The Center for Nature-Inspired Engineering (CNIE), founded in 2021, addresses pressing challenges in synergistic fields of water-energy nexus, environment, healthcare and urban infrastructure by using nature-inspired principles and approaches. CNIE is a scientific and technological innovation hub integrating cross- disciplinary research, commercialization of research findings, technological demonstration and promotion, and talents training. Combining advanced simulation and experimental technologies, the center hosts the most successful researchers across the world with a diverse area of expertise, ranging from computational mechanics, sustainable engineering, chemical and material science to medicine, architecture, civil engineering and mechanical engineering.