Meet Josue Gimbernard

I'm Josue Gimbernard, the visionary behind miniBIOTA and OpenOcular. Growing up with a fascination for the unseen and the intricate workings of nature, I pursued a path that merges technology with natural exploration. My passion for making science accessible led me to create OpenOcular, a 3D-printable adapter that combines smartphones and microscopes to create powerful digital microscopes. This innovative tool allows students, educators, and enthusiasts to explore, capture, and share the microscopic world without financial constraints.

My journey didn't stop there. The creation of miniBIOTA was inspired by a desire to bring the magic of ecosystems into everyday life. These self-sustaining, modular ecosystems demonstrate the beauty and complexity of natural interactions, providing a hands-on learning experience that inspires curiosity and scientific inquiry. My commitment to democratizing science and fostering a love for discovery drives every project I undertake, making science not just a subject, but a tangible, engaging adventure for all.

The Inspiration Behind miniBIOTA

The inspiration for miniBIOTA emerged from my deep appreciation for the intricate balance of natural ecosystems and a desire to make these wonders accessible to everyone. Building on the success of OpenOcular, where I saw the excitement that microscopic exploration could ignite, I wanted to create a hands-on educational tool that showcased ecological interactions in a tangible way. Each miniBIOTA model is a self-sustaining, closed ecosystem that illustrates the flow of energy, nutrient cycles, and the delicate interplay of organisms, making the study of ecology both accessible and engaging for students, educators, and nature enthusiasts.

By capturing the essence of diverse habitats—from coastal grasslands to oceanic biomes—miniBIOTA offers a unique window into the dynamic processes that sustain life. My goal is to inspire curiosity, foster scientific inquiry, and highlight the importance of ecological preservation. Through miniBIOTA, I aim to bring the beauty and complexity of nature into homes and classrooms, encouraging exploration and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Discover the Wonders of miniBIOTA

Our miniature ecosystems offer a captivating way to observe ecological principles in action, beautifully illustrating the interconnectedness of all life. Each miniBIOTA model features meticulously designed coastal grasslands, beach shorelines, and oceanic biomes, revealing the complex interactions that sustain life. Witness processes like evaporation and condensation driven by temperature differences, creating natural convection currents that shape miniature weather systems within each habitat. Ideal for both classrooms and personal exploration, miniBIOTA models provide an engaging, hands-on learning experience that demonstrates the intricate balance of energy flow, nutrient cycles, and organism interactions. Everything in life and on our planet is interconnected—miniBIOTA models are a testament to this natural harmony.

Our Mission

At miniBIOTA, our mission is to ignite curiosity and deepen the understanding of the natural world. We are committed to providing a tangible, hands-on experience that inspires future scientists and ecologists. Through our thoughtfully designed closed ecosystems, we showcase the beauty and complexity of life, fostering exploration and learning through direct observation and interaction. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things, we aim to cultivate a sense of wonder and responsibility towards our planet, encouraging both scientific inquiry and ecological stewardship. Our values of accessibility, education, and sustainability drive everything we do, ensuring that the wonders of nature are within reach for everyone.

Join Our Community

Join our vibrant community of The Symbionts and embark on a journey of discovery and education. Whether you're a student, educator, or nature enthusiast, miniBIOTA offers a unique window into the fascinating world of ecological interactions. Connect with us on social media to stay updated with our latest projects and discoveries, and join the conversation on Discord to receive exclusive insights, tips, and updates. By joining The Symbionts, you’ll gain access to special events, member-only resources, and the opportunity to share your own discoveries. Together, let's uncover the secrets of our miniature worlds and celebrate the interconnectedness of life. Join The Symbionts today and become part of a community dedicated to exploring and understanding the complex dynamics of enclosed ecosystems!