Mykoherbals Sp. z o. o., headquartered in Plewiska, was established in 2022 to develop and market innovative products based on medicinal mushrooms, herbs and fruits, with high functional and quality parameters. The company's mission is to implement innovative solutions, both in terms of product and technological innovations, conduct research using modern techniques and tools, and introduce quality-oriented practices. These goals are achieved through the commitment of a team of enthusiasts who can appreciate and utilize the health-promoting properties of compounds naturally occurring in plants and mushrooms. Beyond the wealth of vitamins and minerals, plants and mushrooms are a source of extremely valuable ingredients with antioxidant potential that protect cells from oxidative stress, containing compounds that regulate and support the body's functioning.

Examples of naturally occurring compounds with unique properties for regenerating the nervous system are hericenones and erinacines contained in Lion's Mane mushroom fruiting bodies, which can support the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis. Due to the difficulties associated with treating these diseases and the significant functional limitations of patients and their families, Mykoherbals has focused from the beginning of its operations on research concerning the development of methodologies for obtaining preparations with high content of hericenones and erinacines. This process requires conducting a broad spectrum of research, including selecting Lion's Mane mushroom varieties, establishing cultivation conditions, substrate composition, but also optimizing the extraction process itself, which will be significantly facilitated by the support granted by ARiMR. Poznań University of Economics has experience in implementing research projects and commercializing their results. The Institute of Quality Sciences, whose employees are directly involved in conducting research on the assessment of functional and quality parameters of Lion's Mane mushroom fruiting bodies and dried products prepared from them, conducts long-term research on natural, environmental, social and economic aspects of quality. This research covers the design, development, assessment and protection of food quality in all phases of the life cycle, taking into account consumer needs and environmental impact. The scientific work carried out is interdisciplinary in nature, covering issues in the fields of management and quality sciences, food technology and nutrition, materials engineering, chemical engineering and chemistry. The research topics align with current trends in science, addressing important economic and social issues related to the development of sustainable production and consumption, circular economy, Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0. The Institute has modern laboratories equipped with unique research equipment. Research is carried out in cooperation with many national and international scientific centers. The Institute cooperates with enterprises offering support and consultations in research and development work, conducting research and expertise, and providing training. In this regard, in the period 01.01.2010-31.12.2014, it participated in the project „New bioactive food with programmed health-promoting properties” (project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, http://bioaktywnazywnosc.pl/). The research conducted concerned, among others, the possibilities of using plant extracts as additives increasing health-promoting functionality, microbiological quality and sensory properties of food. In turn, from the funds of the Operational Programme Smart Growth 2014-2020, in the period 01.12.2019-20.05.2020, the project entitled „Development of a new product in the form of functional packaging based on iron with properties inhibiting the growth of microorganisms intended for packaging cottage cheese” was financed, the result of which is currently being implemented in economic practice. The unit's employees participating in the project have been conducting research for many years on monitoring the antioxidant properties of food and its enrichment with additives showing health-promoting effects, determining the microbiological quality of food products and investigating the possibilities of using natural compounds that limit microbial growth. For this purpose, the possibilities of using herbs, fruit extracts and waste products from the food industry, e.g. chokeberry pomace, have been studied so far. The research results have been published in prestigious international scientific journals and are the subject of many patents. Mr. Mariusz Mulka's farm is located in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, Kolsko commune, Konotop village. Mr. Mariusz Mulka took over the family farm in 2009, expanded and modernized it. The farm consists of 10 ha of arable land, 20 ha of meadow and 3.5 ha of forest. The farm is focused on crop production. Rye, oats, wheat and triticale are grown on arable land. Hay from meadows is collected by affiliated equestrian riding schools. Additionally, three years ago a ground cucumber plantation was established, as well as tunnel cultivation of ground tomatoes and other vegetables. For two years, nursery production has been developing on the farm for the gardening market.