Waste treatment inspired by the power of nature

How fungi break down industrial pollutants

MycoMine applies biological processes to manage industrial waste, using fungal systems as the core mechanism for degradation. At the center of this approach is mycelium — a root-like network of fungi that naturally breaks down complex organic matter in ecosystems.


In controlled treatment systems, selected fungal strains release enzymes that target stable industrial compounds, breaking them down at a molecular level. These fungi use contaminants as a primary food source, converting complex chemical structures into smaller, non-toxic compounds.


Through this process, pollutants are ultimately transformed into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. By replicating and scaling what occurs in nature, MycoMine enables consistent, measurable biodegradation — focusing on eliminating pollutants rather than transferring or storing them in secondary waste streams.

Pollutant

Complex industrial waste enters our treatment system

Day
1

Bioremediation

Fungal enzymes break down pollutants at molecular level

Day
3

Biomass

Pollutants converted into water, CO₂, and biomass

Day
5

Rapid biological degradation within days

Across Europe, an estimated 2.8 million sites are contaminated by industrial pollutants such as hydrocarbons, solvents, and persistent chemicals. These substances accumulate in soil and groundwater, posing long-term risks to ecosystems, drinking water, and human health.


Traditional remediation methods often focus on containment or removal, transferring pollutants into other waste streams rather than fully eliminating them. This extends the lifecycle of contamination and increases the long-term cost and complexity of cleanup.


MycoMine addresses this by enabling direct biological degradation. Within controlled systems, pollutants can begin breaking down within days as fungal enzymes act on their molecular structure. By treating contamination at or near the source, the system reduces spread, lowers environmental impact, and accelerates the transition from hazardous waste to safe, natural outputs.

Why MycoMine?

Biological

Breaks down pollutants using natural enzymatic processes

99.9%

Up to 99.9% pollutant degradation into water, CO₂, biomass

Low energy

Lower energy, no high-temperature processes

On-site

Treats contamination directly at the source

Mycomine

Chemical

Rely on separation and energy-intensive treatment

Incomplete

Transfer pollutants into secondary waste streams

High energy

Requires high heat and significant energy input

Logistics-heavy

Requires excavation, transport, and disposal

Competitors

Our journey from discovery

2014
Discovered oil-degrading fungi in Stockholm’s subway, inspiring fungal-based treatment systems.
2020
First prototypes developed, moving from lab research to real-world application.
2021
MycoMine founded by four co-founders.
2022
Awarded the SKAPA prize for MycoCube innovation.
2022
Joined startup accelerators STING (Stockholm Innovation & Growth) and Produktionsänglar.
2022
First scaled system deployed at Ytterby mine with Fortifikationsverket.
2023
Received Åforsk entrepreneur stipend.
2023
Secured funding via Swedish Mining Innovation.
2023
Moved into lab, workshop, and office in Årsta, Stockholm
2023
MycoCube achieved up to 99.9% hydrocarbon degradation.

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