Tallinn-based cleantech startup Myceen, which creates carbon-negative materials from mushroom mycelium and organic waste for sustainable construction, has secured €2 million in grants to bring these materials to market. Additionally, the startup is launching a seed investment round aiming to raise €1-1.5 million, as the startup informed Vestbee.
- Co-founded in 2019 by Siim Karro and Karl Pärtel, Myceen develops high-performance insulation and acoustic solutions for sustainable construction by using mushroom mycelium and organic waste, showcasing the principles of circular economy and efficiency.
- Myceen’s process starts with cultivating mycelium, which acts as a natural binder. Organic industrial leftovers are mixed in, allowing the mycelium to transform these materials into durable, carbon-neutral products. The startup carefully manages each growth stage and applies a specialized drying technique to ensure the final products are safe and high-performing.
"While Mycelium isn't a novel material to us, Myceen's design range is something to behold. Over the years, we have seen many designers attempting to tame this incredible, regenerative material and failing to do so. However, Myceen's consistency, quality, and style not only set this range apart but have also elevated mycelium design to levels previously unimagined," Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Home of Sustainable Things, London, Petko Tashev, stated in a statement.
- The company shifted its focus to building materials and, since last year, has earned high recognition by shipping its products to over 15 countries, from the US to Singapore.
“Over the past years, I've seen Myceen experience rapid growth. I believe there's immense potential in the novel mycelium-based materials and innovative products they're developing. I'm excited to see what Myceen accomplishes next as they continue to conquer new markets," Head of Startup Estonia, Eve Peeterson, commented in a press release.
- Myceen plans to expand into a pilot factory to develop industrial production technology, broaden product range, and advance the commercialization of mycelium-based building materials for house producers and resellers.
- Myceen’s insulation materials will be tested in a pilot house with the Timber Architecture Research Center (PAKK), with the test house expected to be ready by autumn 2024. The tests will compare performance with conventional materials to provide valuable feedback for builders.
