Substrates and Agricultural Residues for Mycelium Design
Choose, source and prepare local agricultural and industrial residues as substrates that shape mycelium material performance.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Substrates and Agricultural Residues for Mycelium Design
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycelium Design & Architecture. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 11 January 2027 to 2 April 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 8 March 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
This course focuses on the part of a mycelium material that is often overlooked: the substrate. You will learn how lignocellulosic residues such as straw, hemp hurds, sawdust and husks differ in structure and nutrition, how to map what is available locally, and how particle size, moisture and supplements shape growth and final performance. Pasteurisation and sterilisation methods are compared so you can choose the right level of treatment for each residue.
Working with local residues is central to the environmental case for mycelium, yet many projects simply copy a recipe without testing alternatives. Understanding substrates lets designers turn regional by-products into materials with a genuine local story. The course suits designers, makers and circular economy practitioners who want to work with what their region produces. Live sessions include sourcing exercises and guided small-scale trials. In the final project you carry out a structured substrate comparison, testing at least two local residues and recommending one for a defined application based on your own observations.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in design & architecture, useful in areas such as circular economy and waste valorisation, agriculture and agri-food by-products, biomaterials production, design and making.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
Choose, source and prepare local agricultural and industrial residues as substrates that shape mycelium material performance.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Lignocellulosic residues explained; Local sourcing and supply mapping.
- Put them into practice: Particle size, moisture and nutrients; Pasteurisation and sterilisation.
- Apply everything to a real case: Substrate blends and additives; Substrate testing and selection.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Identify suitable lignocellulosic residues and their key characteristics.
- Map and evaluate local sources of agricultural and industrial residues.
- Prepare substrates with controlled particle size and moisture.
- Choose between pasteurisation and sterilisation for a given substrate.
- Design and document a comparative substrate trial.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Designers, makers and circular economy practitioners.
4.2Entry requirements
No prior experience is needed. Access to small quantities of local residues and basic kitchen-grade equipment is useful for the practical trials.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Material developer focused on local residue streams
- Circular economy consultant for agricultural by-products
- Designer creating region-specific biomaterials
- Technician preparing substrates in a biofabrication studio
- Project officer for rural innovation programmes
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lignocellulosic residues explained | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Local sourcing and supply mapping | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Particle size, moisture and nutrients | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Pasteurisation and sterilisation | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Substrate blends and additives | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Substrate testing and selection | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin
- Common agricultural residues
- Industrial and urban by-products
- Mapping residue sources
- Seasonality and availability
- Working with local suppliers
- Grinding and sieving
- Measuring and adjusting moisture
- Nutrient supplements
- Pasteurisation methods
- Sterilisation methods
- Choosing the right treatment
- Mixing residues
- Fibres and mineral additives
- Recording blend recipes
- Designing comparison trials
- Observing growth and density
- Selecting a substrate for an application
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A comparative trial of at least two local residues, ending in a reasoned substrate recommendation for a defined application.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, a residue mapping exercise and module tasks. The final substrate comparison report is reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Design & Architecture school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 11 January 2027 is open until 4 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £340
- Full payment before the start: £272 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£136) and 3 monthly instalments of £68.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Substrates and Agricultural Residues for Mycelium Design?
No prior experience is needed. Access to small quantities of local residues and basic kitchen-grade equipment is useful for the practical trials.
How is Substrates and Agricultural Residues for Mycelium Design taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, a residue mapping exercise and module tasks. The final substrate comparison report is reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A comparative trial of at least two local residues, ending in a reasoned substrate recommendation for a defined application.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Substrates and Agricultural Residues for Mycelium Design?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Product Design.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).