We are exploring a new strategy for creation of molecules that perform useful functions. Biological systems rely on proteins to carry out a wide range of complex activities. Nearly all of these molecular operations require the polypeptide chain to adopt a compact and specific folding pattern. We are learning how to induce analogous folding behavior in unnatural oligomers ("foldamers"), with the long-range goal of generating protein-like functions. Much of our effort has focused on beta-amino acid oligomers ("beta-peptides"). We have delineated a set of rules that govern beta-peptide folding, and we have begun to use these rules to design beta-peptides that perform specific tasks.