Dissemination plan
Reflecting on the scope and the project plan of my final project.
Materials (what is to be disseminated):
The Myke Board is a mycelium-based surfboard that seeks to replace the harmful materials in modern surfboards (polyurethane and expanded polystyrene) with more sustainable materials that are not harmful to the environment or to the shaper. The base substrate is made up of agricultural waste that is then joined together through a fungal strain known for its material properties. The result is a low-dense, hydrophobic material that can be shaped like a surfboard and has a similar performance.
This project is two-fold, it also looks to deconstruct existing polyurethane boards. Under certain conditions, some fungal strains are able to break the chains of polymers in polyurethane materials into simple monomers. This then serves as a source of carbon for the fungal strain, effectively recycling a previously non recyclable material enzymatically.
Audience (who will apply it in practice, where do you reach them):
Surf schools, beginner surfers. People that are getting started in the sport are less picky about new materials that haven’t been thoroughly tested for performance.
Dissemination partners (individuals, organisations, or networks through whom one can reach end users):
The European Commission that supports innovation that tackles plastic pollution, environmentally mindful surf schools, design magazines and media.
Communication (how to convey research outcomes):
The future of surfing is not in plastic, it’s in collaboration with the micro-organisms that surround us to create new tools to experience nature in a way that is beneficial to all stakeholders: users, micro-organisms, and the environment.
Evaluation (How many people did it reach? Did it reach the intended audience?):
- Using web analytics: this can be looking at number of inquiries of the product
- Talk to partners about who they disseminated too and how many
- If using social media look at metrics like shares, likes and retweets but also WHO is retweeting you. Can help you see if you are reaching your intended audience.
Future Possibilities
Some future posibilities for the Myke Board are the development of custom-made surfboards at the beginning of its journey, geared towards beginners and surfing schools. Gathering investors, press and gradually improving upon the techniques and manufacturing process. With careful management of resources and timelines, one can gradually scale up in production and obtain a warehouse space specifically equipped for the growth of mycelium based products. Through the gradual development of this product, more aspects of surf can be incorporated. Incluiding expanding from surf into SUP, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
Chosing a license
For the technology of the Myke Board, it would ideally be first produced and perfected centrally in a location in Barcelona. Once reaching certain level of recognition and development, we would sell licenses for developers around the world that would like to carry the official Myke Board license. This would carry with it a thorough guide on how to grow Myke Board and the minimal requirements for facilities. They can replicate the Myke Board but they cannot be called the same way. The license only needs to be purchased once.