MISSION
Open Fung builds collective resources for advancing fungi technology, materials and the arts.
VISION
We envision a future where humans engage with fungi so life and the planet may flourish.
ABOUT
Open Fung is a nonprofit organization creating the tools, knowledge, and networks to position fungi as a utility—helping both humanity and the planet thrive. We connect open science and the arts, as fungal innovations are being driven by artists and designers, who demonstrate to a broad coalition the significance and benefits these materials can serve.
Fungi Transform
Fungi are an infinitely renewable resource that transform agricultural and other waste at scale into valuable materials for everything from clothing to cars, packaging, and buildings. Fungal materials can be grown using far less energy and water, and produce far less greenhouse gases than traditional manufacturing processes, while creating local jobs and helping to remediate critical environmental issues.
The Challenge
How do we quickly scale fungal innovations to become widespread and sustainable resources? While there is significant interest in harnessing fungi for the bioeconomy, the lack of accessible tools, expertise, and standardized processes impedes their adoption. Mushroom-forming fungi that can consume wood hold particular promise for human innovation, but tools for working with them are particularly scarce. Contemporary methods enable the rapid domestication of new species, and it is now possible to domesticate novel fungi in a fraction of the decades it took for E. coli., yeast, and others.
Open Fung believes fungi will be instrumental to the future of sustainable manufacturing, and we are unlocking their capacity as generators of valuable materials by building assets and frameworks for their rapid establishment as a utility. We are forging the path to scaling fungal innovations.
What We Do
Open Fung is advancing the entire field of fungal applications with foundational scientific tools that are versatile, reliable, and available to all. We are creating open data and standardized practices to foster collaboration and accelerate the adoption and development of fungi as a sustainable resource. Our research is focused on expanding the craft of growing fungi to become a global technology platform.
PROGRAMS
- Science: We are developing open data, tools, and procedures to drive fungal engineering and material innovations, including the first domesticated mushroom species specifically for material applications.
- Network: Our global network is fostering standards and collaboration across disciplines. We’re connecting researchers, industry leaders, and grassroots innovators with tools to spark progress in regenerative materials
- Art & Culture: We believe that artists and art will be central in growing the stories, ideas and meaning that will facilitate interaction with fungi. Through residencies, publications, and programs, we share the significance of fungi as agents of meaningful change.
PARTNERS
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Open Fung is inaugurating its research program in partnership with Stanford University’s Department of Bioengineering and the Drew Endy Lab. Stanford provides space and resources to further our work and build our program. Access to an incredibly rich array of resources and people has been critical for our development.