Infinite Roots is redefining protein production with mycelium technology
German startup Infinite Roots (formerly Mushlabs) is leading a transformation in food production through innovative biotechnology. The company has developed a sustainable, high-quality protein alternative based on mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Mycelium is a nutrient-rich natural resource containing proteins, essential amino acids, prebiotic fibres, vitamins, and minerals.
Infinite Roots’ mission is to reduce reliance on conventional agriculture to meet the nutritional demands of a growing population in a sustainable fashion. The company is paving the way for a resource-efficient, scalable and decentralised food production system, promising to strengthen food security for future generations while reducing agriculture's ecological footprint.
Rethinking food production
Despite there being over 300,000 edible plant species, just ten crops provide 83% of the world’s caloric intake (1). This monocultural approach is largely driven by the demand for meat, as a significant portion of these crops is grown for animal feed. The global shift towards diets rich in carbohydrates, fats, and animal protein has intensified livestock farming, which contributes to approximately 12% of greenhouse gas emissions (2).
Monoculture farming also destroys biodiversity, depletes soil health, and relies on harmful pesticides and fertilisers that pollute ecosystems. With growing concerns about climate change and potential food insecurity, there is a rising need for safer food production systems.
Infinite Roots grows mycelium in tanks, fed with nutrients from agricultural by-products, to produce a staple food that can be adapted to various food products and local cuisines. This process minimises resource use and allows flexibility across locations and climates, potentially providing a solution during food shortages or crises. The use of mycelium can lower production costs and waste in the food supply chain while minimising water and land usage compared to conventional protein sources.
Expansion and Impact
Infinite Roots was among the 2022 cohort for the EIT Food RisingFoodStars (RFS) programme. The programme supports early-stage scale ups that are ready for significant expansion, raise investment and tackle typical startup growing pain points. This backing has enabled Infinite Roots to grow their fermentation technology and expand their operations by connecting them with leading partners in the food industry and facilitating access to investors.
Since then, the company has successfully scaled its technology. They have rebranded from Mushlabs to Infinite Roots as a way of symbolising their transition from startup to corporate phase. In their Series B funding round, Infinite Roots secured $58 million, representing Europe's largest investment in mycelium-based technology to date. They were also selected for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator programme and, in 2022, partnered with Bitburger Brewery Group, one of Germany’s largest breweries. This collaboration enables Infinite Roots to use byproducts from Bitburger’s beer production to make the fermented mycelium.
Compared with cattle, Infinite Root’s technology is 500 times more efficient in land use per kg of protein, over 200 times more water-efficient on an industrial scale, and 30 times more productive than soy. The process reduces water usage by 97% and CO₂e emissions by 90%, and also eliminates the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.
A global vision
Since founding in 2018, the Infinite Roots team has grown to over 60 members united by a shared mission: to bring lasting change to the global food system. Looking ahead, they aim to make mycelium an everyday ingredient in the alternative protein sector. The vision is to become the main alternative to meat, dairy, and fish, offering products tailored to the local taste and cultural preferences of the regions where it operates.
As Infinite Roots scales up and optimises production processes, it plans to lower costs, making its products globally affordable and accessible and working to integrate healthy, nutritious food into people’s daily lives.
"We believe everyone should have access to sustainable, nutritious foods that thrive within our planetary boundaries."
The company is also exploring opportunities to enter international markets, working with partners to introduce its products outside of Europe. It has recently joined forces with Pulmuone, a leading South Korean food manufacturer, to develop protein products for the South Korean market. The collaboration combines Infinite Roots' advanced technology with Pulmuone's product development expertise and consumer knowledge. Together, the two companies will evaluate the market potential and customer acceptance to launch Infinite Root’s first food products.
Infinite Roots is leading with technology that balances health and sustainability without compromising on taste or quality. With products designed to fit local cuisines and with the potential to be integrated into varied diets, they are taking a step towards a fair and circular food system that not only meets the nutritional needs of a growing population, but also prioritises planetary health.
With its innovative and scalable approach, Infinite Roots is paving the way for a more resilient food future, combining nutrition and environmental responsibility.
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Resources
- World Resources Institute: The World Is Growing More Crops — but Not for Food
- FAO: Livestock emission data
