Sapro-Tech has pioneered a way of producing layers of mycelia that can be grown together in sheets, says founder Keith Hudson. A Kiwi startup has discovered a world-first way to grow fungi into a textile that has the same properties as leather. Sapro-Tech founder Keith Hudson said it had discovered a way to produce layers of mycelia that could be grown together in sheets. Lead scientist at Sapro-Tech Erin Stroud said mycelium could be compared to roots in plants. supplied/Supplied From left Erin Stroud, Sapro-Tech’s lead scientist, Toree Deepanwita, technician and Sapro-Tech founder Keith Hudson.