BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Mycocycle, a company using the power of fungi to help reduce asphalt roofing waste from entering landfills, has joined Chicago H1-B Connect to bring on tech workers seeking employment following industry layoffs.

According to a release, Chicago H1-B Connect is a coalition of Chicagoland companies who are willing to sponsor H1-B visas for technology workers displaced in the nationwide technology industry layoffs.

Layoffs.fyi reports more than 157,000 tech workers lost their jobs in 2022, and the tech layoff rate isn't slowing down. Over 50,000 workers at tech companies based in the United States have been laid off this year alone. When an H1-B technology worker loses their job, they are left with 60 days to find a new one and the company must be willing to sponsor their visa.

"We are proud to be a member of this coalition and demonstrate our commitment to support and attract H-1B visa holders to the Chicago area," said Joanne Rodriguez, Mycocycle founder and CEO. "For foreign workers on H-1B status, losing their job jeopardizes their ability to stay in the U.S. Being part of this program is a win for all parties involved as companies benefit from the skills these workers bring to our businesses and the workers benefit by being able to continue living and working in this country."

Mycocycle Inc. is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was one of 17 companies worldwide selected to The Circulars Accelerator in 2022 through the World Economic Forum and Accenture, and was the winner of the 2021 1871 Momentum Awards as an Industry Disrupter.