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First contribution by Australian company to Innovation for Conservation

In line with the long term strategic plan of ZERI to work on a shift in the business model and learn from nature, a major breakthrough has been achieved. Biomimicry, the new field of innovation inspired by nature is enabling the development of radical new technologies and products. In turn it has inspired the creation of the biomimicry "Innovation for Conservation Fund" to protect the biodiversity giving rise to a new industrial age.

One of the mechanisms for developing the fund is modeled on the traditional system of corporations paying a commission to a broker that successfully facilitates its capital raising. In this fund, committed companies that benefit from 3.8 billion years of evolution will pay that commission to the fund instead.

Biosignal Limited (ASX: BOS) quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange and preparing commercialization of its innovative anti-bacterial applications is the first company to contribute this commission to the fund.

Biosignal's technology is based on the capacity of a red seaweed (Delisea pulchra) to jam the communications amongst bacteria. This natural bactericide has been proven to work in a variety of applications including oil and gas pipelines, contact lenses and cooling towers. Biosignal is now productizing its years of research and is in the process of raising capital and securing distribution to bring product to market.

Japanese investor and licensee Saraya & Co recently invested in Biosignal. Biosignal will pay the fund-raising commission equivalent, i.e., 3 percent of funds invested by Saraya, to the Innovation for Conservation Fund. The fund is administered by the Biomimicry Institute, a research and education organization that builds on the pioneering work of Janine Benyus, the author of the book Biomimicry.

The Innovation for Conservation Fund was initiated by the Biomimicry Institute and further developed by the ZERI Foundation. The two organizations joined forces to identify the biologically-inspired technologies which are ready to go to market and are encouraging all companies that raise money to commercialize such technologies to contribute to the preservation of the species and their habitats.