Kenyan Startup MycoTile Revolutionizes Construction with Eco-Friendly Mushroom Panels
Meet MycoTile, a Kenyan startup revolutionizing construction with its innovative, eco-friendly building materials. The company, founded by Mtamu Kililo, uses mushroom roots, or mycelium, to create sustainable panels for insulation and decoration.
Kililo's journey began in his kitchen, experimenting with growing mycelium as part of his research into sustainable building. Today, MycoTile produces panels that cost roughly two-thirds of standard building materials. The company's production process is equally impressive. It uses around 250 tons of agricultural waste annually, reducing potential pollutants and easing pressure on waste disposal systems.
The benefits of MycoTile's products extend beyond affordability and sustainability. A large mushroom farm near Nairobi supplies the mycelium used in production. This local sourcing supports Kenya's agricultural goals while providing a unique, biodegradable building material. Using these panels could reduce the cost of building a house by a third compared to traditional bricks and mortar.
MycoTile's innovative approach to construction has caught the attention of Kenyan authorities. They are working on a national plan for decarbonizing construction and building, supporting local innovation like MycoTile. With its affordable, sustainable, and eco-friendly products, MycoTile is not just building structures, but also a greener future for Kenya.
