FUNGOTECH is a pioneering biotechnology startup founded in 2020, specializing in construction and application of FUNGOTRON®, an innovative bioreactor for cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms. Our focus is on producing Lion's Mane mycelium that is rich in exceptionally active biocomponents, particularly from the erinacines group. These bioactive compounds are leveraged as key ingredients in research and development for future drugs and dietary supplements for neurodegenerative disorders.
At FUNGOTECH, we are dedicated to the advanced cultivation of mycelium and the biosynthesis of mycelial metabolites. Our state-of-the-art processes ensure the production of high-quality, bioactive extracts that meet the highest standards of efficacy and safety.
The company was co-founded by Wojciech Krzyczkowski, PhD, a pharmacist and a phytotherapeutist, an expert in biotechnology and phytochemistry. With over 20 years of experience in scientific research, Dr. Krzyczkowski leads our R&D efforts as Chief Research Officer (CRO). His expertise lies in the cultivation of mycelium and the extraction of biologically active compounds from natural raw materials, including supercritical CO2 (sCO2) extraction methods.
Sebastian Winkiel, our Co-founder and CEO, brings 27 years of experience as a Senior Designer and entrepreneur to FUNGOTECH. He is responsible for the overall project management and financial success of the company. With a strong background in sales and marketing, Sebastian has a proven track record of driving startups to success, making him an invaluable leader in steering FUNGOTECH towards its goals.
Together, our team at FUNGOTECH is committed to pushing the boundaries of biotechnology, bringing cutting-edge, natural health solutions to the market.
PhD, CRO
In 2013, he defended his thesis titled “Isolation of Low Molecular Weight Metabolites from Submerged Cultivation of Lion's Mane Mycelium (Hericium erinaceum)” with the highest distinction at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw. In 2009, he received the Mazovian Doctoral Scholarship awarded by the Marshal's Office of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship from EU funds (POKL 2007-2013). In 2010, he participated in the training workshop of the project "Warsaw - Potential of Innovation" co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund under the Human Capital Operational Program 2007-2013. In 2009 and 2010, he received the second-degree team teaching award from the Rector of the Medical University of Warsaw for co-authoring a series of publications on the biosynthesis of fungal polysaccharides with potential biological activity.
Dr. Wojciech Krzyczkowski is the co-author of several publications in international peer-reviewed journals and two patent applications (citation count: over 500, h-index: 10). He worked in a pharmacy as a pharmacist for nearly five years, giving him an excellent understanding of the dietary supplement and nutraceutical market, as well as the needs of patients. Wojciech Krzyczkowski is also a graduate of postgraduate studies in “Herbs in Prophylaxis and Therapy” (Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 2016).
Erinacine A biosynthesis in submerged cultivation of Hericium erinaceum: Quantification and improved cultivation
W. Krzyczkowski, E. Malinowska, F. Herold, 2010, Engineering in Life Sciences 10(5):46–457, DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201000084
Isolation and quantitative determination of ergosterol peroxide in various edible mushroom species
W. Krzyczkowski, E. Malinowska, P. Suchocki, J. Kleps, M. Olejnik, F. Herold 2009, Food Chemistry 113(1):351-355, DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.06.075
Improved simultaneous production of mycelial biomass and polysaccharides by submerged culture of Hericium erinaceum: Optimization using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD)
E. Malinowska, W. Krzyczkowski, G. Lapienis, F. Herold, 2009, Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology 36(12):1513-27, DOI: 10.1007/s10295-009-0640-x
Biosynthesis of selenium-containing polysaccharides with antioxidant activity in liquid culture of Hericium erinaceum
E. Malinowska, W. Krzyczkowski, F. Herold, G. Łapienis, J. Slusarczyk, P. Suchocki, M. Kuraś, J. Turło 2009, Enzyme and Microbial Technology 44(5):334-343, DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2008.12.003
Optimizing vitamin B12 biosynthesis by mycelial cultures of Lentinula edodes
(Berk.) Pegl. J. Turło, B. Gutkowska, F. Herold, W. Krzyczkowski, A. Błażewicz, R. Kocjan, 2008, Enzyme and Microbial Technology 43(4):369-374, DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2008.05.005
2013-2014 Exploring Marine Resources for Bioactive Compounds: From Discovery to Sustainable Production and Industrial Applications (MAREX), Novel marine bioactive compounds for European industries
(EU: KBBE-2009-3-2-01)
2013-2015 Development and implementation of new immunomodulating and antimicrobial nutraceuticals, grant from the EU and the National Centre for Research and Development
(POIG.01.04.00-22-183/12)
2014-2016 Innovative, modified nanocellulose coatings, grant from the National Center for Research and Development
(INNOTECH-K3/IN3/37/228114/NCBR/14)
2017-2018 Development and implementation of new generation hyaluronic acid for viscosupplementation and joint regeneration, grant from the National Center for Research and Development
(POIR.01.01.01-00-0864/16)
2016-2018 Comprehensive processing of plant extracts to obtain products with high added value, grant from the National Centre for Research and Development
(EUREKA/COMPLANT/5/2016)
MSc Arch., CEO
In 2004, he defended his diploma at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, specializing in Architecture. Since 2008, he has been running a business in visual design, advertising, marketing, sales support, User Experience, Customer Experience and business development. In 2012 completed postgraduate studies in Design Management, as a Senior User Experience Designer of products that have gained recognition and achieved commercial success, he has extensive experience in bringing products to market.
In his role as CEO, he emphasizes collaboration with startups and fostering synergy across disciplines such as programming, hardware development, and biotechnology. By integrating knowledge from diverse fields, he drives innovation and pushes the boundaries of product development, blending technology and design with a deep understanding of user needs. This interdisciplinary approach has been key to achieving both technological and commercial success.
