Not only are spiders useful house guests, they are also a source of hope in medical research – in particular the silk they use to make their webs. As far back as ancient times, people were aware of the healing properties of spider webs and placed them on wounds to aid the healing process. Modern-day researchers have also discovered just how uniquely strong and versatile this fascinating material is – an exciting combination when used for technological or medical applications. For example, this tensile material could be used in the future as a scaffold for human bone regeneration or in environmentally friendly packaging. Are you on the lookout for groundbreaking ideas? Why not.

Plant-based leather is THE sustainable alternative to real leather, and not just in Veganuary. Ecological and ethical considerations are leading people away from traditional leather production. Apple leather is particularly sustainable, vegan, and CO₂-friendly, as it is made from waste generated in the production of apple juice. Fashionistas around the world are not the only fans of vegan leather's appearance. As it feels almost deceptively like the real thing and has a wide range of applications, plant-based leather is now also being used in car manufacturing and the furniture industry. In this context, the focus is on the trend toward "regenerative agricultural technology" (or from tree to finished product). Do you have ideas on how to use plant power for the future? Why not.

Mold – it's everywhere and fills people with dread. But even bad things can be a source of something good. It's a green fungi called Penicillium that we have to thank for the discovery of the first antibiotic. Researchers have identified two toxins – enniatin and beauverici – in the mushroom genus Fusarium that cause cancer cells to die off while leaving healthy cells relatively unharmed. Research into this promising approach for cancer therapy has been under way since 2011. Do you also want to make the world a healthier place? Why not.

The fact that prosthetics can be produced using a 3D printer is no longer anything new. But this printing process is now being used for other purposes in medicine. Bioprinting refers to a 3D printing process for organic substances that's revolutionizing medicine. It's already possible to print human heart tissue, taking us one step closer to the 3D printing of a whole heart. Are you also moving into new areas? Why not.

The pollution of the world’s oceans is an enormous problem that society needs to face. However, problems are also opportunities for entrepreneurs. Rather than producing more waste, waste can be removed from the ocean and used again to make new products. Sneakers are already being made from waste – and there are a number of other possible uses. Unfortunately, there’s more than enough waste in the ocean. Will you make something of it? Why not.

We have long known that insects can be eaten. Now the market is really heating up. For example, noodles are now being made from insect flour and burger patties from mealworms and crickets. But this, too, is just the beginning, and the possibilities are endless. Globally there are some 2,000 edible insects that are nutritious and – hopefully – tasty too. Will you start the next big food trend? Why not. 

The growth of e-​commerce has increased the amount of packaging waste. So forward-​looking alternatives are needed. One of these alternatives may sound strange now, but it has a lot of potential: fungal roots are being used to create stable material as part of a sustainable process. The material is being used for packaging and insulation. Are you starting your own trend? Why not.

Clever drone systems and innovative technology are not just for entertainment. Drones are increasingly used in vital situations. For example, to help firefighters make an initial assessment of a fire from the air. A drone with a special camera system has been developed for this purpose. And there’s still a lot more potential, especially in advanced business areas. Will you take advantage of this potential? Why not.

Carrots are not just good for our eyesight – even concrete can be made more stable using leftover from root vegetables such as carrots or sugar beet. Root vegetable fibers are added to cement, thereby increasing the proportion of calcium silicate hydrate, which is responsible for the strength of the concrete. Are you also exploring new approaches? Why not.