trippyhold
Basic information
Project Title
trippyhold
Full project title
A company dedicated to designing climbing volumes and big holds using mycelium-based materials.
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
Imagine a bus...
Now imagine 45,000 buses...
That is the amount of plastic produced daily around the world.
Our mission is to introduce a sustainable alternative to plastic production with mycelium-based materials.
Mycelium is an organic material made from fungi that has proven to be very light, resistant and biodegradable. Applicable to an infinite number of products this means just the beginning of a new material era.
Join us to grow a better future together!
Now imagine 45,000 buses...
That is the amount of plastic produced daily around the world.
Our mission is to introduce a sustainable alternative to plastic production with mycelium-based materials.
Mycelium is an organic material made from fungi that has proven to be very light, resistant and biodegradable. Applicable to an infinite number of products this means just the beginning of a new material era.
Join us to grow a better future together!
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Germany
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
Berlin Startup Stipendium (BSS) MotionLab Berlin
Description of the project
Summary
Trippyhold is a pioneering project that wants to revolutionise the climbing world by producing climbing volumes and holds using mycelium-based materials.
Our aim is to combat sustainability challenges and enhance efficiency in the climbing community. We target indoor climbing gym operators and owners, but also we are creating partnerships with other brands and climbing gyms to broaden our product offerings and also co-create products and climbing experiences.
Our specific goals involve sustainability, not only in terms of the material but also for the people who will use the product.
On one hand we are substituting conventional materials with biodegradable mycelium-based alternatives, reducing environmental impact. On the other reducing the weight of climbing holds through lightweight mycelium-based materials we aim to facilitate better handling, increase route-setting efficiency, cut costs, and enhance safety for gym operators.
Trippyhold has made progress in material development and prototyping. We're gearing up to achieve a perfect receipt to have optimal strength for the product while maintaining rigorous safety and quality testing.
Extensive market research, interviews with gym owners, and a comprehensive business plan have laid a strong foundation for the project.
Despite being at an early stage, Trippyhold has gained significant insights into mycelium-based materials, conducted thorough market research, and established key industry relationships. Our innovative approach has garnered positive feedback within the climbing community, highlighting potential solutions to industry challenges related to hold weight, handling, and environmental impact.
Our project not only offers sustainable alternatives but also promises economic growth and job creation.
Trippyhold seeks to raise awareness about eco-friendly solutions in the climbing industry as a first step but dreaming of the possibilities this material can offer in other areas.
Our aim is to combat sustainability challenges and enhance efficiency in the climbing community. We target indoor climbing gym operators and owners, but also we are creating partnerships with other brands and climbing gyms to broaden our product offerings and also co-create products and climbing experiences.
Our specific goals involve sustainability, not only in terms of the material but also for the people who will use the product.
On one hand we are substituting conventional materials with biodegradable mycelium-based alternatives, reducing environmental impact. On the other reducing the weight of climbing holds through lightweight mycelium-based materials we aim to facilitate better handling, increase route-setting efficiency, cut costs, and enhance safety for gym operators.
Trippyhold has made progress in material development and prototyping. We're gearing up to achieve a perfect receipt to have optimal strength for the product while maintaining rigorous safety and quality testing.
Extensive market research, interviews with gym owners, and a comprehensive business plan have laid a strong foundation for the project.
Despite being at an early stage, Trippyhold has gained significant insights into mycelium-based materials, conducted thorough market research, and established key industry relationships. Our innovative approach has garnered positive feedback within the climbing community, highlighting potential solutions to industry challenges related to hold weight, handling, and environmental impact.
Our project not only offers sustainable alternatives but also promises economic growth and job creation.
Trippyhold seeks to raise awareness about eco-friendly solutions in the climbing industry as a first step but dreaming of the possibilities this material can offer in other areas.
Key objectives for sustainability
The key objectives of our project regarding sustainability focus on reducing plastic production and waste within the climbing industry while introducing an environmentally-friendly alternative and offering a pioneering example of manufacturing.
In order to meet these goals we use mycelium based materials and agricultural waste as the main components of our climbing holds. This means we deliver a product that is both renewable and biodegradable, reducing the need of traditional climbing holds, which are mostly non-recyclable and made from fossil fuels materials. At the same time we reduce the carbon footprint as the production process, use of resources and biodegradability qualities of mycelium-based materials generates significantly fewer carbon emissions than conventional plastic manufacturing.
We grow our materials using local and sustainable substrates coming from agricultural waste and we are able to reincorporate the mycelium-based climbing holds in the cycle by using them as soil fertiliser at the end of its lifespan, meaning we are able to minimise waste and promote a circular economy.
This project also aims to educate the climbing community about sustainable materials and their positive environmental impact, raising awareness and encouraging responsible consumption. Working together with local communities and environmental organisations we also want to promote these practices and educate about mycelium.
In summary trippyhold aligns with the core principles of sustainability by reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and fostering social responsibility. It stands out as exemplary due to its innovation, potential for a positive impact on the industry, and contribution to a more sustainable future.
By showcasing the viability and benefits of mycelium-based materials, we hope to inspire similar initiatives and help transform the way climbing equipment is manufactured, setting a standard for eco-conscious practices in the industry.
In order to meet these goals we use mycelium based materials and agricultural waste as the main components of our climbing holds. This means we deliver a product that is both renewable and biodegradable, reducing the need of traditional climbing holds, which are mostly non-recyclable and made from fossil fuels materials. At the same time we reduce the carbon footprint as the production process, use of resources and biodegradability qualities of mycelium-based materials generates significantly fewer carbon emissions than conventional plastic manufacturing.
We grow our materials using local and sustainable substrates coming from agricultural waste and we are able to reincorporate the mycelium-based climbing holds in the cycle by using them as soil fertiliser at the end of its lifespan, meaning we are able to minimise waste and promote a circular economy.
This project also aims to educate the climbing community about sustainable materials and their positive environmental impact, raising awareness and encouraging responsible consumption. Working together with local communities and environmental organisations we also want to promote these practices and educate about mycelium.
In summary trippyhold aligns with the core principles of sustainability by reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and fostering social responsibility. It stands out as exemplary due to its innovation, potential for a positive impact on the industry, and contribution to a more sustainable future.
By showcasing the viability and benefits of mycelium-based materials, we hope to inspire similar initiatives and help transform the way climbing equipment is manufactured, setting a standard for eco-conscious practices in the industry.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Regarding aesthetics and quality we aim to create an environment that not only fulfils functional requirements but also offers a unique experience for people.
We will achieve this through innovative design that will stand out thanks to mycelium-based materials qualities. With its organic and appealing textures, along the various shapes and colours this material offers, we will enhance the overall look and feel of climbing walls bringing a completely new and unknown dimension to the climbing experience.
Climbing with mycelium-based holds will offer a unique tactile experience, with their natural and new texture providing a more organic and enjoyable grip. This will enhance the sensory engagement of climbers, making the activity more rewarding and while connecting them with nature inside the gym
Trippyhold promises to transform the climbing environment into an organic, visually and tactile captivating space that invites climbers to embark on a journey where aesthetics, quality, and sustainability converge harmoniously.
We will achieve this through innovative design that will stand out thanks to mycelium-based materials qualities. With its organic and appealing textures, along the various shapes and colours this material offers, we will enhance the overall look and feel of climbing walls bringing a completely new and unknown dimension to the climbing experience.
Climbing with mycelium-based holds will offer a unique tactile experience, with their natural and new texture providing a more organic and enjoyable grip. This will enhance the sensory engagement of climbers, making the activity more rewarding and while connecting them with nature inside the gym
Trippyhold promises to transform the climbing environment into an organic, visually and tactile captivating space that invites climbers to embark on a journey where aesthetics, quality, and sustainability converge harmoniously.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objectives of our project regarding sustainability focus on reducing plastic production and waste within the climbing industry while introducing an environmentally-friendly alternative and offering a pioneering example of manufacturing.
In order to meet these goals we use mycelium based materials and agricultural waste as the main components of our climbing holds. This means we deliver a product that is both renewable and biodegradable, reducing the need of traditional climbing holds, which are mostly non-recyclable and made from fossil fuels materials. At the same time we reduce the carbon footprint as the production process, use of resources and biodegradability qualities of mycelium-based materials generates significantly fewer carbon emissions than conventional plastic manufacturing.
We grow our materials using local and sustainable substrates coming from agricultural waste and we are able to reincorporate the mycelium-based climbing holds in the cycle by using them as soil fertiliser at the end of its lifespan, meaning we are able to minimise waste and promote a circular economy.
This project also aims to educate the climbing community about sustainable materials and their positive environmental impact, raising awareness and encouraging responsible consumption. Working together with local communities and environmental organisations we also want to promote these practices and educate about mycelium.
In summary trippyhold aligns with the core principles of sustainability by reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and fostering social responsibility. It stands out as exemplary due to its innovation, potential for a positive impact on the industry, and contribution to a more sustainable future.
By showcasing the viability and benefits of mycelium-based materials, we hope to inspire similar initiatives and help transform the way climbing equipment is manufactured, setting a standard for eco-conscious practices in the industry.
In order to meet these goals we use mycelium based materials and agricultural waste as the main components of our climbing holds. This means we deliver a product that is both renewable and biodegradable, reducing the need of traditional climbing holds, which are mostly non-recyclable and made from fossil fuels materials. At the same time we reduce the carbon footprint as the production process, use of resources and biodegradability qualities of mycelium-based materials generates significantly fewer carbon emissions than conventional plastic manufacturing.
We grow our materials using local and sustainable substrates coming from agricultural waste and we are able to reincorporate the mycelium-based climbing holds in the cycle by using them as soil fertiliser at the end of its lifespan, meaning we are able to minimise waste and promote a circular economy.
This project also aims to educate the climbing community about sustainable materials and their positive environmental impact, raising awareness and encouraging responsible consumption. Working together with local communities and environmental organisations we also want to promote these practices and educate about mycelium.
In summary trippyhold aligns with the core principles of sustainability by reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and fostering social responsibility. It stands out as exemplary due to its innovation, potential for a positive impact on the industry, and contribution to a more sustainable future.
By showcasing the viability and benefits of mycelium-based materials, we hope to inspire similar initiatives and help transform the way climbing equipment is manufactured, setting a standard for eco-conscious practices in the industry.
How Citizens benefit
Citizens represented by the climbing community and gym operators, played a pivotal role in Trippyhold's project. Their involvement was multifaceted, influencing the project at various stages.
Trippyhold engaged citizens by conducting ground research and interviews with gym owners and operators. This allowed the team to understand the concerns and pain points faced by the end users, ensuring the design aligned with their needs.
Their involvement significantly shaped the direction of the project. Insights gleaned from interviews guided the choice of materials, emphasising lightweight, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing climbing holds. This collaborative approach ensured that the product met the demands of the climbing community, addressing their concerns about hold weight, handling, and environmental impact. Their active participation not only validated the product concept but also contributed to its refinement.
The interaction with citizens was pivotal in creating a product that resonates with the end-users, establishing a strong foundation for market acceptance and addressing the challenges faced by climbing gyms.
Trippyhold engaged citizens by conducting ground research and interviews with gym owners and operators. This allowed the team to understand the concerns and pain points faced by the end users, ensuring the design aligned with their needs.
Their involvement significantly shaped the direction of the project. Insights gleaned from interviews guided the choice of materials, emphasising lightweight, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing climbing holds. This collaborative approach ensured that the product met the demands of the climbing community, addressing their concerns about hold weight, handling, and environmental impact. Their active participation not only validated the product concept but also contributed to its refinement.
The interaction with citizens was pivotal in creating a product that resonates with the end-users, establishing a strong foundation for market acceptance and addressing the challenges faced by climbing gyms.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
Trippyhold, centred around mycelium-based climbing holds, is undeniably innovative compared to mainstream production in the climbing industry. This innovation lies in the unique blend of sustainability, design, and functionality, setting us apart from traditional plastic holds and other conventional climbing equipment.
Our primary innovation is the use of mycelium-based materials, providing a renewable, biodegradable, and low-carbon alternative to the petroleum-based plastics typically used in the industry. This fundamental shift addresses environmental concerns associated with climbing equipment. At the same time we combine sustainability with economic viability as mycelium-based materials not only reduce environmental impact but also costs, making it an attractive solution for the long term.
In terms of design, Trippyhold offers a sensory and visual experience that is both unique and distinct from the existing ones.
In summary, our project represents a pioneering endeavour that reshapes the climbing industry by offering a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and inclusive climbing experience. The innovative use of mycelium-based materials sets a new industry standard, showcasing the potential for eco-conscious design and cultural enrichment within the realm of climbing equipment. This visionary approach represents a significant departure from mainstream practices, providing a blueprint for a more sustainable and inclusive future in the climbing world.
Our primary innovation is the use of mycelium-based materials, providing a renewable, biodegradable, and low-carbon alternative to the petroleum-based plastics typically used in the industry. This fundamental shift addresses environmental concerns associated with climbing equipment. At the same time we combine sustainability with economic viability as mycelium-based materials not only reduce environmental impact but also costs, making it an attractive solution for the long term.
In terms of design, Trippyhold offers a sensory and visual experience that is both unique and distinct from the existing ones.
In summary, our project represents a pioneering endeavour that reshapes the climbing industry by offering a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and inclusive climbing experience. The innovative use of mycelium-based materials sets a new industry standard, showcasing the potential for eco-conscious design and cultural enrichment within the realm of climbing equipment. This visionary approach represents a significant departure from mainstream practices, providing a blueprint for a more sustainable and inclusive future in the climbing world.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Trippyhold's project involved a convergence of various disciplines and knowledge fields.
Gathering insights from gym owners and operators ensured the product addressed industry-specific pain points related to weight, handling, and route-setting efficiency.
Collaborating with mycologists and material providers offered a deep understanding of mycelium-based materials, guiding the development and prototyping process.
Our architectural and design backgrounds influenced the aesthetic and sustainable aspects of the climbing holds, ensuring both functionality and visual appeal.
The synergy among these disciplines fostered innovation, ensuring that the product not only met industry standards but also brought a fresh, sustainable approach to climbing holds. The cross-disciplinary collaboration enhanced the product's quality, sustainability, and market appeal.
Gathering insights from gym owners and operators ensured the product addressed industry-specific pain points related to weight, handling, and route-setting efficiency.
Collaborating with mycologists and material providers offered a deep understanding of mycelium-based materials, guiding the development and prototyping process.
Our architectural and design backgrounds influenced the aesthetic and sustainable aspects of the climbing holds, ensuring both functionality and visual appeal.
The synergy among these disciplines fostered innovation, ensuring that the product not only met industry standards but also brought a fresh, sustainable approach to climbing holds. The cross-disciplinary collaboration enhanced the product's quality, sustainability, and market appeal.
Methodology used
Our approach to the project is multifaceted, encompassing research, material development, innovative design, sustainable manufacturing, inclusivity, cultural integration, and rigorous testing.
It all starts with comprehensive research to identify suitable mycelium-based materials. We are collaborating with mycology experts to develop the material, ensuring it meets climbing hold requirements, as well with designers with expertise in climbing holds. We want these designs not only to be functional but also aesthetically appealing.
We are producing prototypes to test the feasibility of our designs and materials, in order to make all necessary adjustments to optimise grip, durability, and safety. Sustainability is another core element of our approach. We adopt a sustainable and resource-efficient approach to mycelium production, minimising environmental impact. We are sourcing agricultural waste materials locally to reduce transportation emissions and support the community.
Finally, sustainability and economic viability are intertwined. We are doing cost analysis to ensure the project's economic viability while maintaining its sustainability. We are developing a sustainability plan to monitor environmental impact, waste reduction, and resource efficiency throughout the project's lifecycle.
Our methodology and approach reflect an innovative process that combines scientific research, design expertise and sustainable manufacturing. This comprehensive approach ensures that our mycelium-based climbing not only meets but also exceeds the objectives of sustainability, quality, and inclusivity.
It all starts with comprehensive research to identify suitable mycelium-based materials. We are collaborating with mycology experts to develop the material, ensuring it meets climbing hold requirements, as well with designers with expertise in climbing holds. We want these designs not only to be functional but also aesthetically appealing.
We are producing prototypes to test the feasibility of our designs and materials, in order to make all necessary adjustments to optimise grip, durability, and safety. Sustainability is another core element of our approach. We adopt a sustainable and resource-efficient approach to mycelium production, minimising environmental impact. We are sourcing agricultural waste materials locally to reduce transportation emissions and support the community.
Finally, sustainability and economic viability are intertwined. We are doing cost analysis to ensure the project's economic viability while maintaining its sustainability. We are developing a sustainability plan to monitor environmental impact, waste reduction, and resource efficiency throughout the project's lifecycle.
Our methodology and approach reflect an innovative process that combines scientific research, design expertise and sustainable manufacturing. This comprehensive approach ensures that our mycelium-based climbing not only meets but also exceeds the objectives of sustainability, quality, and inclusivity.
How stakeholders are engaged
Trippyhold engaged with stakeholders at various levels to ensure a comprehensive approach: local, regional, and European.
The team conducted interviews and ground research, involving climbing gym owners and operators at a local level. Their insights shaped the product design and market strategy.
Collaborating with mycologists, materials providers, and climbing associations at a regional level helped in sourcing materials, obtaining insights into the technology, and ensuring the product aligned with industry standards.
Engaging with climbing competitions and international market exploration fostered partnerships and provided exposure to broader markets.
Each level of stakeholder engagement brought unique insights and support. Local involvement provided granular, user-centric feedback, while regional and European engagement offered broader industry perspectives, enhancing the project's credibility and market reach.
The team conducted interviews and ground research, involving climbing gym owners and operators at a local level. Their insights shaped the product design and market strategy.
Collaborating with mycologists, materials providers, and climbing associations at a regional level helped in sourcing materials, obtaining insights into the technology, and ensuring the product aligned with industry standards.
Engaging with climbing competitions and international market exploration fostered partnerships and provided exposure to broader markets.
Each level of stakeholder engagement brought unique insights and support. Local involvement provided granular, user-centric feedback, while regional and European engagement offered broader industry perspectives, enhancing the project's credibility and market reach.
Global challenges
The project directly addresses the global challenge of sustainability. By replacing plastic materials with biodegradable mycelium-based alternatives, it supports sustainability and waste reduction. This initiative aligns with global goals advocating for responsible consumption and production, fostering a circular economy. Trippyhold's approach to material use could be emulated in various industries striving for eco-friendly production practices.
We focus on utilising mycelium-based materials aligns with the urgent need to mitigate climate change. By employing sustainable materials and processes, the project significantly reduces the carbon footprint, addressing a global challenge and showcasing a local solution that contributes to broader climate change mitigation efforts.
The project's emphasis on job creation, local economic growth, and the prioritisation of non-toxic manufacturing practices has a broader global impact. These local outcomes serve as a model for promoting sustainable employment and safer working conditions in various industries, contributing to the global challenge of fostering sustainable economic growth and supporting social well-being.
In summary, our use of mycelium-based materials, sustainable manufacturing processes, and community engagement present transferable elements with broader applicability across industries. The project's local solutions contribute to global challenges concerning sustainability, climate change mitigation, and social-economic impacts, making it a valuable model for broader adoption and implementation.
We focus on utilising mycelium-based materials aligns with the urgent need to mitigate climate change. By employing sustainable materials and processes, the project significantly reduces the carbon footprint, addressing a global challenge and showcasing a local solution that contributes to broader climate change mitigation efforts.
The project's emphasis on job creation, local economic growth, and the prioritisation of non-toxic manufacturing practices has a broader global impact. These local outcomes serve as a model for promoting sustainable employment and safer working conditions in various industries, contributing to the global challenge of fostering sustainable economic growth and supporting social well-being.
In summary, our use of mycelium-based materials, sustainable manufacturing processes, and community engagement present transferable elements with broader applicability across industries. The project's local solutions contribute to global challenges concerning sustainability, climate change mitigation, and social-economic impacts, making it a valuable model for broader adoption and implementation.
Learning transferred to other parties
Trippyhold's project offers several elements that hold potential for replication and transfer to diverse places, groups, and contexts.
The core innovation of using mycelium-based materials for climbing holds presents a highly adaptable technology. This innovative material has broader applicability beyond climbing holds and could be transferred to other industries seeking sustainable, biodegradable, lightweight, water resistant or fire resistant materials. The methodology and technological processes developed for utilising mycelium could be shared and implemented in different manufacturing sectors, such as furniture, construction, or consumer goods.
The sustainable manufacturing approach Trippyhold adopts is transferable to other industries looking to reduce their environmental footprint. The eco-friendly methodologies, non-toxic production techniques, and the use of renewable materials like mycelium can serve as a model for industries striving for greener practices. Processes established for manufacturing climbing holds could be replicated in diverse manufacturing sectors seeking to adopt more sustainable production methods.
Also our model of engaging with the climbing community, gym operators, and industry experts is a transferable concept applicable across various sectors. The participatory approach, involving end-users in the design and development process, could be replicated in industries that rely on user-centric design. This methodology promotes tailored solutions aligned with user needs and preferences, offering a blueprint for engagement in different product development contexts.
The core innovation of using mycelium-based materials for climbing holds presents a highly adaptable technology. This innovative material has broader applicability beyond climbing holds and could be transferred to other industries seeking sustainable, biodegradable, lightweight, water resistant or fire resistant materials. The methodology and technological processes developed for utilising mycelium could be shared and implemented in different manufacturing sectors, such as furniture, construction, or consumer goods.
The sustainable manufacturing approach Trippyhold adopts is transferable to other industries looking to reduce their environmental footprint. The eco-friendly methodologies, non-toxic production techniques, and the use of renewable materials like mycelium can serve as a model for industries striving for greener practices. Processes established for manufacturing climbing holds could be replicated in diverse manufacturing sectors seeking to adopt more sustainable production methods.
Also our model of engaging with the climbing community, gym operators, and industry experts is a transferable concept applicable across various sectors. The participatory approach, involving end-users in the design and development process, could be replicated in industries that rely on user-centric design. This methodology promotes tailored solutions aligned with user needs and preferences, offering a blueprint for engagement in different product development contexts.
Keywords
Sustainability
Mycelium
Climbing
Community Engagement
Innovation
