For over 20 years, bio-inspired materials have been explored for diverse applications, including climbing robots, pick-and-place systems, skin adhesives, and space technologies. Research has advanced an understanding of nature’s nanotechnology and its artificial adaptations in areas like gecko adhesives and structural colour. However, the commercial success of these materials has not matched products like Velcro. This talk explores areas where bio-inspired materials could have a greater impact, focusing on revolutionary applications rather than material or geometry optimization. Three key areas are highlighted: microfluidics, soft robotics, and composites with tunable shape, stiffness and emissivity. Speaker(s): Dan Sameoto Room: Room ASB 10704, Bldg: Applied Sciences Building, 8888 University Drive, SFU – Burnaby, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5A 1S6