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InvisibleHerbBaker
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Registered: 08/17/07
Posts: 2,506
Young Guns: Growing Technology with Mushrooms
    #12045149 - 02/17/10 07:28 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

http://www.foxsmallbusinesscenter.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/16/young-guns-growing-technology-mushrooms/

There is a video in the link.

Styrofoam, the brand name everybody uses to describe white polystyrene plastic, is ubiquitous. It’s used for everything from insulation to drinking cups to protective packaging for things like electronics and furniture. But whenever you open a box with the stuff in it, you never know what to do with it, or how to dispose of it properly.

Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre say they have created a substitute—biodegradable protective packaging--that they grow themselves. It’s called Ecocradle, and it’s the first product from their bio-materials company, Ecovative Design.

"It’s a natural alternative derived entirely from agricultural bi-products bound together using mushrooms roots,” said 24-year-old McIntyre.

This might sound complicated, but the actual process is pretty simple. A mold is filled with a mix of agricultural waste particles and mushroom cells, and is kept sealed for about a week. At the end, you’re left with a rigid packaging material that might throw Styrofoam for a loop.

“This material is not only better for the environment, but we’ve been able to offer it at cost parity or lower price points,” said Bayer. “It’s also far stronger than your basic polystyrene.”

So far, the two-and-a-half year old company, which is located in Green Island, N.Y., has not raised a single penny from a VC, because they haven’t needed the capital.

“We have received more than a million and a half in government grants and awards,” said Bayer.

The key, he says, is believing in your company wholeheartedly.

“You can make it happen, and it came in steps. Our first award was $5,000, and a year-and-a-half later it was $500,000. But that $5,000 seemed like tons of money when we got it.”

Watch the video for more on their story

Six Shooter Q&A with Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre of Ecovative Design:

1. What is the biggest misconception about starting a business?

McIntyre: The amount of time it actually requires to go through product testing and actually getting into the anticipated market that you’re looking at. For example, with Ecovative, we initially started with the rigid board installation market. But as we started to develop the technology, we found that there were a lot of compliance tests we had to meet before bringing the product to market. So, we identified the protective packaging space as easily addressable market.

2. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made so far?

Bayer:That’s a great question. I guess the biggest mistake is not moving into the facility we’re in sooner. This move to our 10,000 square-foot warehouse has allowed us to build a production system, and I would have liked to do this a few months sooner. We didn’t plan far enough ahead-- or I didn’t plan far enough ahead to make that happen.

3. What are some tips you’ve learned in starting this business?

McIntyre:Really don’t be afraid to ask for help. One of the things I’ve learned along the way is everyone has been willing to help us in some regard. If it’s in testing material or giving us some early feedback on how the materials feel. But of course, intellectual property is very important as well, and there are inexpensive ways to initially protect yourself as you develop new technologies through things like provisional patents.

Bayer: Definitely file provisional patents. $275 gets you a year and you get to do all those things we just said, like talking to people. Really get a technology vetted.

4. How do you recommend getting government grants?

Bayer: Find solicitations that are a close technical match for your product and fit strongly with the timing and positioning of your commercialization plan.

5. What characteristics do you think a successful entrepreneur needs to have?

Bayer: Energy, stamina and flexible thinking.

6. What is the future for Ecovative?

Bayer: Ecovative's vision is to become a world leader in sustainable materials, creating products that require far less energy to make, perform great in day to day use, and can be returned to the natural environment when you’re done using them.

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OfflineTheSeeker78
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Registered: 01/18/10
Posts: 26
Last seen: 2 years, 6 months
Re: Young Guns: Growing Technology with Mushrooms [Re: HerbBaker]
    #12045343 - 02/17/10 08:27 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

That is awesome!  What a cool way to reduce pollution.  How long does it take for Styrofoam to breakdown?  Like forever right? 

We have become such consumers, better yet wasters.  Wish we could get some kind of recycling program like in Germany.  Other than ecological benefits, there has to be some kind of profit in it.


--------------------
"I do not fear failing...rather I fear being successful at something that does not matter."

Edited by TheSeeker78 (02/17/10 08:31 AM)

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OfflineCosmicLion
Organical
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Registered: 03/04/09
Posts: 783
Last seen: 5 years, 1 month
Re: Young Guns: Growing Technology with Mushrooms [Re: TheSeeker78]
    #12045639 - 02/17/10 09:32 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

TheSeeker78 said:
That is awesome!  What a cool way to reduce pollution.  How long does it take for Styrofoam to breakdown?  Like forever right?




This company is an environmental Godsend.

Styrofoam makes up 30% of all waste in Landfills and can take half a millennia to degrade.

Cradle to Grave: The Life Cycle of Styrofoam [Powerpoint]

http://bss.sfsu.edu/raquelrp/projects/Styrofoam.ppt


--------------------
:peace:    :peace:

  Earth's Essence

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Invisiblevjp
Canowicakte
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Registered: 05/28/09
Posts: 3,619
Loc: Ste-ye-hah' mah
Re: Young Guns: Growing Technology with Mushrooms [Re: CosmicLion]
    #12045881 - 02/17/10 10:04 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

thats really cool. I saw a talk dealing with similar topic. I had to watch this 3-4 times.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/janine_benyus_shares_nature_s_designs.html

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Offlinelibertaire
liberator
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Registered: 08/06/08
Posts: 4,204
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
Re: Young Guns: Growing Technology with Mushrooms [Re: vjp]
    #12046107 - 02/17/10 10:42 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

GENIUS!!!  It makes such perfect sense, I can't believe someone hasn't thought of it sooner.  I can't wait till all houses are insulated with mushrooms.  That's gonna be bad ass.

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Offlineoxalic32
Male
Registered: 01/27/08
Posts: 3,615
Loc: .
Last seen: 12 years, 10 months
. [Re: libertaire]
    #12046964 - 02/17/10 01:03 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

.

Edited by oxalic32 (12/20/10 12:34 PM)

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InvisibleGlenners
Rhymenosaurus


Registered: 05/20/08
Posts: 1,933
Re: Young Guns: Growing Technology with Mushrooms [Re: oxalic32]
    #12052481 - 02/18/10 07:58 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

If you put your mind to it you can pretty much figure out how to make anything from anything. You can even make lead into gold although it's not financially practical.

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