Assignment Description
As an intern at MNEXT, you will have the opportunity to participate in the project ‘FungAI’ which focuses on automating the assessment of mycelium bio-composites growth using artificial intelligence. You will be part of the team responsible for producing mycelium materials used to develop an AI-driven monitoring system, aimed at ensuring the consistent quality and scalability of mycelium bio-composites. These materials are intended for various applications, including packaging, construction, and fashion, and require rigorous quality control to meet industry standards.
The objectives of the project will be:
- Material production and characterization: Assisting in the production and analysis of mycelium bio-composites to establish a baseline for AI training and validation.
- Collaborating with AI specialists to create a system that distinguishes properly colonized mycelium bio-composites from those needing further growth.
- Process optimization: Working with the team to refine production processes and improve the efficiency of the AI model.
Your main tasks include:
- Conduct a literature review study to catalogue current knowledge on mycelium growth behavior and important parameters to be monitored.
- Lab work: Produce mycelium bio-composite samples using standard protocols and capturing scanner images for AI training.
- Data analysis: Perform tests to validate the AI system’s accuracy and reliability in assessing mycelium growth.
- Optimization and Brainstorming: Collaborate with the team to identify potential improvements to the monitoring system and outline next steps for further research.
Working language: we have a multidisciplinary and international team. Therefore, the language is English. Some of the researchers also speak Dutch.
Starting Date & Compensation
- The length of the internship graduation assignment is approximately 20 weeks.
- The student will get an internship fee of €350, – per month.