A part of the group of LPU students who have launched the mushroom startup

A group of Lovely Professional University (LPU) students has launched a Mushroom startup through which they have harvested 62 kg of button mushrooms and 56 kg of oyster mushrooms.

A press release from the university said the production of oyster mushrooms will likely reach 170 kg in the next cultivation cycle. The students are now preparing to begin the cultivation of the milky mushroom, targeting a yield of 250 kg. 

“They continue to scale the venture through practical experience,” the statement said, adding that the project began as one of hands-on learning extending classrooms into real-world problem-solving, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The students applied scientific cultivation techniques and business planning alongside their academic curriculum, said the statement.  

A key milestone has been the cultivation of enoki and reishi mushrooms at LPU. “By introducing these premium edible and medicinal varieties, the students have expanded the scope of the project while gaining exposure to advanced cultivation methods with significant commercial potential,” said the statement.

The startup venture extends beyond mushroom production. Guided by principles of value addition and sustainable agriculture, the students have developed innovative products including mushroom-based face oil, hair serum, mushroom soap, and Ganoderma capsules. 

They have also repurposed spent mushroom substrate to create eco-friendly products such as pan holders, pencils, and animal feed, demonstrating how agricultural waste can be transformed into marketable resources through circular farming practices.

Their journey has translated into a collective earning of ₹42,000 through mushroom sales. Their work was showcased at LPU Agrithon, where they presented their products and business ideas, receiving appreciation from experts, entrepreneurs, and visitors.

The statement said the next phase of their venture will focus on expanding the cultivation of premium mushroom varieties, including enoki, lion’s mane, and Ganoderma, further strengthening its research and commercial dimensions. 

“The initiative exemplifies LPU’s EduRevolution approach, where students gain industry-relevant skills by building, testing, and scaling real ventures, graduating not only with academic knowledge but also with entrepreneurial experience and market exposure,” it said.

Published on July 20, 2026