Hericium Cup 2026

The Hericium Cup is the world's first laboratory-verified competition dedicated exclusively to Hericium species, including Lion's Mane and its relatives.

Participants from around the world are invited to submit fruiting bodies, mycelium, extracts, tinctures, and functional products for independent laboratory analysis and judging.

Every entry receives professional testing performed by Tryptomics and contributes to one of the largest community-driven datasets on Hericium bioactive compounds ever assembled.

Whether you are a commercial cultivator, citizen scientist, extractor, researcher, or passionate hobbyist, the Hericium Cup offers an opportunity to benchmark your work against peers worldwide.

Submissions accepted worldwide.

RULES

Eligibility

The competition is open to individuals, businesses, farms, laboratories, and organizations worldwide.

Accepted species include:

  • Hericium erinaceus
  • Hericium americanum
  • Hericium coralloides
  • Hericium abietis
  • Hericium flagellum 
  • Other verified Hericium species

Divisions

Fruiting Body Division

Fresh or dried fruiting bodies.

Awards:

  • Best Fruiting Body
  • Highest Potency Fruiting Body

Mycelium Division

Includes:

  • Submerged culture biomass
  • Pure mycelial biomass
  • Fermentation-derived biomass

Awards:

  • Best Mycelium
  • Highest Potency Mycelium

Extract Division

Includes:

  • Dual extracts
  • Oleoresins
  • Powdered extracts
  • Water extracts
  • Alcohol extracts

Awards:

  • Best Extract
  • Highest Potency Extract

Functional Product Division

Includes:

  • Tinctures
  • Honey products
  • Chocolates
  • Gummies
  • Beverages
  • Other finished products

Awards:

  • Best Functional Product

Submission Requirements

Fruiting Bodies

Minimum 20 grams dried material.

Mycelium

Minimum 20 grams dried biomass.

Extracts

Minimum 5 grams.

Tinctures

Minimum 30 mL.

Functional Products

Minimum 50 grams or equivalent.

Judging

Laboratory analysis will be performed independently by Tryptomics.

Judging criteria may include:

  • Potency
  • Appearance
  • Consistency
  • Innovation
  • Product quality
  • Presentation

Timeline

Entry Intake:
October 1 – November 30, 2026

Laboratory Analysis:
December 2026 – January 2027

Awards Ceremony:
February 26–27, 2027

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Online

FAQ

What does my entry fee include?

Every entry includes:

  • Competition entry
  • Independent laboratory testing
  • Official results report
  • Eligibility for awards

How much does it cost?

Fruiting Body, Mycelium, and Extract Entries:
$100

Functional Product Entries:
$150

Who performs the testing?

Testing is performed by Tryptomics using validated analytical methods and reference standards.

What compounds will be analyzed?

Current confirmed targets include:

  • Erinacene A
  • Hericerin
  • Melatonin

Additional compounds may be added as standards become available.

Can I submit multiple entries?

Yes.

Each entry must be purchased separately.

Can I enter anonymously?

Yes.

Entrants may choose to remain anonymous during public reporting and awards.

Do I have to attend the awards ceremony?

No.

Winners may participate remotely.

Can international participants enter?

Yes.

Worldwide submissions are welcome.

Entrants are responsible for complying with local shipping regulations.

Will I receive my laboratory results?

Yes.

Every entrant receives a report containing their analytical results.

Can I use my results for marketing?

Yes.

You may reference your results provided they are represented accurately and without modification.

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Purchase your Hericium Cup entry through MycoSymbiotics.com.

Step 2

Package your sample securely.

Include:

  • Name
  • Business Name (if applicable)
  • Order Number
  • Product Name
  • Species
  • Email Address

Step 3

Ship your sample to:

MycoSymbiotics LLC

310 S 10th st STE F Lemoyne, PA 17043

Sample Requirements

Fruiting Bodies

20 grams dried minimum

Mycelium

20 grams dried minimum

Extracts

2 grams minimum

Tinctures

30 mL minimum

Leak-proof container required

Functional Products

50 grams minimum

Shipping Deadline

All entries must arrive no later than:

November 30, 2026

International Entries

Please label packages:

"Scientific Competition Sample – No Commercial Value"

Participants are responsible for customs compliance.

SPONSORSHIPS

Official Laboratory Partner

Tryptomics

Tryptomics is serving as the Official Analytical Testing Partner of the Hericium Cup.

Their laboratory will provide independent analysis of submitted entries and help advance understanding of bioactive compounds found in Hericium species.

Testing currently includes:

  • Erinacene A
  • Hericerin
  • Melatonin

Additional analytes are expected to be added as standards become available.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Hericium Cup is currently seeking sponsors aligned with:

  • Mycology
  • Biotechnology
  • Natural Products Research
  • Functional Foods
  • Laboratory Sciences
  • Cultivation Equipment
  • Mushroom Industry Services

Sponsor Benefits

  • Logo placement on Hericium Cup webpage
  • Recognition during awards ceremony
  • Social media promotion
  • Inclusion in participant communications
  • Vendor and exhibition opportunities
  • Research collaboration opportunities

For sponsorship inquiries:

ana@mycosymbiotics.com

or

peter@mycosymbiotics.com

About the Hericium Cup

The Hericium Cup exists to promote transparency, scientific rigor, cultivation excellence, and collaboration within the global Hericium community while advancing research into one of the world's most promising medicinal mushroom genera.