From their emergence in DIY culture to investor funded research, grown and bio-designed materials are creating new futures for design. Fungi, composites of food waste and spun materials drawn from algae are just some of the leading innovations being developed by designers, makers and scientists in this area.

This half-day workshop will provide an introduction to the world of bio-materials, through handling sessions, presentations and group discussion. Participants will cover a range of current research and innovative projects spanning emergent material makers to established industrial initiatives.

Led by innovation consultancy MaterialDriven, participants will learn about current research and innovation projects, before growing their own bio-materials, with a chance to see and test potential results. At the end of the session you will take away a recipe book and live prototype to keep evolving after the workshop.

Photograph: Biohm, Mycellium Composite