OPENING Q1 2026
OPENING Q1 2026
SCIENCE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
TURN YOUR BREAKTHROUGH INTO GLOBAL IMPACT
Groundbreaking fungal innovations can tackle our biggest environmental challenges.
For many scientists, making the leap from academia to entrepreneurship is daunting. The entrepreneurial world is new, and how to do you build a startup?
But discoveries can’t change the world if they don’t leave the lab.
The Future is Fungi is here to support you on the journey, so you can bring your innovation out in the world for global environmental impact.
We are anurturing ecosystem with extensive experience in how to bring science out as real solutions, and we want you to make it and to dare take the step!
The top 5 science entrepreneurs or team of the award gain access to program learning how to build a company and expert network to help you navigate your path from research to market. The winner of the award will also win funding.
You bring the science we’ll help amplify it.
If you make it, we all make it. Take the leap.
OPENING FOR APPLICATIONS
MONDAY 2ND OF FEBRUARY 2026!
Sign up to our newsletter and get notified when we open for applications.
“We need pioneering scientists like you to transform fungal research into real world impact. Join the movement”
— Susanne Gløersen, Founder of The Future is Fungi Award
SCIENCE ENTREPRENEUR PRIZE
Financial Prize
For the winner
Backing your mission to turn science into an impactful business.
Venture Builder Program
Top 5 scientists
Designed to help you turn your groundbreaking research into real-world impact.
Fungal Fame
Top 3 scientists
Gives you a global spotlight showcasing your innovation and unlocking high impact opportunities.
A three month program for the top 5 scientists to learn how to build a startup.
Through expert-led lecturers, one-on-one mentoring and tailored resources, you will learn how to transform their pioneering discoveries into startups with real-world impact.
The programme is designed to help you turn your groundbreaking research into real-world impact.
More information about the program published during the autumn.
VENTURE BUILDER PROGRAM
Venture Builder Program
AWARD PRIZE
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The program will run from mid March to mid June 2026
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This is an online-program, allowing you to participate from anywhere in the world.
Note however that you need to be able to participate in programme sessions between 18:00-20:00 CET. -
The program includes lectures, guest speakers, personalized coaching sessions and assignments to complete between lectures. More information about the program will be published during the autumn.
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The award program is run in collaboration with a venture builder partner with extensive experience in running global programs for biotech and deep tech science entrepreneurs.(among other venture builder programmes for iGEM, BioInnovation Institute and NATO).
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Participants may have the opportunity to secure investment at the end of the program, providing a valuable launchpad for the company’s next growth phase.
More information about the program will be disclosed closer to the award, sign up to follow.
The winning science entrepreneur will receive a financial grant, with the additional possibility of securing investment in the their company.
The purpose of the award is to accelerate the transformation of scientific fungi innovation into a market-ready company.
FINANCIAL GRANT
The grant amount will be announced closer to the award opening in December, so stay tuned!
EXPERT NETWORK
The top 5 scientists will gain access to a global network of 30-40 leading corporations, experts, organizations and research institutions spanning multiple sektors. This networkfeaturing partners such as Stanford, L’Oréal, Novonesis, BASF, DSM-Firmenich, Westerdjik Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Magan Centre for Applied Mycology, VTT, and many others that will provide invaluable backing throughout your journey.
The expert network runs alongside the venture-building program from mid-March to mid-June 2026.
Fungi based innovations: Applications are welcome from projects involving fungi, yeast, or mold.
Environmental impact: Innovations or technologies demonstrating positive environmental impact.
Scientist or teams: Solo scientists as well as teams with at least one scientists are eligible to apply.
TRL (Technology Readiness Level): Applicants must have reached a minimum TRL level 3 (experimental proof of concept) on the 9-level scale.
Global reach: Applications are open to participants worldwide.
Company stage: Not yet incorporated a company, or the company must have been founded no more than 8 months prior to applying for the award.
WHO CAN APPLY
FUNGAL FAME
The Future is Fungi Award shines a global spotlight on pioneering fungal science entrepreneurs, celebrating and elevating the boldest innovators shaping the future of fungi.
Get ready to be featured!
Beyond the prestige and visibility of the award, the top 3 science entrepreneurs will be featured and invited to:
Appear on The Future is Fungi podcast
Take part in exclusive Interviews
Present their work at select occations
“Discoveries can’t change the world if they don’t leave the lab”
— Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University