LSIWC researchers featured in Ir: mushroom mycelium transformed into a surfboard

“The research team of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, together with young product designer Lūkass Segliņš, has created a unique innovation – a surfboard made from mushroom mycelium,” reports the 2–8 October issue of the magazine Ir.

In the article “Mushrooms for Water Fun”, journalist Agnese Meiere introduces the story of how an idea for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyurethane surfboards turned into a fully functional prototype. The project combined design and science – Lūkass Segliņš’s creativity with the innovative skills and expertise of LVKĶI researchers.

During the process, the mycelium was cultivated in special substrates, transferred into molds, and combined with natural fibers to create a durable composite material. The final result – a unique surfboard that demonstrates how biological processes and scientific methods can generate a new, eco-friendly design object.

Alongside designer Lūkass Segliņš, the article also features insights from our researchers. Dr. biol. Ilze Irbe and her team are engaged in cultivating mycelium and developing new bio-based materials, creating mycelium composites. Dr. biol. Ulla Milbreta and Dr. chem. Laura Andže highlight the designer’s responsible and professional approach, emphasizing that the collaboration between science and design has been not only creative but also highly productive. Meanwhile, PhD Martiņš Andžs, our leading researcher, contributed to the practical development of the prototype.

How the mycelium surfboard was created, what challenges the scientists faced, and what the future may hold for such materials – all this can be read in the full article in the print and digital editions of Ir magazine (No. 803, 2–8 October 2025).