In a previous article, I introduced the concept of Endemic Innovation (EI)—a new model that unlocks value creation by leveraging the unique resources, knowledge, and conditions of a region to solve global challenges.

Unlike traditional innovation models that prioritize scalability over context, EI begins with a simple truth: the solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges often lie hidden in the roots of specific ecosystems and cultures. From Portugal’s cork oak forests to Iceland’s volcanic geothermal systems, EI transforms local singularities into universal value.

Yet as interest in region-based innovation grows, so does confusion. Is every grassroots project an example of EI? Does local value automatically equate to global relevance? This article clarifies the boundaries of EI through seven global case studies, demonstrating what it is—and what it isn’t.

True EI requires five non-negotiable pillars:

1.-Innovations based on unique-endemic resources or knowledge (geographically or culturally unreplicable).

2.-Sustainable strategy and solutions, aligned with the SDGs.

3.-Deep integration with local community.

4.-Synergy between endemic technologies (unique and difficult to replicate, they provide a competitive advantage) and exogenous cutting-edge technologies (which refine, enhance and scale the endemic technology).

5.-Scalable local-to-global impact.

 By dissecting innovations from the Lithium Triangle’s extremophile bacteria to New Zealand’s Manuka honey remedies, we reveal how EI differs from mere localization. These cases are not just stories of success—they are blueprints for a world where resilience begins with a deep understanding and respect of the endemic regional singularities.

1.-AMORIM CORK: From Portuguese forests to space and beyond

Founded in 1870 by António Alves Amorim, Amorim Cork began as a small cork-stoppers producer in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Over 150 years, the company evolved into the world’s largest cork processor, controlling nearly 30% of the global cork market, and producing over 22 million bottle corks annually. Portugal’s cork oak forests (Montado ecosystem), which cover 34% of the world’s total, provided the foundation for Amorim’s growth. These forests are endemic to the Mediterranean, thriving in Portugal’s unique climate and soil conditions. Cork harvesting—stripping bark without felling trees—is a centuries-old practice, deeply rooted in Portuguese agrarian culture and ecological stewardship.

Cork oak (Quercus suber) is unreplicable outside Mediterranean climates, and Portugal holds 50% of global production. Amorim’s success hinges on this endemic resource, combined with ancestral knowledge of sustainable harvesting. Workers (tiradores) use hand axes to extract cork every nine years, ensuring tree longevity. This process is protected by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, making it both ecologically and culturally unique. Amorim further innovated by valorizing waste: 70% of cork’s raw material was once discarded, but today, advanced granulation techniques repurpose it into flooring, insulation, and composites materials.

Amorim’s model directly supports SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption) and 15 (Life on Land). Cork forests sequester up to 14 million tons of CO₂ annually in Portugal, and Amorim’s factories operate with closed-loop water systems and biomass energy. The company’s carbon-negative footprint (-243,000 tons CO₂/year) and is certified by Cradle to Cradle and FSC, highlighting its circular economy ethos. By preserving the Montado—a biodiversity hotspot for endangered species like the Iberian lynx—Amorim aligns economic activity with planetary health.

Amorim merges endemic resources and knowledge with cutting-edge technology, which is a pattern that we will observe consistently in all the endemic innovations analyzed. This in-depth knowledge of cork and its versatility has enabled the company to develop a portfolio of highly innovative and sustainable materials, applications and solutions. The transfer of knowledge and the exploitation of synergies between different sectors make it possible to develop solutions that balance performance and environmental friendliness. For aerospace, it developed a range of solutions under the brand TPS™ (Thermal Protection Systems), cork composite materials used in rocket thermal shields by ESA and NASA for ablative thermal protection and insulation. Biotechnology optimizes cork’s natural properties (e.g., suberin, a fire-resistant polymer), while AI-driven quality control systems scan 60,000 stoppers/hour for defects. Collaborations with MIT and Airbus illustrate how endemic knowledge and resources gain global relevance through exogenous tech and collaborations.

Amorim partners with local cooperatives to train harvesters and ensure fair wages and currently employs more than 5,000 workers. The company also funds reforestation initiatives, engaging communities in restoring degraded cork forests. This symbiosis ensures cultural preservation (e.g., annual harvest festivals) while creating shared value.

Amorim recently commissioned a study from the consultancy firm, EY, which aimed to assess the impact of its operations in the regions where it is present and in the Portuguese economy. The study calculated the direct, indirect and induced impacts, including the environmental impacts of its activity and the impacts of the ecosystem services associated to the cork oak forest, made possible by its activity. The report concluded that the total net value to society in general is higher than seven times higher than the direct value added by the business activity in Portugal. These results have reinforced Amorim's commitment to maximize its value through the creation of jobs and opportunities, innovation and diversification of products and promotion of responsible forestry management and use of natural resources.

By exporting a “Portuguese” resource as a high-tech solution, Amorim redefines sustainability paradigms worldwide. This case epitomizes the concept of Endemic Innovation: transforming endemic assets into a global portfolio of solutions through respect for tradition, community symbiosis, sustainability and technological synergies. Its success challenges industries to view locality not as a constraint but as a catalyst for innovation.

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2.-WOAMY: Cellulose Biofoam and the Nordic Circular Economy Revolution

 Finland, a nation where forests blanket 75% of its landmass, has cultivated a 500-year legacy of sustainable forestry. This expertise, honed through generations, transformed the country into a global leader in wood processing and cellulose pulp innovation, accounting for 20% of its export revenue. The Finnish "forest bioeconomy" model, rooted in circularity and low waste, emerged as a response to the fragility of Arctic ecosystems and the need for climate-resilient industries.

 Woamy, a 2020 spin-off from Aalto University, epitomizes this ethos. Founded by Susanna Partanen and a team of material scientists, the startup leverages Finland’s endemic know-how of cellulose—a polymer derived from wood fibers—to create a biodegradable foam that disrupts the global polystyrene (Styrofoam) market, a $30 billion industry dominated by environmentally toxic materials.

Finland’s boreal forests, managed under strict sustainability certifications (FSC, PEFC), yield 60 million cubic meters of wood annually, with 80% of harvested material utilized in value-added products. Cellulose, refined using patented chemical pulping techniques from Finland, is the precursor to the know-how Woamy used in the further development of its proprietary biofoam technology. The company’s key innovation behind this technology relies on a deep understanding of wood mechanics and chemistry applied to a novel production process for the creation of closed cell porous structures mimicking the internal geometry and directional strength of wood, resulting a lightweight, thermoformable, exceptionally strong and fully biodegradable solution, a good example of an endemic technology. These integrations elevate a traditional material into a high-value export, with patents co-developed with Aalto University and the EU’s Horizon Europe program, and with global applications for packaging, insulation, manufacture, construction, and other industries.

This process builds on Finland’s century-old paper industry R&D, including Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre’s breakthroughs in lignin-free cellulose extraction. Replicating this ecosystem—combining historical know-how on sustainable forestry, advanced pulping infrastructure, material science expertise, and cutting-edge technologies—is nearly impossible outside Nordic conditions.

Woamy’s biofoam directly addresses SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Traditional Styrofoam generates 1.3 kg of CO₂ per kilogram produced and persists in landfills for 500+ years; Woamy’s alternative is carbon-negative (-0.5 kg CO₂/kg) due to carbon sequestration in forests and decomposes in 90 days. The company’s production uses 70% less energy than Styrofoam and repurposes sawdust from local mills, a byproduct previously burned for biomass. Partnering with the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra), Woamy aligns with Finland’s 2035 carbon-neutrality goal, while its closed-loop design ensures 100% recyclability into new foam or organic fertilizer.

Finland’s forestry sector employs over 150,000 people, many in rural regions facing depopulation. Woamy collaborates with state-owned Metsä Group and family-owned forest cooperatives to source cellulose, guaranteeing fair pricing through blockchain-tracked supply chains. The startup also trains former pulp-industry workers in advanced biorefinery operations, bridging traditional skills with green tech. In 2023, Woamy launched a community "microfactory" pilot in Lapland, enabling Sami indigenous communities to convert local birch waste into foam for insulating traditional kota shelters. This model empowers hyper-local production while preserving cultural practices tied to Finland’s forests.

Locally, Woamy supports Finland’s circular economy, diverting 12,000 tons/year of wood waste from incinerators. Globally, its foam is scaling rapidly: IKEA trials it for furniture packaging, reducing plastic use by 90%, while Airbus tests it for lightweight aircraft insulation. The startup’s licensing model allows Brazilian and Indonesian partners to adapt the technology to local biomass (e.g., sugarcane bagasse, coconut husks), creating a decentralized anti-plastic movement rooted in Finland’s endemic innovation.

 Woamy transcends Finland’s paper-industry legacy, proving that endemic resources, when fused with global technologies, can address planetary challenges. Its success mirrors a Nordic truth: sustainability thrives where tradition and audacity intersect.

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3.-ON POWER: Harnessing Volcanic Power for a Carbon-Negative Future

Iceland, straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is a geothermal powerhouse where tectonic forces generate 27 volcanic systems and 600 hot springs. For centuries, Icelanders harnessed this energy for survival—melting ice, bathing, and cooking—in one of Earth’s harshest climates. Modern geothermal exploitation began in 1907 with Reykjavik’s first district heating system, but ON Power, spun off from Reykjavik Energy in 2014, revolutionized the sector. Operating Iceland’s largest geothermal plants (Hellisheiði, Nesjavellir), ON Power produces 1,500 GWh of electricity and 2,800 GWh of thermal energy annually, powering 90% of Icelandic homes with near-zero emissions. Its innovations stem from an endemic necessity: surviving Arctic winters (-30°C) while protecting a fragile ecosystem where 11% of land is glaciers and 70% is uninhabitable lava fields.

Iceland’s geothermal systems are unreplicable: volcanic magma heats groundwater to 300–400°C at depths of 2–3 km, creating supercritical fluids with 10x the energy of conventional wells. ON Power’s proprietary deep-cycle geothermal technology exploits these fluids, achieving 45% thermal efficiency (vs. 15% global average). Crucially, Iceland’s geology enables CarbFix, a carbon capture method developed with the University of Iceland. By injecting CO₂ and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from geothermal steam into basaltic rock, gases mineralize into stable carbonate minerals within two years—a process accelerated by Iceland’s reactive volcanic rock. This “geological alchemy” is unfeasible in 90% of Earth’s crust lacking such rock, making ON Power’s model endemic by default.

These endemic conditions have been combined with world-class geothermal knowledge and cutting-edge technologies to develop solutions that are very difficult to replicate in other parts of the world, such as:

-AI-driven reservoir modeling: Machine learning predicts magma chamber dynamics, optimizing well placement and reducing drilling costs by 20%.

-Direct Air Capture (DAC): Partnering with Swiss firm Climeworks, ON Power’s Orca plant combines geothermal energy with DAC to remove 4,000 tons/year of atmospheric CO₂.

-3D seismic imaging: Adapted from oil exploration, this technique maps subsurface fractures, increasing steam extraction efficiency by 35%. 

ON Power’s operations align with SDG 7 (Affordable Energy), SDG 9 (Industry Innovation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The Hellisheiði plant, the world’s first carbon-negative geothermal facility, captures 30% of its CO₂ emissions (34,000 tons/year) and 75% of hidrogen sulphide (H₂S), a pollutant causing acid rain. Its electricity has a carbon intensity of 5g CO₂/kWh—compared to 475g/kWh for natural gas—and district heating emits 0.03kg CO₂/m², 99% lower than oil-based systems. ON Power also rehabilitates ecosystems: at the Hengill volcanic site, it restored 30 km² of eroded land, reintroducing native birch forests to stabilize soil and sequester 120 tons of CO₂ annually.

Geothermal energy sustains 10% of Iceland’s workforce, with ON Power employing 350+ engineers, geologists, and technicians. The company partners with municipalities to provide subsidized heating to low-income households (30% below market rates) and funds vocational programs at Reykjavik University to train geothermal specialists. Notably, ON Power collaborates with local farmers to repurpose waste heat: greenhouses near Hellisheiði grow 15% of Iceland’s tomatoes and cucumbers year-round, reducing food imports. Cultural preservation is also prioritized—geothermal parks like Hellisheiði Geothermal Exhibition educate visitors on Iceland’s volcanic heritage, while steam from plants is piped to outdoor pools like the Blue Lagoon, a $500 million tourism magnet rooted in geothermal byproducts.

Locally, ON Power ensures Iceland’s energy independence: 70% of heating and 30% of electricity are geothermal, saving $1.2 billion/year in fossil fuel imports. Globally, it exports expertise through projects like Geothermal RISK Mitigation in East Africa, where Icelandic engineers help Kenya scale geothermal capacity to 50% of its grid by 2030. ON Power’s CarbFix technology, licensed to 15 countries, could store 4 billion tons of CO₂/year—5% of global emissions—if applied to all basaltic regions. Even non-volcanic nations benefit: Japan uses ON Power’s AI models to enhance geothermal efficiency by 25%.

 ON Power exemplifies how endemic innovation thrives at the intersection of extreme geography and existential necessity. By weaponizing Iceland’s volcanic DNA with global tech, it redefines geothermal energy from a local solution to a planetary lifeline.

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4.-SPORA: Fungi Nanobiotechnology and the Future of Sustainable Fashion

Chile, a biodiversity hotspot with 7,000+ endemic species, is home to some of the world’s most pristine ecosystems, from the Atacama Desert to the rainforests of Patagonia. This unique flora and fauna have inspired a wave of bio-innovation, with Spora emerging as a global leader in fungal nanobiotechnology.

Founded in 2018 by a team of Chilean scientists and entrepreneurs, Spora leverages Chile’s fungal diversity to create mycelium-based biomaterials that disrupt the $1.5 trillion textile industry. By replacing animal leather and synthetic textiles, Spora addresses the fashion industry’s staggering environmental footprint: 10% of global carbon emissions, 20% of wastewater, and 85 million tons of annual textile waste.

Spora’s innovation is rooted in Chile’s endemic fungi, sourced from remote ecosystems like the Valdivian Rainforest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These fungi, adapted to extreme conditions (e.g., drought, salinity, extreme temperatures), to produce mycelium with unique structural and chemical properties. Spora’s patented “end-to-end” process combines traditional mycological knowledge—cultivating endemic fungi on organic substrates like agricultural waste—with AI, genome engineering, bioprinting and nanotechnology. Using endemic fungal species allows the Spora team to produce a leather-like material with superior tensile strength (15 MPa) and water resistance, outperforming conventional leather and synthetic alternatives. This process is protected by patents in the US (USPTO), Europe (EPO), and globally (PCT), ensuring a competitive edge in the $2.3 billion biomaterials market.

Spora’s mission aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Mycelium cultivation emits 90% less CO₂ than animal leather and uses 99% less water than cotton. Spora’s production facility in Santiago, Chile, powered by renewable energy, produces 250,000 square feet of mycotextiles annually equivalent to saving 6,250 cows from slaughter and preventing 15,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. The company also upcycles agricultural waste (e.g., wheat straw, grape pomace) as growth substrates, diverting 500+ tons/year from landfills. By 2025, Spora plans to expand to Europe, partnering with mushroom farms to localize production and reduce transportation emissions.

Spora’s operations create virtuous cycles with local communities collaborating with rural farmers to source organic waste, providing an additional income stream for 200+ families. Spora’s educational initiatives, such as workshops on mycology and sustainable design, empower local artisans to integrate mycotextiles into traditional crafts like Mapuche weaving. This fusion of ancient knowledge and cutting-edge science preserves cultural heritage while fostering economic resilience.

Locally, Spora is driving Chile’s bioeconomy and innovation ecosystem, highlighting the use of endemic resources alongside high technology. Globally, its mycotextiles are soon to be used by luxury brands such as Burberry or Gucci, reducing their dependence on animal leather and synthetic materials. Spora’s European expansion, planned for 2025, will establish production sites near fashion capitals such as Milan and Paris, enabling rapid prototyping and reducing lead times by 50%. By licensing its technology to European mushroom farms, Spora ensures scalability while maintaining control over quality and sustainability standards.

Spora exemplifies how endemic innovation can transform a local resource—Chile’s fungal diversity—into a global solution for one of the planet’s most polluting industries. Its success underscores the power of biomimicry: by learning from nature, we can create a future where fashion is both beautiful and sustainable.

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5.-NETAFIM: Revolutionizing Agriculture with Drip Irrigation

In 1965, in the arid Negev Desert of southern Israel, a group of engineers and farmers at Kibbutz Hatzerim faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge: growing crops in a region with less than 200 mm of annual rainfall and saline soil. Inspired by the need to “make the desert bloom,” they pioneered drip irrigation, a groundbreaking technology that delivers water directly to plant roots through a network of tubes, emitters and valves.

Today, Netafim, the company born from this innovation, is the global leader in precision irrigation, operating in 110+ countries and saving 240 billion liters of water annually. Israel’s unique combination of water scarcity, agricultural ambition, and technological ingenuity made this innovation possible—a quintessential example of Endemic Innovation. 

The Negev Desert, covering 60% of Israel’s land area, is one of the driest regions on Earth. Water scarcity forced Israelis to develop advanced water management techniques, including drip irrigation, which reduces water usage by 50–70% compared to traditional methods. Netafim’s early systems were built using recycled plastic tubing and rudimentary emitters and valves, but over decades, the company refined its technology to include pressure-compensating drippers, self-cleaning filters, and smart irrigation controllers. These innovations are deeply rooted in Israel’s endemic conditions: the need to maximize every drop of water in a land where it is scarce.

Netafim combines Israel’s water management expertise with cutting-edge global technologies:

-IoT and AI: Netafim’s Farm Management System (FMS) uses sensors and AI algorithms to monitor soil moisture, weather conditions, and crop health in real time, optimizing irrigation schedules and reducing water waste by 25%.

-Precision Agriculture: GPS-guided drip systems enable variable-rate irrigation, tailoring water and nutrient delivery to the specific needs of each plant.

-Biodegradable Materials: Recent innovations include drip lines made from biodegradable polymers, reducing plastic waste in agriculture.

These advancements ensure that Netafim remains at the forefront of the $5.5 billion precision irrigation market.

Netafim’s technology directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption). By delivering water and nutrients precisely to plant roots, drip irrigation increases crop yields by 30–50% while reducing water usage by up to 70%. Netafim’s systems also minimize fertilizer runoff, preventing soil and water contamination. The company has also demonstrated a commitment to the circular economy by declaring the use of at least 45% recycled materials in its production line by 2030.

In India, for example, Netafim’s projects have helped farmers reduce water usage by 40% while doubling yields of crops like sugarcane and cotton. Globally, the company’s solutions save 240 billion liters of water annually, equivalent to the annual consumption of 3 million people.

Netafim’s impact extends beyond technology to community empowerment. In developing countries like Kenya, Vietnam and Peru, the company partners with local governments and NGOs to provide smallholder farmers with affordable drip irrigation systems. These initiatives often include training programs on sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term adoption and success. The company also informs that 35% of its employee’s volunteer in their communities, with most of their activities involving the Netafim’s core business: precision irrigation and sustainable solutions.

The #UsingLessDoingMore campaign aims to harness their employees to create a positive social-environmental impact. In 2021 they planted more than 10.000 trees in three reforestation projects (Amazonas, India & California). In 2022 Netafim employees dedicated 6.500 hours volunteering in their community. 

Locally, Netafim has transformed Israel’s agricultural sector, enabling the cultivation of high-value crops like dates, olives, and grapes in the Negev Desert. Globally, its systems are used on 15 million hectares of farmland, benefiting 10 million farmers. In California, Netafim’s technology helps almond growers reduce water usage by 40%, while in China, it supports rice farmers in cutting water consumption by 50%. By exporting Israeli innovation, Netafim has become a symbol of how endemic solutions can address global challenges.

Netafim’s story is a testament to the power of culture context and necessity-driven innovation. Born in the harsh conditions of the Negev Desert, drip irrigation has become a global lifeline for sustainable agriculture, proving that even the most challenging environments can yield solutions with universal impact.

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6.-BIO-METALLUM: Biomining with Extremophile Bacteria

The Lithium Triangle, spanning the salt flats of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, holds over 60% of the world’s lithium reserves—a critical resource for the green energy transition. However, conventional lithium extraction, which evaporates brine in massive pools for 18–24 months, consumes 500,000+ liters of water per ton of lithium, devastating fragile ecosystems and displacing Indigenous communities. Founded in 2020 by a team of South American microbiologists and engineers, Bio-Metallum offers a radical alternative: leveraging extremophile bacteria native to the region’s hypersaline lakes to extract lithium sustainably with a clean tech approach. These microorganisms, evolved over millennia to thrive in the Atacama Desert’s extreme aridity and salinity, are the linchpin of a patented biomining process that reduces water use by 90%, requiring only 5% of the space of traditional methods and operates consistently regardless of climate.

Bio-Metallum’s innovation is rooted in the Lithium Triangle’s endemic extremophiles which thrive in lithium-rich brines with salinity levels exceeding 30%. These bacteria naturally sequester lithium ions through bioaccumulation, a trait honed by the region’s harsh conditions. Replicating this ecosystem is impossible outside the Triangle’s specific geochemical and climatic context. The company’s proprietary Lithium BioX™ technology enhances this natural process by genetically optimizing bacterial strains to increase lithium uptake efficiency by 300%, using advanced AI tools and synthetic biology, a breakthrough protected by patents in Latin America, the EU, and the US.

Bio-Metallum directly advances SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 9 (Industry Innovation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Traditional lithium mining evaporates 21 billion liters of water annually in Chile’s Atacama region alone, while Lithium BioX™ uses closed-loop systems that recycle 95% of water. The process also eliminates chemical solvents like hydrochloric acid, reducing CO₂ emissions by 85% compared to conventional methods. In 2023, the company achieved carbon neutrality by partnering with local solar farms to power its bioreactors, aligning with Chile’s 2050 net-zero target.

Locally, Bio-Metallum has revitalized the Lithium Triangle’s innovation ecosystem. Pilot projects in Chile and Argentina restored 200 hectares of salt flats, with biodiversity increasing by 15% since 2022. Globally, its technology addresses the lithium industry’s dual crises: water scarcity and surging lithium demand expected to grow 10x by 2030.

Bio-Metallum epitomizes Endemic Innovation: transforming a regional geographic and biological quirk into a global sustainable solution. By aligning hyper-local resources with frontier technologies, it proves that the green energy transition need not come at the cost of ecological or social impact.

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7.-COMVITA: Manuka Honey and the Science of Endemic Wellness

The Manuka tree, revered by the Māori as taonga (treasure), has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties—treating wounds, infections, and respiratory ailments. In the 1970s, New Zealand scientists discovered that Manuka honey contains uniquely high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound with unparalleled antibacterial activity. Founded in 1974, Comvita transformed this ancestral knowledge into a global wellness brand, leveraging New Zealand’s pristine ecosystems to produce endemic medical-grade Manuka honey. Today, Comvita controls 15% of the $1.3 billion global Manuka market, blending Māori wisdom with cutting-edge science to redefine natural healthcare.

Manuka trees thrive only in New Zealand’s specific climate and soil conditions, particularly in regions with volcanic ash-rich soils and high rainfall. The plant’s antibacterial properties evolved as a defense mechanism against pathogens in isolated island ecosystems. Comvita’s UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) certification, a globally recognized standard, quantifies MGO levels (ranging from 100+ to 2000+ mg/kg), ensuring authenticity and potency. Attempts to cultivate Manuka in Australia or the UK have failed to replicate its bioactive properties, cementing New Zealand’s monopoly on true Manuka honey. With over 2,000 natural bioactive compounds, surpassing the mere 100 found in regular honey, one of its most extraordinary elements is methylglyoxal, renowned for its healing properties, capable of healing wounds, burns, and combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Comvita, like all the previous cases, merges endemic resources and knowledge with global innovations:

-Precision Apiculture: IoT sensors monitor hive health, humidity, and nectar flow, optimizing honey yield by 20%.

-Biotech Extraction: Enzymatic processes isolate MGO for use in FDA-approved medical products, like Comvita Lepteridine®.

-Blockchain Traceability: Each honey batch is tracked from hive to shelf, combating counterfeit products (30% of global “Manuka” honey is fake).

Due to this synergy of unique resources and high-end technologies, Comvita has been able to obtain important certifications such as UMF™ Honey Association Licensee, HACCP, New Zealand Ministry of Health GMP Certificate, and B-Corp partnership.

Comvita also aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Its beekeeping practices follow Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, ensuring sustainable harvesting without overstressing hives or ecosystems. Comvita partners with Māori iwi (tribes) like Ngāi Tahu and Tūhoe, who own significant Manuka honey operations. Key initiatives include investing 1% of their net income ever year into worthy, social and environmental causes like Save the Kiwi, Saving the Wild and Saving the Wild Beekeeping Project.

This model bridges economic development with Indigenous sovereignty, ensuring Manuka’s benefits remain rooted in its cultural origins.

Locally, Comvita sustains 5,000+ jobs in rural New Zealand and protects 200,000 hectares of native forests. Globally, its products are used in NHS hospitals (UK) for wound care and by NASA for astronaut nutrition. The company’s research on Manuka’s antiviral properties (e.g., against COVID-19) has spurred clinical trials in the EU and US, positioning it as a leader in natural therapeutics.

Comvita proves that endemic innovation thrives when cultural heritage and biodiversity intersect with scientific rigor and technology. By elevating a traditional remedy into a global health phenomenon, New Zealand demonstrates that sustainability and profitability need not compete—they can coexist, rooted in respect for people, culture, and the environment.

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8.-IBUKU: Sustainable Architecture from Bali's Forests

In the heart of Bali, where Hindu temples hide among bamboo jungles, a quiet revolution is taking root. It doesn’t come from a high tech innovation hub but from the calloused hands of Balinese artisans and the glowing screens of designers wielding cutting-edge software. Here, Ibuku—which means "Mother Earth" in Balinese—has turned a paradox into a manifesto: How do you build the new without breaking the old?

The answer lies in their unique structures: schools that resemble giant nests, villas mimicking vines, and bridges defying gravity. All made from a material Bali has used for millennia: bamboo.

For centuries, bamboo in Bali was "the poor man’s material." It was used for temporary huts, fences, or musical instruments but never for sacred purposes. Temples were built with volcanic stone; eternity demanded solidity. Bamboo, ephemeral and vulnerable to termites, was relegated—until Elora Hardy arrived.

The daughter of an American jeweler and a Canadian designer, Hardy grew up among Bali’s rice paddies. In 2010, after a career in New York’s luxury fashion scene, she returned home with an uncomfortable question: “Why import steel and concrete to an island where bamboo grows 10 cm a day?” The challenge wasn’t just technical—it was cultural. Convincing Balinese communities that bamboo could be sacred again.

Ibuku doesn’t use just any bamboo. It relies on two endemic species:

• Dendrocalamus asper: 30-meter-tall stems with walls as thick as a human arm. Ideal for columns.

• Bambusa blumeana: Flexible and hurricane-resistant. Used for curved roofs.

These species only reach peak strength in Bali’s microclimate, where volcanic soil and monsoon rains create unique fibers. “It’s like wine—terroir matters,” Hardy explains.

The Ancestral Code: Undagi and the Talking Knots

Ibuku collaborates with undagi—Balinese artisans and master builders trained in hereditary techniques to split, bend, and join bamboo without nails. They are guardians of knowledge once forbidden to outsiders. They know how to:

• Split bamboo with machetes without damaging fibers.

• Create geometric knots with coconut ropes that strengthen over time.

• “Read” each stalk’s natural curvature for structural integrity.

But Ibuku gave them an unexpected ally: 3D modeling and digital simulation.

In 2015, while designing Sharma Springs—a six-story villa—the team hit a problem: spiral bamboo staircases warped under weight. The solution didn’t come from the undagi but from fluid dynamics software. Using Grasshopper (a Rhino 3D plugin), they simulated how wind and tremors would stress the structure. They discovered that bamboo’s organic curves, inspired by palm leaves, dispersed seismic forces better than any right angle.

“Nature had already invented the perfect algorithm. We just translated it into code,” says Ewe Jin Low, Ibuku’s engineer.

In 2008, Ibuku built its riskiest project: The Green School, a campus where children from 40 nations study amid living bamboo.

Results That Silenced Skeptics:

• Cost: 30% cheaper than a conventional school of the same size.

• CO2 Avoided: 200 tons (equivalent to 5,000 mature trees).

• Durability: After 15 years and three earthquakes, not a single column has collapsed.

But the greatest success was invisible: the children of undagi, who once fled to cities out of shame for their family trade, now study sustainable design at that very school.

The Dilemma of Success: Can the Endemic Go Global?

Ibuku now faces a paradox: its model is so tied to Bali that replicating it abroad seems impossible. When a Mexican hotel tried cloning the Green School, it failed. “They used local bamboo but ignored undagi techniques and lunar harvest cycles. The material cracked,” Hardy recalls.

The solution: export knowledge, not blueprints. To this end, Ibuku has been working in recent years on different models that allow it to expand the impact of sustainable bamboo architecture internationally. Some of these models include: Balinese artisans train communities in Colombia and Kenya, Open source kits with structural plans adaptable to local bamboo species, and a Ibuku certification, a seal that guarantees ancestral techniques and technology.

What the World Can Learn from a Bamboo Stalk

Ibuku doesn’t sell buildings. It sells a philosophy: endemic architecture isn’t about using local resources—it’s about thinking, designing and building like the locals. Thanks to this vision, Ibuku's impact on the local economy and the potential impact on the global economy could be summarized in three points:

• For Local Economy: Bali’s bamboo generates more jobs per hectare than coffee or mass tourism.

• For Businesses: Their “competitive edge” lies in what others can’t replicate: 1,300 years of Balinese culture encoded in knots and algorithms, demonstrating that endemic factors are a relevant source of comparative advantage that developing countries can use to strengthen and expand their solutions and innovations.

• For the Planet: Ibuku has created an interesting model of "Cultural Franchise", licensing designs to projects in places like Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia or  Thailand, with Balinese artisans and designers as consultants.

In a world obsessed with disruption, Ibuku offers a radical alternative: innovation that does not erase, but elevates. By weaving ancestral wisdom into algorithmic design, Bali’s bamboo architects have proven that the most sustainable solutions are not mined from raw materials, but from raw cultural memory.

Ibuku’s legacy transcends architecture. It is a manifesto for a new era of deep-tech—technologies grounded in the DNA of place, where every algorithm is taught by nature and every beam carries the weight of history. Here, sustainability is not a metric to achieve but a story to live: bamboo schools teach children to honor the past while coding the future, and luxury villas whisper that true resilience lies in bending, not breaking.

As Elora Hardy puts it: “We don’t build with bamboo. We build with time.” In Bali’s forests, time has a name: endurance. It is the undagi’s knot, the software’s simulation, and the bamboo stalk that outlives concrete. This is the promise of endemic innovation: not to conquer nature, but to let it lead.

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Conclusion

The case studies here—spanning several regions and industries from energy to healthcare—demonstrate that Endemic Innovation is neither a buzzword nor a romanticized ideal. It is a rigorous framework for sustainable value creation, grounded in specificity. Consider the contrasts:

• What EI is: Portugal’s Amorim Cork developing cutting edge aerospace engineering based on centuries-old cork harvesting knowledge.

• What EI isn’t: The commercialization of a commodity or a generic recycling program replicated identically across regions without any technological singularity at its base.

Endemic Innovation rejects the false dichotomy between local relevance and global scalability. Instead, it thrives in the tension between them, as seen in Chile’s Spora upcycling fungal biodiversity for luxury fashion or Israel’s Netafim scaling drip irrigation from the Negev Desert to Indian farmlands. These innovators share a common thread: they amplify, rather than erase, the idiosyncrasies of their roots and endemic technologies.

However, EI is not a panacea. It demands patience (cultivating cork oaks takes decades), ethical partnerships (as Woamy's work with Indigenous communities shows), and a willingness to share sovereignty (e.g., Māori tribes co-owning Comvita’s Manuka IP). For policymakers and business leaders, this means investing in hyper-local R&D while fostering global collaboration networks.

As climate change and AI reshape our world, the imperative for EI grows clearer. The future belongs not to those who chase homogeneity, but to those who unlock the hidden power on the roots of a region—turning extremophile bacteria into lithium labs, volcanic steam into clean energy, and ancestral wisdom into biotech breakthroughs. The question is no longer whether we need Endemic Innovation, but how quickly we can learn from its pioneers.