Mushrooms are considered one of the most fascinating resources of the future – not only for the food industry but also for sustainable materials, packaging, and even construction. The startup Fungarium Global is taking this idea forward: with an interdisciplinary team combining science, technology, and entrepreneurship, it aims to make mycelium – the root-like network of fungi – the foundation of a new, eco-friendly bioeconomy.
In this interview, co-founder Nelson Vega explains how an idea that began between Chile and Germany grew into an international innovation project – and why mushrooms, technology, and entrepreneurship are a perfect match.
Dear Nelson, could you briefly introduce yourself and share the vision behind Fungarium?
Absolutely. I’m Nelson Vega, originally from Chile, now co-founder of Fungarium Global alongside Dr. Ruben Casillas and Mr. Syed Asad Amin. Fungarium was born from a spark. I came from Chile to participate in a Double Degree, during this time I met Ruben, he introduced me to the mycelium-based materials and showed me the potential. We saw adaptability, sustainability and a large market to address. We like mycelium, but what we love is technology, we aim to design, develop and adapt edge technology to our mycelium bio production. Here our head Engineer and co-founder Mr. Asad is key being the tech expert of the team. We blend fields pioneering on how a business of the 21st century should work adapting technology while enhancing the conservation of ecosystems.
What is special about your approach to developing mycelium-based materials and your technology behind it?
We are not just riding the wave, we are building the surfboard. Our team is deeply tech-driven. We’ve embedded AI, developed custom sensing systems, and automated small-batch production. Our approach is holistic: we don’t just make materials, we create knowledge, tools, and systems that push the entire industry forward.
One of our most exciting launches is the Myco-Brain—a smart sensing device designed to monitor and automate environmental conditions for fungi cultivation. It’s versatile, precise, and ready to revolutionize bio-production.
Looking ahead, what are your next steps and where do you see opportunities for collaboration?
We’re raising funds and expanding our R&D. We’re experimenting with new material recipes and refining our tech stack. For this, we’re actively seeking biomass producers, logistics partners, and visionary collaborators who want to build the future with us.
You recently announced your participation in the Fungal Factories project together with Roha Biotech, EarthlyAI, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, and the Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm. Could you tell us more about this initiative and what you aim to achieve through it?
Fungal Factories is a powerhouse collaboration between Germany and India. Together with Roha Biotech, EarthlyAI, IIT Madras, and TH Nürnberg, we’re scaling mycelium production to industrial levels. But it’s more than just scale, it is about creating jobs, optimizing resources, and building a global network for fungal innovation. A blueprint for how biotech should collaborate across borders.
What’s one moment that made you realize Fungarium was more than just an idea?
It hit me when we started connecting with international partners who shared our vision. Suddenly, mycelium-based materials weren’t just a concept they were a global reality. The way these collaborations emerged organically, like a living fungal network, was surreal. Watching this ecosystem grow, connect, and thrive made me realize: Fungarium isn’t just a startup it’s part of a movement. A shift where humans, technology, and fungi converge to build a sustainable, intelligent economy. That’s when I knew—we’re not chasing trends, we’re shaping the future.
As Chief Marketing Officer at Fungarium, the company’s commercial strategy and stakeholder engagement are led by Nelson Vega.
His role focuses on translating innovation into impact — bridging the gap between research and market by guiding products from prototype to commercial reality.
Within Fungarium’s dynamic and flexible structure, titles serve merely as starting points.
Vega is also involved in production, negotiations, administration, and media creation.
Whether it’s partner presentations or the refinement of material formulations, his hands-on approach ensures that Fungarium remains agile, authentic, and consistently ahead of the curve.
