Humans have lived with fungi since birth. Some live in and on our bodies, are our constant companions and are part of our microbiota. They help us make better use of nutrients and boost our immune systems. Other fungi live in symbiosis with plants, providing them with nutrients and water from the soil. Fungi thus take care of us and our environment and actively shape our planet. Today's fungal biotechnology is exploring how to harness the metabolic potential of fungi for a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. In the future, will fungi be used to make not only medicines, enzymes and biofuels, but also as textiles, furniture and building materials? In my talk, I will explain how this could be achieved and why intensive collaboration between different scientific disciplines, art, and society is so important for innovating fungal-based materials and a new material culture.