THE FUTURE IS FUNGI AWARD 2025
The global call for fungi disruptors worldwide. Are you building the next fungal breakthrough?
Fungi startups and research entrepreneurs, this is your launchpad.
Get funded. Get featured. Go global.
ABOUT
The Future is Fungi Award is a global award backing bold founders and science entrepreneurs using fungi to tackle humanity’s and our planet’s greatest environmental challenges.
We support science-driven entrepreneurs and startups turning breakthrough ideas into real, scalable solutions. We aim to accelerate a global movement with a clear vision:
a regenerative world powered by nature.
Founded by Susanne Gloersen, a sustainability pioneer, a fungi investor and a global ecosystem builder. Her mission is to transtion to a more nature centric global system, where we co-operate with nature for the solutions humanity needs. Fungi can show the way.
TOGETHER, WE ACCELERATE THE FUNGAL REVOLUTION!
The award that reached 70 countries is back! Bigger, bolder and open for new pioneers.
GET READY FOR FUNGAL FAME!
2025 AWARD
Startup
The 2025 Startup Award honors visionary startups using fungi to tackle our planet’s biggest challenges. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, this is your chance to gain recognition, spark partnerships, and lead the future of sustainable innovation.
Applications closed Oct 1st
You can win:
€250.000 investment
Access to an expert network
Fungal Hall of Fame
Are you ready to lead the way?
Science Entrepreneurs
A new award just for science entrepreneurs is launching in 2026, designed to help you turn groundbreaking research into real-world impact.
Applications open Monday 2nd of February!
You can win:
Financial prize
3-month venture builder program
Fungal Hall of Fame
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and application info.
This isn’t just an award - it’s a launchpad. Access funding, partnerships and a global stage
AWARD PRIZE
Expert Network
Exclusive access to an expert network
Experts from 30+ leading organizations
Corporates, research institutions,
startup experts and organizationsOpening doors to growth, collaboration, and resources
STARTUP
WINNER
€250.000 Investment
Access to Expert Network
Fungal Hall of Fame
Investment
SAFE Investment
Backed by a consortium of investors
Ecosystem investment to fuel you journey
Fungal Fame
The Future is Fungi Podcast
Article and video interview
External interviews
Other exciting promotional opportunities
Fungal Fame
The Future is Fungi Podcast
Article and video interview
External interviews
Other exciting promotional opportunities
SCIENCE ENTREPRENEUR
Venture Program
For top 5 science entrepreneurs
Learning how to build a startup
Digital programme
From mid March to mid June
WINNER
3 months Venture Programme
Financial Prize
Fungal Hall of Fame
Financial Prize
Financial prize to the winner
To boost your journey
TOP-TIER JURY
Juniper VC,
Jenny Kan
MIT Engine Ventures, Vinny Beranek
Filip Bredinger, EQT Foundation
Tarja Zudemberg, Fungi VC
Mridul Pareek, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund
Emily Stoler, Wyss Institute Harvard
Vauy Hill-Maini, Stanford University
Kristina Söderberg, SEB Greentech VC
The award’s mission is to back fungal pioneers blazing a trail for a nature powered planet.
NETWORK PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
AWARD SUPPORTERS
Gong Family Foundation
Martino Cortese
PARTNERS
NETWORK PARTNERS
MycologyDK
Special thanks to our contributors, including Jay Litcher (@cyansense) and Stephen Axford & Catherine Marciniak (@planet_fungi) for their stunning fungi photography, as well as Philip Bergman and Jason Pantino for their captivating video editing and audio contributions.