University research can extend far beyond the classroom when it encounters a real-world problem to explore and provides a space to share new ideas. This is what Ana Paula del Campo, Karla Ximena Gaytán, and Mariann Anayancy Ramirez, students from Arkansas State University Querétaro, experienced when they participated in Funginnova 2026, the First National Meeting on Innovation and Development of Fungal Products, held from September 23 to 25 in Zapopan, Jalisco.
A research project that connected Business and Science
The students arrived at Funginnova with research focused on analyzing the market potential of products made from functional mushrooms among students at the universities within Elisia Education Hub. Their project represented an opportunity to connect two perspectives that are increasingly relevant in the development of new solutions: scientific knowledge and the ability to identify needs, markets, and business opportunities.
Furthermore, it was the only project from the Business area presented during the meeting, sparking interest among attendees and, particularly, among entrepreneurs who sought to learn more about the research and its possible applications.
Applying what they’ve learned to a real-world scenario
Funginnova 2026 brought together representatives from academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and the productive sector to explore the potential of fungi in areas such as food, agriculture, health, biomaterials, and sustainability. Through conferences, scientific presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the event fostered knowledge exchange and the development of products and opportunities related to fungal innovation.
For Ana Paula, Karla, and Mariann, participating meant taking a project they had developed during their university studies to a specialized environment and sharing it directly with researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and other students. It was also an opportunity to put into practice skills that go beyond simply conducting research: presenting results, answering questions, communicating an idea clearly, and discovering how an academic project can connect with real-world opportunities.
Learning also means connecting disciplines
The project reflects the collaborative work between the Business and Science departments, demonstrating how different disciplines can complement each other to address the same opportunity from diverse perspectives. During the development and preparation of the research, the students were mentored by Professor Harlen González, who guided and supported them throughout the project. This collaboration enabled them to transform academic knowledge into a proposal with practical applications and strengthen their research, communication, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills.
An experience to keep moving forward
During Funginnova, Ana Paula, Karla, and Mariann presented their research to the attendees and answered questions about their project, experiencing firsthand what it means to defend an idea before a specialized audience. Experiences like this demonstrate how a project that begins in the classroom can become an opportunity to explore new industries, connect with specialists, and discover how far an idea can go when different areas of knowledge work together.
We congratulate Ana Paula del Campo, Karla Ximena Gaytán and Mariann Anayancy Ramirez, as well as Professor Harlen González, for taking their work to Funginnova 2026 and representing our community in a national space for innovation and collaboration.
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