The Future is Fungi Award is more than an award -
it’s a global launchpad!
Our mission is to back fungal innovators and pioneers blazing a trail toward a more nature-powered planet.
By unlocking capital, partnership and global visibility, we help startups and science entrepreneurs move from breakthrough to impact on a global stage, for those ready to lead.
Join a growing global community of researchers, founders, and allies co-creating a regenerative future with fungi.
The Future is Fungi Award launched in 2023 with global momentum
Attracting
253
startups and science applicants
from
70
countries globally
showcasing breakthrough solutions form fungal bio-batteries and mycoremediation that cleans contaminated soil to electromicrobial CO2 fixation cleaning our air, and fungi replacing oil in road construction.
This was only the beginning.
In 2025, we raised the bar.
With a €250.000 investment, and an expert network spanning 40+ organizations, we convened leaders from:
Fungal innovation gained massive media impact, with a global coverage of 101 million potential views across top toer outlets. The Future is Fungi Podcast reached listeners in 95 countries and 1172 cities.
The award is surfacing the most advanced and visionary fungi solutions to date, from fungal composites made from waste to next-gen biomaterials for the circular economy.
Our winners, Michroma, Mycolever and HIRO Technologies are harnessing fungi to revolutionize industries, producing sustainable food colors and flavors, high-performance personal care ingredients and biodegradable diapers, turning nature’s intelligence into eco-friendly, next-generation solutions
The Opportunity Ahead
The Future is Fungi is building the global ecosystem needed to scale fungal innovation.
Through Fungi VC and the Fungi Investment Collective, we connect capital, expertise, and research to accelerate solutions that regenerate our planet — from sustainable materials and CO₂ capture to soil restoration and bio-based products.
This is an opportunity for investors and philanthropists alike to support founders turning fungal science into real-world impact. By joining us, you help shape the fungal revolution: accelerating breakthrough technologies to market, restoring ecosystems, and building a more resilient and sustainable future.
“We have only just begun to scratch the surface of how this remarkable organism can help us tackle some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
We hope you will join us on the journey!”
Susanne Gløersen, Founder & CEO