A biotech startup is on a mission to revolutionise the omega-3 industry with its patented fermentation technology that grows microalgae from upcycled whisky byproducts, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fish-derived ingredients.
MiAlgae, based in Scotland, hopes that by cultivating algae rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it can bypass the need for fish altogether, according to Douglas Martin, founder and CEO.
He told Vitafoods Insights: “Fish don't naturally produce omega-3s – they accumulate them by consuming algae – so we ‘cut out the middle fish’ by growing algae and using it as a direct source.”
What’s more, the startup’s use of nutrient-rich byproducts from whisky distilleries, which are typically discarded as waste, provides an “innovative and environmentally responsible” input for growing microalgae, said Martin.
He added: “This allows us to create a valuable, sustainable resource without further depleting marine ecosystems.”
MiAlgae prides itself on its zero-waste, circular production model. The algae are grown in bioreactors powered by green energy, making the entire process more sustainable than traditional omega-3 production methods.
The company’s closed-loop system ensures sustainability by returning clean water after the algae have been harvested, further reducing its environmental footprint.
“The scalability of our process, combined with our closed-loop system that returns clean water, ensures we meet growing global demand for omega-3 while supporting marine biodiversity,” explained Martin.
“Unlike traditional fish-based omega-3 production, which depletes wild fish stocks, our process eliminates the need for fish entirely. Once harvested, the remaining water can be recycled, making our process nearly waste-free.”
This model not only reduces reliance on new resources but also supports a more sustainable, circular economy, with minimised waste and environmental impact.
“Compared to other eco-friendly alternatives, many of which rely on virgin ingredients in linear systems, MiAlgae’s approach is unique. By using existing byproducts, we reduce waste and minimise reliance on new resources,” said Martin.
While MiAlgae has primarily focused on providing sustainable omega-3s for livestock and pet feed, it sees “significant potential” to expand into the supplement industry.
The company’s precision fermentation technology is highly adaptable, offering scalability and flexibility across multiple applications, said Martin.
“MiAlgae’s technology has significant potential to be translated into other industries, such as nutraceuticals and health ingredients,” he explained.
“By providing a sustainable, plant-based alternative to fish-derived omega-3s, we can help reduce the environmental impact of these industries while meeting the increasing demand for vegan and environmentally conscious products.”
Beyond omega-3s, MiAlgae is actively exploring ways to expand the range of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can be derived from microalgae, Martin added.
“This opens up exciting opportunities to create innovative health ingredients for use in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and even cosmetics,” he said.
In September, MiAlgae secured £14 million (€16.9 million) in funding to accelerate its operations and scale its production. The investment will be used to build a new production facility in Scotland’s Central Belt, a move the startup hopes will allow it to streamline logistics and scale up production.
“This facility will allow us to produce 3,000 tonnes of omega-3s annually, greatly expanding our capacity to meet the growing demand and reducing reliance on fish-based sources,” Martin said.
“To support this growth, we will be investing in our team across operations, engineering, production, and sales, ensuring we have the talent required to achieve our ambitious objectives whilst maintaining operational excellence.”
The funding will also be put towards MiAlgae’s ongoing research and development efforts, focusing on new product innovations in the sustainable food and health markets.
MiAlgae was a finalist in the Revive Our Oceans category of this year’s prestigious Earthshot Prize, which honours “simple but ambitious” environmental solutions for 2030 that, “if achieved, will repair the planet before irreversible damage occurs”.
Despite failing to scoop first place, MiAlgae hopes this recognition will open up opportunities for it to form high-impact partnerships and accelerate its scaling efforts.
“Over the next five years, we aim to establish ourselves as a global leader in sustainable food production by providing scalable alternatives to fish-based oils,” said Martin.
“We are committed to being at the forefront of a movement that not only restores our oceans but also redefines how we approach sustainable food solutions for a growing population.”
The startup is exploring expansion opportunities in Australia and North America.
“This opportunity will help us scale rapidly and build on the existing links we have in Australia and North America, where we see strong potential for further growth and collaboration,” Martin added.
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