Fun Fact of the Month 🍄
Mycelium is more diverse than it may appear. Different fungal species, growing substrates, and cultivation conditions can significantly change the density, strength, flexibility, and thermal properties of the final material.
Key Sector Updates 🌍
1. New EU-Funded MYCO-PAN Project Starts in September
Region: European Union
Category: Construction / Research / Innovation
Summary:
The EU-funded MYCO-PAN project officially starts on 1 September 2026 with almost €5 million in total funding. The project will develop bio-fabricated interior and exterior construction panels combining mycelium, cellulose, and biomineralising bacteria, aiming to create sustainable alternatives to conventional building products.
Relevance to Mycelium Sector:
MYCO-PAN represents an important step toward bringing advanced mycelium-based construction products closer to practical application. The project also demonstrates growing European investment in combining fungal materials with other bio-based technologies for future building systems.
👉- https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101308498
2. European Commission Focuses on Bio-Based Construction Products
Region: European Union (Belgium)
Category: Construction / Policy / Bioeconomy
Summary:
On 15 September 2026, the European Commission’s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy will hold an expert workshop in Brussels dedicated to bio-based construction products. The initiative highlights materials including wood, hemp, straw, mycelium, and fibre-based composites as emerging solutions for the European construction sector.
Relevance to Mycelium Sector:
The direct inclusion of mycelium in EU-level discussions on future construction products is an important signal for the sector. It demonstrates that fungal materials are increasingly being considered within mainstream construction and bioeconomy strategies.
👉- https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/event/kcb-expert-workshop-bio-based-construction-products_en
3. PYFF9 Brings Fungal Biotechnology Research to Valencia
Region: Europe (Spain)
Category: Research / Biotechnology / Circular Economy
Summary:
The Conference on Physiology of Yeasts and Filamentous Fungi takes place from 8–11 September 2026 in Valencia. The event brings together researchers and industry representatives working on fungal physiology, genetics, synthetic biology, fermentation, cell factories, and sustainable production.
Relevance to Mycelium Sector:
Advances in understanding and controlling fungal growth can support more efficient cultivation processes, new bio-based materials, and wider industrial applications. The conference also strengthens connections between fundamental fungal research and emerging biotechnology.
