HBKU Horizon Hub workshop

1st International Workshop on Biomimicry

Lessons from Nature for Sustainable Materials Design

February 15-16, 2026
Doha, Qatar
Register Now
Biomimicry research showing natural structures

Workshop Overview

Join leading researchers and innovators to explore how nature’s time-tested strategies can inspire sustainable materials design and manufacturing solutions.

Learn About Biomimicry

Learn about biomimicry and the most recent innovations in the field from leading international experts.

Networking

Connect with researchers, industry professionals, and innovators in the biomimicry field.

ThinQa Launch

Beta launch of ThinQa AI platform for biomimicry-inspired design and prototyping.

Workshop Schedule

Time
Activity
Presenter(s)
08:00 - 09:00
Registration (coffee)
09:00 - 09:10
Official Opening
Dr. Adnan Abu-Dayya, Associate VP of Research, HBKU.
09:10 - 09:20
Opening Remarks
Dr. Tareq Al Ansari, ED, QEERI. Dr. Brahim Aissa, Research Director, QEERI.
09:20 - 10:00
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
Jess Berliner, Co-founder & Director of Learn Biomimicry.
10:00 - 10:30
Advanced Product Surfaces Through Laser Surface Functionalization
Sabri Alamri, Head of Technology, Fusion Bionic.
10:30 - 11:15
ThinQa: Official Launch of Biomimicry-AI Tool
El Tayeb Bentria, QEERI.
11:15 - 11:45
Six Things Biomimicry is Calling For
Alistair Daynes, Managing Director, Learn Biomimicry.
11:45 - 12:30
Break – Lunch
12:30 - 01:00
AI For Science: HBKU Initiative
Dr. Sanjay Chawla, Chief Scientist, QCRI.
01:00 - 01:30
Fabric Of Life: Co-Designing the Future of Materials with Nature
Dr. Melissa Sikosana, Biomaterials Scientist, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden.
01:30 - 02:00
Panel Discussion: Future of Biomimicry in the Gulf Region (Potentials and Opportunities)
Jess Berliner, Alistair Daynes, Vladimir Katanaev, El Tayeb Bentria. Host: Dr. Tareq Al Ansari.

International Speakers

Hear from world-renowned experts in biomimicry and sustainable design.

Jess Berliner

Jess Berliner

Co-founder & Director of Product

Learn Biomimicry

Alistair Daynes

Alistair Daynes

Managing Director

Learn Biomimicry

Yuma Langenbach

Yuma Langenbach

Biomimicry Professional & Practitioner

Consultant

Sabri Alamri

Sabri Alamri

Chief Research Officer

Fusionbionic

Melissa Sikosana

Melissa Sikosana

Biomaterials Scientist

Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden

Dr. Vladimir Katanaev

Dr. Vladimir Katanaev

Scientific Director of Translational Oncology Research Center

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute

Edwin Osas

Edwin Osas

Founding Partner & Innovation Designer

Forge Exploration Studio

Organizing Committee

Meet the team behind the 1st International Workshop on Biomimicry.

Dr. El Tayeb Bentria

Dr. El Tayeb Bentria

Workshop Chair, Materials Scientist

HBKU

Dr. Brahim Aissa

Dr. Brahim Aissa

Materials Unit Director

HBKU

Dr. Sanjay Chawla

Dr. Sanjay Chawla

Chief Scientist

HBKU

Dr. Amine Haboub

Dr. Amine Haboub

Postdoctoral researcher, Organizer

HBKU

Ms. Johanne Medina

Ms. Johanne Medina

Organizer

HBKU

Dr. Deeb Alashgar

Dr. Deeb Alashgar

Organizer

HBKU

Taghreed Abdulhameed Abdultawab Al-Gunaid

Taghreed Abdulhameed Abdultawab Al-Gunaid

Organizer

HBKU

HBKU Horizon Hub workshop
ThinQa Logo

Introducing ThinQa

Natural Morphology, AI Accelerated. Transform biological innovations into 3D-printable prototypes in minutes.

AI-Powered Analysis

Advanced LLM models analyze natural phenomena and translate biological principles into innovative design solutions.

3D-Ready Prototypes

Generate precise, manufacturable 3D models optimized for your 3d printer settings.

Scientific Accuracy

Grounded in peer-reviewed research papers database for reliable results.

Innovation Acceleration

Transform months of research into actionable prototypes in hours, not weeks.

Venue & Location

Join us in education city Doha, Qatar

Minaretein building in Doha, Qatar

Minaretein

Address
8C8W+MQ6, Georgetown Access Rd, Ar-Rayyan,
Airport
15 minutes from Hamad International Airport
Accommodation
Partner hotels with conference rates available
Transportation
Complimentary shuttle service provided in education city

Travel Information

  • • Visa-free entry for 80+ countries
  • • English widely spoken
  • • Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
  • • Weather: Pleasant February temperatures (17-25°C)

Experience Qatar

Doha skyline with modern Qatar architectureTraditional Qatari architecture and cultural heritageQatar desert landscape with sand dunes