biomimicry, while good, raise some ethical questions for the public to consider. For example, is it okay to imitate nature to design the products and services consumers love? Ultimately, their research will lead them to touch on ethically sensitive issues, and there may not be any government regulations to protect the buyers.
Plus, since these bio-inspired technologies operate digitally, it causes privacy concerns as there is a risk of cybercriminals stealing data from unprotected devices.
Complexity of biotech
Biotech is a complex field with few experts, and ASEAN has struggled to recruit the region’s best tech talent to join the R&D teams. Startup founders should learn to simplify the language and avoid jargon to encourage investors to fund their businesses and make hiring talent more accessible.
Pricing
With Southeast Asia needing improved biotech laws, investment opportunities, or high-quality infrastructure, predictions show that the pricing will likely be high. Unfortunately, high prices chase away buyers.
It is clear that innovation in the biotechnology and biomimicry sectors is here to stay and is a sector that is currently flourishing. Greater emphasis is needed to provide literacy about the industry to everyone in ASEAN, which will aid adoption.