The Future is Fungi Award at the European Innovation Council

Susanne spoke at the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) Conference in Slovenia, joining a leading group of scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of materials made with living systems.

The event brought together ten EU-funded projects developing materials with active, biological components — many powered by fungi. These innovations include fungal wall coatings that clean indoor air and structures that can self-repair over time, demonstrating how engineered living materials are redefining sustainability and regenerative design.

During a panel focused on the pathway to commercialization, Susanne highlighted how these breakthroughs align with broader climate and societal priorities. She shared the stage with leaders including the founder of Mosa Meat (cultivated meat) and the co-founder and CSO of Colorifix (biobased dyes for textiles), emphasizing the importance of connecting cutting-edge research with real-world deployment.

Pathway to commercialization panel at Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) Conference

We were also proud to see Phil Ayres — Jury Member of The Future is Fungi Science Award and professor at the Royal Danish Academy, School of Architecture — presenting one of the groundbreaking fungal projects supported by the EIC.

Susanne’s invitation to speak at this forum marks a meaningful recognition of The Future is Fungi Award’s growing influence in advancing fungal innovation globally. Following the event, she will continue exploring opportunities for collaboration with EIC organizers and participating projects.

Engineered living materials represent not just a new category of technology — but a new vision for how we build, heal, and regenerate the world around us. And fungi are at the center of that future.