MyCoFutures NA: Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Materials

In a recent episode of Tech Uncensored, hosts Hessie Jones welcomed Stephanie Lipp and Leo Gillis to share their inspiring journey from the fashion world to creating sustainable alternatives with mushroom mycelium. The discussion begins with Stephanie reflecting on her artistic background, which paved the way for her in the fashion industry, particularly in digital marketing and photography. Raised in Mississauga and having attended an arts high school, her creativity flourished, leading her to various roles in photography, graphic design, and eventually digital marketing.

Leo Gillis, on the other hand, comes from a different background focused on logistics and engineering. Before meeting Stephanie, his career lacked a direct connection to the creative or fashion industries. Their paths crossed while Stephanie was working in nonprofit housing, which she initially intended to be a temporary role. However, the stability it provided reshaped her career and taught her foundational business skills, ultimately leading to the couple's partnership.

As their relationship blossomed, they regularly visited a farmer's market and cultivated an interest in gourmet mushrooms. Interestingly, this culinary interest contradicted Stephanie's initial aversion to mushrooms. They later contemplated relocating to Newfoundland, where they discovered an affordable housing market and an entrepreneurial renaissance occurring in small towns like Bonavista. In 2019, they moved, aiming to address food insecurity on the island by growing mushrooms.

Stephanie emphasized the community's reliance on imported food, positioning their venture as a means to bridge that gap. They dove deep into mushroom cultivation, using resources like books and YouTube to educate themselves. This grassroots approach fostered local connections as they promoted their mushrooms at farmers' markets and educated the community on local food culture.

Their venture evolved dramatically when they began experimenting with mycelium for sustainable materials. Inspired by the potential of this innovation, they shifted their focus from mushroom cultivation to creating eco-friendly leather alternatives. Through persistent trial and error, they developed a flexible material that mimics the texture of leather without the environmental concerns associated with traditional leather production.

One pivotal moment occurred when a mishap with a lawnmower led Leo to realize that their waste material had strong properties. This discovery propelled them into the material science arena, which they pursued through an accelerator program that introduced them to valuable resources and networks. Their prototype garnered attention, and they won a pitch competition, bolstering their confidence and securing funding.

Key insights from their journey include the importance of aligning with a strong "why" and values to create something meaningful despite ensuring commercial viability. They shared thoughts on the pressing need for sustainable solutions in a landscape fraught with greenwashing and misinformation, advocating for transparency in practices.

Both founders underscore the need for collaboration in addressing climate challenges. They expressed optimism about the growing recognition of clean technology, particularly as investors increasingly seek sustainable alternatives. Stephanie urges future entrepreneurs to remain passionate about solving real problems and stay adaptable in changing political landscapes, reminding them that genuine change requires more than just ambition.

Through their endeavor, Stephanie and Leo exemplify the intersection of creativity and sustainability, creating new pathways for conscious innovation in their industries, inspiring future entrepreneurs to take meaningful risks in improving the world.