Mycelium Biotechnology partners with Sona Group for new India facility meeting “shroom boom” demand

02 May 2022 --- India is set to open one of its largest mushroom laboratories in Salem through a joint-venture between Australia’s Mycelium Biotechnology Group and Sona Group.

The facility will focus on Nano Research, IP development, milling, bottling, eCommerce and extract manufacturing. The procedure will be certified by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provide mushroom extract and mycelium compounds.

"We see great opportunities in the Indian market moving forward. Sona's background in health tech and research development is a perfect partnership for us to further advance our nano compound extraction IP,” says William Scott, chairman of Mycelium Biotechnology group.

The 50:50 venture is set to leverage India-based Sona Group's research and innovation framework to add to the vast range of IP and patentable technologies, according to the company’s vice chairman, Chocko Valliappa.

“Opportune time”Mushrooms are increasing in popularity due to wide range of nutrients.
The use of functional mushrooms has largely proliferated, with medicinal mushrooms set to offer “tremendous promise” for the digestive health category. 

Mycelium Biotechnology owns IPs related to cultivation methods and associated medium formulations for nearly 20 mushroom species, extraction processes of mushroom and mycelium biomass and formulations of mushroom extracts.

It aims to pioneer solutions to optimize health, utilizing mycelium and other mushroom extracts. The group is involved in growing and distributing mushrooms globally and offering nutraceutical solutions to other companies with their biotechnology.

“The launch of the first MSB facility in Salem comes at the most opportune time soon after signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and India,” adds Scott. Key portfolio companies are set to expand through the joint venture, including Rembiotics, Schroompack and Preotica.

Portfolio expansion
Rembiotics aims to address depression using “mushroom mycelium bioactive compounds combined with Australian native bush foods for a beneficial and synergistic effect.” Their creation of molecular structures targets specific cells for a therapeutic effect. 

Research has flagged that people who eat mushrooms have lower odds of having depression, with mood benefits and disease-prevention attributes.

Shroompack specializes in eco and (environmentally) sustainable packaging materials for consumer and industrial use, while Preotica is a life science company targeting immunity and gut health.

Targeting human health
Several health benefits have been observed where mushrooms are concerned and their link to nutrition. Adding a small amount of mushrooms to one’s meal can boost the intake of vitamin D, potassium and fiber without adding on additional calories, sodium or fat.

Different types of mushrooms serve various benefits to human health. An example of such is digestible benefits, where some mushrooms contribute to better gut health while others have opposite effects. Additionally, certain fungi species boost the immune system and can even increase mental focus.

Edited by Beatrice Wihlander