Like some other global innovators platforms, I-ARKS was founded as a foundation – It was founded in 2016 in the Netherlands. The foundation allowed to innovate on a small scale, present part of the objectives in the largest global space conference (IAF) in 2017, prepare the business model, build up support from enthusiasts and supporters, future collaborators and a broader network in different sectors (space, healthcare, academia, tech), etc. The I-ARKS foundation halted its activities lead from the Netherlands in August 2019 as it did no longer fit it’s objectives. I-ARKS is still a recent ambitious initiative. The important preparatory work, IP and other property have been transferred to it’s founder and main overall sponsor Veerle Ronsse of the first years who defined the vision, objectives, business model, performed some scientific tests and communicated about it’s objectives. The I-ARKS initiative now needs to move to the best possible ecosystem to be safely guided, properly financed and supported to realize it’s objectives of survival of species & humanity including in the very far future.
Based on the need to achieve our objectives the business model evolves.
It is reported by conservationists and several scientists that over the last 40 years nearly half of all species on earth have disappeared. The possibilities to innovate in healthcare are dazzling and much needed, especially if as a civilisation we want to establish a safe, healthy and happy multi-generational multi-planetary society. The online community at I-arks only represents a small part of who are the I-ARKS supporters and community. For all of the above, we founded the first ever women lead innovator platform in space, medicine and nature’s health. It is key for women to take the lead.