Mycelium Helmet

Overview

Compositive was founded on a straightforward premise: helmets don't need to be made from foam and plastic. Mycelium — the root structure of fungi — can be grown into any shape, is fully compostable, and has excellent impact-absorption properties. We set out to prove it could replace EPS in a bicycle helmet.

I led the engineering team, defined the helmet geometry and structural requirements, and developed the production process from scratch. This was a genuinely novel materials application with no established playbook to follow.

Engineering scope

• Helmet form design — balancing ventilation, coverage, aesthetics, and mould geometry
• Structural analysis of mycelium composite properties under impact loading
• Growth process development: substrate formulation, mould design, curing conditions
• Production plan and scale-up pathway
• Financial modelling and venture case for investor presentations

Outcome

Functional prototypes produced and tested. Financial case built and presented. The venture demonstrated the viability of mycelium as a structural composite material for wearable applications.