Algenuity

Founded in 2009, Algenuity is a biotech startup specializing in algal biotechnology and process development. It works with algal companies to improve their processes and strains. Its proprietary algae-based products and solutions are used in the food and beverage, aquaculture, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries.

The company’s sustainable plant-based, protein-rich ingredient Chlorella Colours is a whole algal-cell ingredient, which the company claims is a rich source of neutral-tasting, functional plant-based protein. Chlorella Colours comes in a ready-to-use powdered form, which could be used in various products (smoothies, ice cream, pasta, protein shakes, etc.), as a vegan alternative to eggs and dairy or a natural colour. Algenuity also manufactures algal bioreactors that can be used in labs working with microalgae or cyanobacteria.

In July 2020, the company partnered with Unilever to explore potential uses of microalgae in innovating future foods for Unilever’s plant-based portfolio. Algenuity worked together with Unilever’s Foods and Refreshment (F&R) Division’s R&D team to analyze ways of bringing foods made with microalgae to the market. Unilever planned to use Chlorella Colours in its products as a replacement for eggs, which could be used in its line of plant-based offerings, such as Hellmann’s vegan version of condiments like mayonnaise or plant-based meats under its Vegetarian Butcher brand.