Contributing to Springwise Technology Briefing: How Fungi is Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow

Read the full Springwise report here.

When most people hear the word fungi, they think of mushrooms on their dinner plate or yeast in bread and beer. But fungi are now stepping into the spotlight in a whole new way—at the heart of a global innovation wave that’s transforming industries and offering solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Recently, our founder Susanne sat down with Springwise for their Technology Briefing to discuss the growing potential of fungal innovation. What she shared was nothing short of inspiring.

More Than Mushrooms

Fungi have quietly supported humanity for centuries—from fermentation to medicine—but today’s breakthroughs are shining a light on their hidden hero: mycelium. This root-like fungal network lives underground, often unseen, but it’s proving to be one of the most powerful tools for sustainability on the planet.

Mycelium can break down waste, bind materials together, and even produce valuable chemicals. Its versatility is unlocking a wave of new applications across food, fashion, construction, energy, and more.

Where Fungi Are Making a Difference

Susanne outlined some of the areas where a lot of fungi innovation, but reiterated that see see other emerging areas like self-healing materials and fungi-powered batteries. And with the help of AI, fungal innovation is moving faster than ever.

Some of the domains where we already see a lot of innovation:

  • Alternative Proteins: Mycelium-based foods are emerging as delicious, sustainable meat alternatives.

  • Sustainable Packaging: Companies like Dell and IKEA are already using fungi-based packaging that’s biodegradable and plastic-free.

  • Regenerative Agriculture: Mycorrhizal fungi strengthen plant roots and boost carbon sequestration, helping build healthier, more resilient soils.

  • Fashion & Construction: Fungi are being transformed into leather-like textiles and recyclable building materials.

  • Pollution Remediation: Certain fungi naturally break down toxins, making them powerful allies for cleaning soil and water.


The Future is Fungi award and ecosystem is really here to pave the way fro the new and frontier ways we can co-create with fungi for the innovations we need. We want to inspire to new breakthroughs and innovations. What more can we make with fungi to put our planet on a more regenerative trajectory?

The Future is Fungi Award

As a key driver and accelerator of this movement is the Future is Fungi Award, an initiative founded by Susanne to spotlight and support the next wave of innovators. The award bridges the gap between science and entrepreneurship, connecting researchers, startups, and industry leaders to accelerate fungal breakthroughs and build a circular, bio-based economy.

Looking Forward

Fungi are no longer just background players in nature’s ecosystem. They are becoming essential partners in our push toward a more sustainable future.

As Susanne and the Future is Fungi Award make clear, we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. From cleaner industries to regenerative systems, the age of fungi is here—and its future is bright.

The future is fungi. Join us in shaping it.

Read the full Springwise report here.


Previous
Previous

Susanne Speaks at WAIC: Advancing Fungi Innovation for Impact

Next
Next

From Fungal Pigments to Green Power