[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 30 January 2020]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “A Novel Approach to Produce the Advanced Living Fungal Mycelium Based Material” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor KWAN Hoi Shan, of School of Life Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 17/SCI/793).
The Technology
The invention provides a biochemical approach to prevent the fruiting body development from the living fungal mycelium and hence produce a stable living mycelium-based material. Mycelium-based materials is not a new concept however it is not widely used because it is inert and its production requires large amount of energy, time and space. Our invention provides new method to regular the fungal growth and produce the living mycelium-based material, which can heal itself. The living characteristic of our advanced material provides numerus potential applications for mycelium-based material. It will give less color and texture variation. More importantly, our method is independence on the energy and facility to dehydrate the material for uniformity. The limitation of the product size and the producing site is reduced.
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.