MYCL

MYCL (Mycotech Lab) is a biotechnology company that develops sustainable materials by transforming agricultural waste into high-performance alternatives for the fashion, interior, and automotive industries. Using mushroom mycelium—the fibrous root structure of fungi—as a natural bio-binder, the company converts by-products like palm oil waste, wood chips, and corn husks into durable substances. Their primary innovation is Mylea, a cruelty-free, biodegradable leather alternative that offers the texture and durability of traditional hides without the intensive land, water, or chemical requirements. Additionally, the company produces MYCL Composite and BioBo, which are structural materials suitable for architectural and design applications, providing lightweight, fire-resistant, and insulating properties. By using controlled fermentation to bind agricultural fibers, MYCL creates versatile materials that can be customized in texture and form to meet diverse industrial needs.

This technology provides significant environmental benefits by sequestering carbon and diverting agricultural waste from being burned, which helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. MYCL operates on circular economy principles, partnering with local smallholder farmers to source raw materials, thereby providing them with supplemental income and creating green jobs. Their solutions have gained international recognition, including as a 2024 Earthshot Prize finalist and a P4G partnership awardee. The company works with fashion designers, automotive manufacturers, and furniture makers to integrate these sustainable materials into commercial products, aiming to scale their production capacity significantly to replace conventional materials in global markets. Through its B-Corp certified operations, MYCL demonstrates a scalable model for how bio-engineering can mitigate environmental impacts while delivering premium materials for high-end applications.