My name is Burcu Arıkan, and I am the co-founder of Myconom from Türkiye. At Myconom, we produce and design composite materials using mushroom mycelium and agricultural waste. Our products are an alternative to plastic styrofoam, mostly used in packaging. On top of its sustainability benefits, Myconom products are adaptable to various industries.
Journey into the Sustainable Energy/Climate Sector
Before Myconom, I was growing edible mushroom kits, so I was aware of the potential of the fungi world. After meeting Cem Dildar, a material engineer, we started working together on developing innovative and environmentally friendly mycelium products.
Contribution to the Clean Energy Transition
Mycelium, which is a robot-like structure of mushrooms, acts as a natural glue. Therefore, in our design and production process, we do not use any petrochemical binders or biopolymers to attach product parts and leverage this natural mycelium gluing ability. This differentiates us from other bioplastics and styrofoam-based products. Our mycelium products are free from chemicals and toxins; they are easily compostable within households and marine ecosystems and show high impact resistance and insulating performance.
Vision for Equal Access to Finance
Not as a woman, but in general, biomaterials and biotechnology companies face barriers in accessing finance in terms of scalability. We should all work on network building to bring together financial institutions, entrepreneurs and advocacy groups.
Advice to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Women are increasingly taking executive roles in climate and energy tech companies. They design programs to support other women and they act as advocacy leaders. You will receive a lot of conflicting advice and people will try to tell you what to do. Despite all this, do not criticize and destroy yourself.
Burcu Arıkan, Myconom:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/burcuarikan/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/myconom/
This interview is part of the Gender and Energy Compact series Women in the Spotlight.
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