The Microphyt Symposium on Marine Biomimicry & Cosmetic Innovations wrapped up on September Friday 27th, in Montpellier. Over 50 participants gathered at the stunning Planet Ocean Aquarium to explore the future of beauty, inspired by the marine world’s wonders. This exclusive event brought together leading professionals from the beauty and biotech industries to delve into the innovative potential of marine ecosystems.
Day 1: Insightful Presentations & Beachside Conversations
The first day was packed with presentations from leading experts in marine biomimicry, showcasing how nature’s blueprints can sustainably transform the cosmetics industry.
Alexis Rosenfeld from the Fondation 1 Ocean captivated the audience with his talk, « An Ocean for Legacy: Making the Invisible Visible », highlighting the unseen wonders of the ocean and their importance to future generations. Juliette Verseux from Ceebios followed with « Ocean of ideas », explaining how marine biodiversity can serve as a blueprint for groundbreaking innovations.
Guillian Graves from Big Bang Project presented how observing natural systems can inspire innovative design solutions, transforming nature’s mechanisms into creative and sustainable applications. Next Amandine Adrien from the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour explored the fascinating connection between marine life and biomaterials with her presentation, « From fish to sunscreens », showcasing how ocean’s resources can inspire the creation of biomaterials.
Justine Demay and Annabelle Aish from the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle provided deeper insight into the hidden potential of marine organisms like cyanobacteria for spa applications, or the study of fossils to find bio-inspired solutions. Rémi Pradelles highlighted how microalgae, microscopic and resilient organisms that appeared on Earth about 1.5 billion years ago, inspire Microphyt highlighted to exploit these adaptations to create innovative and sustainable bioactives. Hervé Jacqz and Julie Ponchart revealed in more detail the natural inspirations behind Microphyt’s hydro-biomimetic technology, illustrating how careful observation can lead to the development of revolutionary systems.
Hervé Jacqz and Julie Ponchart revealed in more detail the natural inspirations behind Microphyt’s hydro-biomimetic technology, demonstrating how careful observation of nature can lead to the development of revolutionary systems.
These presentations painted a vivid picture of how the richness of marine life is inspiring innovation, from bioactive skincare to cutting-edge biotechnologies, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future in the beauty industry.
These presentations painted a striking picture of how the richness of marine life is inspiring innovation, from bioactive skincare to cutting-edge biotechnologies, laying the foundations for a more sustainable future in the beauty industry.
The day ended with a dinner on the beach, where participants continued their discussions in a more relaxed athmosphere, exchanging insights and ideas as the sun set over the Mediterranean coast. It was an opportunity for deepening connections and sharing a common vision for a more sustainable future in cosmetics.
Day 2: Exploring Microphyt’s Camargue Photobioreactors
The second day offered attendees an exclusive tour of Microphyt’s, featuring its innovative Camargue Photobioreactors—a pioneering hydro-biomimetic technology engineered to cultivate all types of microalgae. This groundbreaking advancement has scaled microalgae production to an industrial level, unlocking access to sustainable, cutting-edge bioactives tailored for the cosmetics industry.
Microphyt also prepared an interactive activity where participants had the chance to guess and connect each microalgae with its properties and the final cosmetic product, showcasing the multiple possibilities that microalgae offer in the beauty industry. A video showcasing the full event experience is now available, offering an immersive look at all the key moments, don’t miss the chance to watch it!