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Zwoolni is a project developed at Lifbee Academy, focusing on finding more sustainable ways to manufacture textiles by combining sheep’s wool with fungal mycelium. The concept reacts to the problem of wool overproduction: a material that often has no use and costs breeders money to dispose of. Mycelium acts as a natural binder and filler, while wool brings thermal insulation and resilience, opening the possibility of a new bio-based textile.

The project was developed by a four-member interdisciplinary team as a preparation for an innovative environmental startup. Together, we carried out competetive research, explored existing solutions, and defined our unique approach. We used structured project development methods such as brainstorming, design thinking, and roadmap planning to shape the concept. Research took place both online and in laboratories, as well as through conversations with sheep farmers, wool manufacturers, textile designers, and leather companies. Throughout the program, we documented our progress and presented each milestone through presentations and paper studies.

In collaboration with a mycology expert on our team, we tested material samples in the laboratory and created our first prototype. Although the early prototype lacked the desired properties, it demonstrated proof of concept and informed further development. At the end of the program, we pitched the project to a professional jury and were awarded as the winning project of the Lifbee 2021/22 program.

My work:

• Conducted competetive research and mapped existing solutions

• Performed research in scientific studies, online sources, and industry reports

• Interviewed sheep farmers, wool producers, textile designers, and leather companies

• Applied project development methods: brainstorming, double diamond, roadmap planning

• Created and delivered presentations and paper studies for each milestone

• Collaborated with a mycology expert on laboratory testing and mycelium growth experiments

• Designed the logo and complete visual identity of the project

• Contributed to the development of the first prototype

• Learned and applied startup creation strategies, research methodology, problem-solution mapping, and investor pitching

• Co-prepared and presented the final pitch, which won the Lifbee 2021/22 program