“The financing is a terrific recognition of our vision to develop sustainable, mycelium-based products in the construction and workplace sectors. We are extremely delighted with the assistance and the trust in our venture,” said Hendrik Wever, co-founder of PottPilz. As a farming researcher, he had actually been engaged for numerous years with the idea of establishing natural materials based upon mycelium– the root network of mushrooms. In discussions with his cousin Lennard Bennemann– a chemical engineer and TU Dortmund University alumnus with a penchant for circular economy– the task gradually took shape. From that initial concept emerged an extensive partnership that ultimately culminated in the start-up PottPilz. “For us, it is a special chance to now work full-time on our project with clinical freedom thanks to the EXIST financing,” added the founding group.
With the EXIST start-up grant, establishing groups receive twelve months of funding to establish a business plan and prepare for their business formation with the assistance of a university or research institution. During the financing duration, PottPilz is developing an innovative floor covering system within the “MycoFloor” job. It is based upon domestic farming residues– such as straw– which are merged by mushroom mycelium into a solid, natural flooring. The outcome: a circular building product with strong sustainability credentials. The objective is to develop an item whose residential or commercial properties are similar to a cork flooring– practical, eco-friendly, and aesthetically enticing.
Close Ties with TU Dortmund University and the Area
The group is carefully gotten in touch with TU Dortmund University, where Lennard Bennemann previously studied Chemical Engineering. It remains in close exchange with the startup advisory of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Transfer (CET) in addition to with the university’s research study organizations. The start-up is especially supported by Prof. Jörg Tiller from the Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, who performs research study in the fields of biomaterials and polymer sciences. He helps the two founders with his know-how and experience, and moreover provides access to an established facilities. This networking allows a targeted further development of the item and access to relevant research.
As a start-up with roots in Dortmund and Hamm, the PottPilz group is carefully connected to the area. This spring, the creators were accepted into greenhouse.ruhr program of the Economic Advancement Firm Dortmund and benefit from customized coaching as well as a strong regional network. Their vision is to establish not just a single item, however a whole category of regionally produced, biodegradable, and architecturally enticing materials.