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Dive into the captivating world of fungi with the "The Future is Fungi" podcast, where we explore groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in the mycological universe.
Join us as we converse with leading scientists and trailblazers whose visionary work is steering our planet towards a sustainable future by leveraging the fungal kingdom.
This podcast is for everyone interested to learn about the potential to leverage fungi for environmental solutions, but also specifically scientists who are interested to walk the route of commercializing their research and fungi focused startups looking to grow their companies and learn from other fungal startup peers.
11 Episodes
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"Science fiction is rapidly becoming science fact" In this episode, we journey beyond Earth with Dr. Lynn J. Rothschild, an astrobiologist pioneering the use of mycelium materials to build structures on the Moon and Mars. Alongside her is Natasha Haveman, a NASA researcher exploring how fungi can sustain astronauts with food on deep space missions. Together, they reveal how fungi could transform space exploration, from producing sustainable food and building “mycotecture” habitats to converti...
What if restoring the forest microbiome could help scale reforestation, a healthy forest and build a new kind of climate tech? In this episode, we speak with Dr.Colin Averill, founder of Funga, about translating decades of ecology research into a bold startup vision. Funga uses cutting‑edge DNA sequencing, machine learning, and decades of mycology research to restore fungal biodiversity in forest soils, accelerating tree growth, building healthier ecosystems, and creating high-quality carbon ...
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Oona Snoeyenbos-West, an environmental microbiologist and co-founder of MycoMine, a pioneering startup using fungi to clean up pollution. With over two decades of experience, Oona is at the forefront of mycoremediation — the process of using fungi’s mycelium networks to break down environmental pollutants like oil spills, heavy metals, and plastics. We discuss her journey from a childhood fascination with dinosaurs to building a company that bridges the g...
In this episode, we sit down with Professor Han Wösten, a pioneer in fungal biology with over three decades of experience. Based at Utrecht University, Han leads cutting-edge research into fungal growth and development, including projects exploring mycelium-based leather and sustainable materials. We explore his journey into applied science — from mycoremediation and biodegradable coatings to functional foods and novel biomaterials. Han reflects on the bridge between science and entrepr...
In this episode, Mycocycle’s founder and CEO Joanne Rodriguez shares an inspiring journey from the construction industry to building a company that partners with fungi to transform waste into high-performance materials. What started with an experiment on asphalt shingles has grown into a mission to replace plastics with nature-inspired innovations. Tune in to discover how biomimicry, fungi, and a regenerative mindset are reshaping industries—and what it takes to scale a nature-based solution....
1In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of mycelium innovation with Eben Bayer, Co-founder & CEO of Ecovative and MyForest Foods. Curious how fungi can revolutionize industries with sustainable materials and even food production? Tune in to discover more! As a sneak peek, we discuss Ecovative’s journey from an ambitious idea in 2006 to becoming one of the largest fungi scale-ups today, holding the most patents in the field. Eben shares insights on creating mycelium-based prod...
In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking world of self-healing materials with Elise Elsacker from Vrije University and Dimitri Floudas from Lund University. Curious how fungi can repair cracks in concrete or mimic leather? Tune in to find out! As a sneak peek, we’ll discuss how fungal spores embedded in concrete activate when cracks form, and how fungal leather self-repairs to extend its lifespan—all while reducing waste and pollution. Elise and Dimitri dive into the science behind thes...
In the 4th episode of The Future is Fungi podcast, you will get to meet the fungi startup Visibuilt - our 2nd place startup winner which is making something incredible novel - they are replacing petrochemical derived bitumen in asphalt production with fungi. Converting to fungal binders can significantly improve the environmental impact of the asphalt industry, and Visibuilts founder and CEO Line Kloster Pedersen will tell us more about this groundbreaking innovation. She will also sh...
In this episode we are interviewing William Newell for his research on electromicrobial CO2 fixation, and how this can prove to be an important sustainable solution. Do you wonder what that is? Tune in! As a taster we can say that by using electricity from renewable sources, you can turn CO2 into a liquid acid that a yeast can consume. Thereafter, you can turn the biomass into new use, such as yet fuel, feed or diverse materials. William Newell is a doctoral researcher from Imperial C...
In this episode, the shared startup winner Novobiom with co-founder and CEO Jean-Michel Scheuren shares about how their startup leverages the natural capabilities of fungi as the cleaner and decomposer to clean contaminated soil through so called mycoremediation. Novobiom also turns textile waste into new bioactive compounds that can be used in cosmetics, through the use of fungi. Tune in to learn more! This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here: https://www.moder...
In our first episode, Jens Laurids Sørensen, associate professor at Aalborg University and the research winner of the inaugural The Future is Fungi Award, discusses his revolutionary research on fungal-batteries, and his aspirations and work to commercialize this into real world use. Join in and prepare to be blown away! This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here: https://www.modernbiology.xyz/ https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/
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