Algal Bio

What Algal Bio does

Algal Bio Co., Ltd. is a University of Tokyo spin-off algae biotechnology company founded in March 2018 and headquartered in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan. The company operates what it describes as the world's first 'Algae Bio-foundry Platform' - an integrated platform combining an extensive algae strain library (including wild-type strains, University of Tokyo-licensed strains, and proprietary in-house bred strains), proprietary heavy ion beam breeding technology for non-GMO strain improvement, high-efficiency optical screening methods, and scalable cultivation systems ranging from laboratory test tubes to 1 kiloliter closed photobioreactors. The company targets four primary customer segments: B2B health, beauty, and wellness companies seeking functional ingredients (carotenoids, astaxanthin, DHA, EPA, proteins); B2B companies and research institutions requiring contract research, joint R&D, and consulting for microalgae-based product development; direct consumers via its algae-based Moneru dietary supplement sold through an e-commerce store and a 100+ clinic network; and medium-to-long-term targets in food protein alternatives and bioenergy.

Algal Bio monetizes through four revenue streams: one-time/subscription product sales (Moneru consumer supplements), fee-for-service contract research and consulting (受託研究), transactional B2B ingredient sales of cultivated biomass and extracted compounds, and technology licensing of strains and cultivation methods. The go-to-market is multi-channel: B2B enterprise sales targeting healthcare and beauty companies; direct-to-consumer sales via the Moneru Store e-commerce platform and pop-up retail; and event-driven international market development through active participation in CES, AlgaeEurope, Vitafoods Europe, Viva Technology, and Southeast Asia startup events. The company has accumulated approximately JPY 1.4 billion (~$9-10M USD) in venture funding across seed (2018, JPY 48M), Series A (2019, JPY 400M), and Series B (2022, JPY 940M total across two closings) from institutional investors including UTEC, DBJ Capital, Mizuho Capital, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, Resona Capital, Scrum Ventures, Kyoto University Innovation Capital, Abies Ventures, and JST. Key strategic partners include Taiyo Nippon Sanso (capital and business alliance for CO2 utilization), BLCP Power Thailand (CO2 fixation joint research), Japan Bio Science Laboratory (commercial astaxanthin production), and design studio we+ (SO-Colored material). The company acquired EBIS Algae Research Institute in March 2025 and opened the Yokohama Manufacturing Technology Center in September 2023.

Name

Algal Bio

Legal name

株式会社アルガルバイオ (Algal Bio Co., Ltd.)

Website

https://algalbio.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Algal Bio is a University of Tokyo spin-off algae biotech company operating an integrated algae bio-foundry platform spanning strain library, screening, breeding, and cultivation. It serves B2B health, beauty, and food companies with ingredients and contract research, and sells its Moneru consumer algae supplement through clinics and e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Algae Biotechnology

NAICS

Aquaculture (1125), Aquaculture (11251), Chemical Manufacturing (325)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae) (AFAEAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Algae & Seaweed Proteins (Microalgae/Spirulina, Macroalgae) (AFAJAHAF), Biological CO₂ Utilization (algae/biotech conversion to fuels, chemicals, proteins) (EUABAIAJ), Bio-based Food & Flavor Ingredients (Non-fuel Co-products: sweeteners, organic acids, flavors) (EUAAAIAJ)

Keywords

• Microalgae cultivation
• Algae bio-foundry
• Functional ingredients
• Algae supplements
• Contract research

Headquarters

HQ city

Kashiwa

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales (Moneru Supplements): Sale of proprietary algae-based health supplement 'Moneru' directly to consumers via e-commerce store and to clinics for patient recommendations. Multiple form factors including tablet format. Domestic clinic network exceeded 100 locations as of October 2025.
2. Contract Research & Consulting: Fee-for-service research contracts and consulting services for companies seeking to develop microalgae-based products or solutions. Includes受託研究 (contract research), joint R&D, and technical consulting. Strict information management under confidential contracts.
3. Ingredient Sales: Sale of algae-derived functional ingredients (carotenoids, astaxanthin, DHA, EPA, proteins) to food, health, beauty, and bioenergy industries. B2B supply of cultivated biomass and extracted compounds.
4. Technology Licensing: Licensing of proprietary technologies, strains, and cultivation methods to partner companies for commercial applications in health, beauty, food, and biomaterials industries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Algal Bio operates an Algae Bio-foundry Platform that combines an extensive microalgae strain library with proprietary screening, breeding (heavy ion beam), and scalable cultivation technologies to develop algae-derived functional ingredients for the health, food, beauty, and environmental industries. The company sells these functional ingredients (carotenoids, astaxanthin, DHA, EPA, proteins) and biomass B2B, offers contract research and consulting services, and sells its own consumer algae supplement brand Moneru.

Product overview

Algal Bio is a University of Tokyo-born algae cleantech startup offering an integrated algae bio-foundry platform. The core product is Moneru, an algae dietary supplement for wellness, alongside SO-Colored (microalgae materials for design) and Algaly (algae-based seasoning). The platform provides end-to-end services including an algae strain library, screening, cultivation, functional ingredient research, and product development. The company also offers contract research and consulting services for external companies. Facilities include the Clean Technology Lab+ with 1KL photobioreactors for mass production.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Moneru: Algae-based dietary supplement for sleep improvement and overall wellness
• SO-Colored
• Algaly
• Moneru Store

Products and services

• Moneru (モネル) An algae-based dietary supplement developed by Algal Bio to support deep rest and refreshed mornings. Available in tablet form, sold through clinic channels (100+ domestic clinics) and direct-to-consumer via the Moneru Store e-commerce platform.
• SO-Colored A microalgae-based new material project developed jointly with design studio we+, creating diverse colors and designs from microalgae for applications in furniture and design products.
• Algaly A functional food seasoning product utilizing the umami of algae, aimed at providing healthy food and new taste experiences. Exhibited at CES 2024.
• Domestic Microalgae Astaxanthin Ingredients Commercial-scale production of purely domestic astaxanthin ingredients derived from microalgae, developed jointly with Japan Bio Science Laboratory, for sale as functional ingredients in health, beauty, and food applications.
• Algae Strain Library Service Provides B2B customers access to an extensive collection of microalgae strains including Chlorella, Scenedesmus, and Haematococcus species, with both wild-type strains and specially bred variants using heavy ion beam technology.
• Algae Strain Screening Service High-efficiency screening service using optical instruments (plate readers and cell sorters) to identify optimal algae strains based on growth, protein content, lipid content, color, and other valuable parameters for specific B2B applications.
• Algae Cultivation Service Mass cultivation technology services using various scales from test tube to 1KL tubular-type photobioreactors, tailored to each algae strain's optimal conditions, for B2B customers developing algae-based products.
• Functional Ingredient Research Service Research services focused on discovering and validating functional components from algae, including carotenoids, fatty acids (DHA, EPA), and other bioactive compounds for health and wellness applications.
• Functional Product Development Service Product development services utilizing algae-derived functional ingredients including natural pigments and carotenoids for eye health, bone health, and cardiovascular benefits applications.
• Contract Research and Consulting Consulting and contract research services for companies developing new microalgae-based businesses, including research promotion, mass culture technology establishment, and functional compound production, under confidential contracts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Algae can achieve up to 70% protein content, exceeding soybeans (33.8%) and sesame (21.7%)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• we+flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 October 2025Strategic partnership for joint development and commercialization of 'SO-Colored' - a new microalgae material featuring diverse colors and designs. Products displayed at Dior Bamboo Pavilion in Daikanyama.
• Japan Bio Science Laboratory (日本生物科学研究所)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2025Joint development partnership resulting in commercial-scale production of purely domestic astaxanthin ingredients from microalgae. NIKKEI featured this as a breakthrough in domestic production.
• EBIS Algae Research Institute (イービス藻類産業研究所)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2025Algal Bio acquired management rights to EBIS Algae Research Institute in March 2025, expanding production capabilities. The institute produces Nannochloropsis used in various food products including Abe Kamo Shop's Sendai specialty products.
• BLCP PowercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 2025Joint research agreement with Thailand's major IPP operator to demonstrate CO2 fixation technology using microalgae. Part of Algal Bio's carbon neutrality initiatives and Southeast Asia expansion.
• Taiyo Nippon Sanso (大陽日酸)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 December 2022Capital and business alliance combining Taiyo Nippon Sanso's industrial gas technology with Algal Bio's algae technology to advance CO2 utilization and carbon neutrality solutions.
• The University of TokyocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding institution and ongoing research partner. Algal Bio was established based on 20+ years of University of Tokyo algae research. Provides access to research facilities, talent, and intellectual property.
• NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment research partner for carbon recycling and CO2 utilization projects. Multiple NEDO-commissioned projects for algae cultivation and bioenergy development (2022-2024).

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Euglena Co., Ltd. Tokyo-based algae biotech with similar business model spanning supplements, B2B ingredients, and biofuels using microalgae (including Euglena gracilis). Direct competitor in Japanese health supplement market and functional food ingredients with similar science-driven positioning.
• Cyanotech Corporation: Hawaii-based commercial producer of microalgae-derived nutritional products including BioAstin natural astaxanthin and Spirulina Pacifica. Most direct global competitor in algae-based astaxanthin and carotenoid ingredients that Algal Bio is now entering commercially.

Emerging players

• Checkerspot: US-based biotechnology company that develops novel algae-derived ingredients for performance materials, personal care, and food. Comparable in using microalgae as a platform for high-value specialty ingredients rather than commodity production, with similar B2B ingredient model.
• Pond Technologies: Canadian company using industrial emissions to grow algae, directly comparable to Algal Bio's CO2 fixation partnership model with BLCP Power. Smaller scale but operates in similar industrial CO2-to-algae conversion niche.
• AlgaeCytes: UK-based developer of algae-derived functional ingredients and high-value compounds for cosmetics and nutrition. Comparable emerging player with similar R&D-driven approach to specialty algae ingredients.

Broad incumbents

• DSM-Firmenich: Global nutrition and health ingredients major with significant algae-derived omega-3 (DHA/EPA) franchise via the former Martek Biosciences acquisition. Competes in B2B functional ingredients at scale and has the capital and distribution to dominate algae-derived nutrition markets.
• Corbion: Dutch food and biochemical ingredients company that produces AlgaPrime DHA from algae (via TerraVia acquisition). Competes with Algal Bio in algae-based DHA/EPA and functional ingredients but as part of a much larger ingredients portfolio serving global food and feed markets.
• Roquette: Global starch and protein-ingredient leader that has invested in plant-based and algae-based proteins. Competes in alternative protein ingredients and could become a partner or competitor as Algal Bio scales its high-protein algae strains.

Regional players

• Chlorella Industry Co., Ltd. Japanese chlorella supplement and ingredient producer with established domestic distribution. Regional competitor in the algae supplement and health food space with strong Japanese retail presence but narrower product portfolio than Algal Bio.

Others

• Lumen Bioscience: US biotechnology company using engineered spirulina (a microalgae platform) to produce recombinant proteins, antibodies, and enzymes. Comparable in using microalgae as a manufacturing platform, though focused on therapeutics rather than nutritional/functional ingredients.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/algalbio
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQZlcUyhsppp8R_8HtEK50w
• Facebookfacebook.com/algalbio.co.jp
• LinkedInjp.linkedin.com/company/algal-bio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors11 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Algal Bio