The Future is Fungi

In this episode, we sit down with Brita, molecular biologist and co-founder of Mycolever, a biotech startup unlocking the potential of fungi to create sustainable ingredients for everyday products. As a top two finalist out of 187 startups in The Future is Fungi Award, Mycolever is developing fungal-based alternatives to petrochemical and deforestation-linked ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care.Brita shares her journey from academic research to entrepreneurship and explains how Mycolever’s bioinformatics platform connects fungal genomes to valuable compounds—opening the door to thousands of new bio-based ingredients.We explore how fungal emulsifiers and active compounds could transform the cosmetics industry and why fungi may become a key resource in the future bioeconomy.This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

From lab to market: building the future of food with fungiIn the first episode of the season, we speak with Ricky Cassini, founder of Michroma and winner of The Future is Fungi Startup Award 2025, about how fungal biology and precision fermentation are being used to replace synthetic food dyes with natural, high-performance alternatives.Ricky shares what it really takes to turn deep science into real-world impact — from navigating regulation and scale to building resilience over a seven-year biotech journey. We explore why replacing petrochemical dyes is such a complex challenge, how fermentation can unlock scalable solutions, and what the global shift away from synthetic ingredients means for the future of food.This conversation sits at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, offering insights for researchers, founders, and anyone curious about how fungal innovation moves from the lab into everyday products.Tune in to learn why fungi could play a defining role in the next generation of food systems.This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

"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 converting waste into vital resources. We also dive into the challenges of growing fungi in microgravity, explore other fungal applications, and look ahead to the future of fungi in space.This episode offers a fascinating glimpse at where biology, innovation, and imagination intersect, and why fungi might be key to surviving and thriving in the harshest environments.Tune in to discover how fungi are helping NASA turn the impossible into reality.This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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 creditsColin shares what it’s like to go from scientist to founder, and why jumping in before you're fully ready can be the key to momentum. We talk about the value of accelerators, the mindset shifts that come with leaving academia, and why a touch of unreasonable optimism goes a long way.A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a fungi-powered company, with roots in science and eyes on the future.This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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 gap between lab science and real-world impact. Oona shares the challenges of scaling fungal solutions, navigating regulatory hurdles, and the potential of fungi to turn waste into valuable materials, from mycelium leather to biofertilizers.If you’re curious about how fungi can help clean our water, restore soils, and inspire new industries, this conversation is for you. We also explore why investment, education, and collaboration are key to unlocking fungi’s full potential.This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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 entrepreneurship, the value of artist–scientist collaboration, and what it takes to bring fungi-based innovations to life. If you're curious about the future of sustainable materials — and how fungi might help clean our water, feed the planet, and shape new industries — this one's for you.This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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.This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

In 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 products, advice for aspiring fungal founders, and the exciting potential for mycelium in future industries—plus a thought-provoking exploration of fungal consciousness.Could fungi-based technologies redefine sustainability and transform our everyday lives?This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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 these living materials, the environmental benefits, and the challenges of scaling such innovations from lab to market. Could fungi-based materials transform industries like fashion and construction?*Featuring music by Modern Biology. You can check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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 share about her experienced with the startup journey and lessons learned that can be useful for other fungal innovators.Join in!This episode features music by Tarun Nayar.This podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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 College of London in the department of bioengineering, and he came 2nd place in the science category in The Future is Fungi Award for his research. We will hear about Williams aspirations to commercialize his research, and what it will take in order to get there.You can also read about his work here: https://www.futureisfungi.org/publicity/2nd-place-scientist-in-the-award-featured-in-the-microbiologist-for-electromicrobial-co2-fixationThis podcast features music by Modern Biology. Check out his work here:https://www.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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.modernbiology.xyz/https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon/

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/