Subitec
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersStuttgart, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
Subitec firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Subitec
- Legal name
- Subitec GmbH
- Website
- https://subitec.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Subitec industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Photobioreactor Systems
- NAICS
- Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing (3331)
- SIC
- General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bioprocessing & Fermentation Manufacturing (Bioreactors, Scale-Up, Toll/CMO) (AFANAKAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae) (AFAEAAAE)
Keywords
Where Subitec is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Stuttgart
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Subitec business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Industrial Production Systems: Sale of complete industrial-scale microalgae production systems including CM180 cultivation modules and cultivation infrastructure. Systems are configured to customer specifications with pricing based on capacity and requirements.
- Lab and Pre-Scale Systems: Sale of laboratory and pre-scale photobioreactor systems (LS6, LS28, LS4x28, LS180) for research, pre-commercial production, and scale-up validation.
- Support, Service and Spare Parts: Technical support services including phone, email, on-site, and remote assistance. Maintenance and service contracts for planned production with minimal downtime. Spare parts matching original installed components.
- Training Services: Training programs to strengthen operational efficiency and expertise in microalgae cultivation for system operators.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom enterprise solutions |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Subitec product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Subitec manufactures and sells Flat-Panel-Airlift (FPA) photobioreactor systems for industrial microalgae cultivation. The offering spans the CM180 industrial cultivation module, a centralized Cultivation Infrastructure (media preparation, harvesting, cleaning, control, ring pipeline), lab/pre-scale systems (LS6, LS28, LS4x28, LS180), and after-sales support, spare parts, training, and logistics/installation services.
Product overview
Subitec offers a comprehensive portfolio of Flat-Panel-Airlift (FPA) photobioreactor systems for industrial microalgae cultivation. The product line comprises the CM180 industrial cultivation module as the core production unit, supported by the Kultivierungsinfrastruktur (Cultivation Infrastructure) providing centralized Media-Preparation, Harvesting, Cleaning (CIP/SIP), Control-Unit, and Ringleitung functions. Laboratory and pre-culture systems include the LS6, LS28, LS4x28, and LS180 models for research through pre-scale applications. Future add-on modules (CO2 Recovery Unit, Water Recovery Unit, Hydrogen Extraction Unit) extend system sustainability. The FPA technology serves as the foundational platform across all products, with comprehensive support, service, and installation offerings completing the portfolio.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CM180 Cultivation Module Industrial-scale Flat-Panel-Airlift photobioreactor cultivation module with 5.4 m³ cultivation volume, 270 m² photosynthetic surface on a 16 m² footprint, and 30 Flat-Panel-Airlift photobioreactors (6.6 × 2.4 × 4.6 m). Designed for enterprise customers producing microalgae biomass for nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, carbon capture, and animal feed.
- Cultivation Infrastructure Centralized infrastructure serving all CM180 modules, comprising Media-Preparation-Unit, Harvesting-Unit, Cleaning-Unit (CIP/SIP), Control-Unit (SPS) with remote access, and Ringleitung (ring pipeline) connecting all units for nutrient distribution and process automation.
- LS6 Laboratory Photobioreactor Laboratory-scale Flat-Panel-Airlift photobioreactor with 6 L working volume and up to 0.6 m² photosynthetic surface, designed for research institutions and pre-culture applications.
- LS28 Laboratory Photobioreactor Mid-scale laboratory Flat-Panel-Airlift photobioreactor with 28 L working volume and 2.3 m² photosynthetic surface for intermediate-scale research and production.
- LS4x28 Quad-Core Laboratory Photobioreactor Quad-core Flat-Panel-Airlift photobioreactor system combining four 28 L units (112 L total) with 9.3 m² photosynthetic surface, allowing individual or combined operation for flexible pre-scale production.
- LS180 Pre-Scale Photobioreactor Pre-scale Flat-Panel-Airlift photobioreactor with 180 L working volume and 15 m² photosynthetic surface, bridging laboratory and industrial-scale production.
- Flat-Panel-Airlift Photobioreactor (FPA) Technology Platform Foundational FPA photobioreactor platform developed by Fraunhofer Institut, featuring airlift-driven circulation for homogeneous culture conditions, improved gas transfer, and minimal shear stress. Underpins every Subitec photobioreactor product.
- Support & Service Technical support (phone, email, on-site, remote access), maintenance and service contracts, spare parts matching original installed components, and operator training programs for Subitec LS, CM180, and Cultivation Infrastructure systems.
- Logistics & Installation Modular logistics and on-site installation services ensuring efficient delivery, setup, and commissioning of Subitec photobioreactor systems globally.
Quantifiable outcome
- 5.4 cubic meters cultivation volume with 270 sqm photosynthetic surface on 16 sqm footprint
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Subitec
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Subitec technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
Subitec partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AGcoreJoint research project on CO2 fixation using microalgae started in 2007 in Eutingen. The project complements EnBW's research activities to reduce CO2 emissions from coal power plants, investigating new technologies for more efficient power generation and CO2 separation.
- IRS - University of StuttgartcoreSpace experiment PBR@LSR (Photobioreactor at Life Support Rack) brought to International Space Station in 2018. Research collaboration on stable long-term microalgae cultivation under space conditions for hybrid life support systems.
- Fraunhofer IGBcoreDevelopment partnership for Flat-Panel-Airlift photobioreactor technology. Fraunhofer IGB focuses on interface and bioprocess technology for innovative solutions in environment, energy, health, and sustainable economy.
- Fraunhofer CBPcorePartnership bridging laboratory-scale results and industrial implementation in chemical-biotechnological processes. Focus on converting renewable raw materials into chemical products using innovative processes.
- PUT Energie- und AnlagentechnikminorIndependent engineering company providing energy and plant engineering planning and consulting services. Specializes in future-oriented solutions in energy and plant engineering.
- Harvard Medical SchoolminorOne of world's most significant medical education and research institutions, founded 1782. Research collaboration related to cyanobacteria and potential medical applications.
- Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)minorSwitzerland's largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences covering matter, materials, energy, environment, and human health. Focus on transferring scientific progress to society and industry.
- AlgalifcoreIceland-based leading provider of high-quality natural astaxanthin products from microalgae including ingredients and finished formulations. Indoor production using pure Icelandic water and renewable energy.
- VaxacoreRevolutionizing sustainable food production using breakthrough technology to decouple growth from finite natural resources. Unique concept using geothermal power plant output including 100% green energy, water, and carbon for algae growth.
- WaterSpiritcoreTunisian company specializing in high-quality microalgae products with focus on astaxanthin. Acquired CM180 modules from Subitec to optimize and scale astaxanthin production.
- Hochschule KaiserslauternminorUniversity of Applied Sciences focused on applied sciences and practical knowledge. Research includes isolation and characterization of neuroprotective compounds from fungi and cyanobacteria for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Subitec competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Roquette: Global starch and ingredient major that has invested in microalgae-based protein and ingredient platforms. As a large incumbent with internal cultivation capabilities, it is comparable in addressing the same algae-ingredient end markets served by Subitec's customers.
- Cellana: US-based algae biorefinery producing omega-3 oils, biofuels, and feed ingredients from microalgae. Operates at a larger scale using open-pond and hybrid cultivation, positioning it as a downstream incumbent that also influences PBR purchasing decisions.
- Bühler Group: Swiss industrial equipment manufacturer serving food, feed, and biotech processing. While not focused on microalgae, Bühler represents a broad incumbent that could enter or absorb microalgae processing equipment, setting a competitive benchmark for scale and customer reach.
- Cyanotech: US-listed producer of microalgae-based nutritional ingredients (spirulina, astaxanthin). While primarily a producer rather than equipment maker, it is a direct downstream buyer of microalgae cultivation technology and competes in the same astaxanthin ingredient market as Subitec's customers.
Direct peers
- Varicon Aqua: UK-based manufacturer of photobioreactor and cultivation systems for microalgae. Closely comparable product offering (PBR systems, lab-to-industrial range) and similar target customers in research, nutraceuticals, and aquaculture feed.
- Photon Systems Instruments: Czech manufacturer of photobioreactors and cultivation instruments for microalgae research and production. Comparable PBR product line targeting research institutions and pre-commercial producers in the same lab-to-industrial range.
- GICON Bioenergy: German engineering firm that developed its own photobioreactor technology (GPP, SCP) for microalgae-based CO2 utilization and bioenergy. Directly competes with Subitec in the German-speaking market and serves overlapping carbon-capture and bioenergy use cases.
- A4F Algae for Future: Portuguese microalgae biotechnology company operating industrial-scale production and providing PBR technology, strain selection, and scale-up services. Comparable business model spanning equipment, services, and contract production across food, feed, and cosmetics.
- Ecoduna: Austrian microalgae producer with proprietary photobioreactor technology serving nutraceutical and food customers in Europe. Closely mirrors Subitec's vertically integrated approach of combining proprietary PBR technology with downstream biomass applications.
- Phyco-Biotech: Spain-based microalgae biotechnology firm offering photobioreactor systems, consulting, and contract cultivation. Direct competitor in EU microalgae production equipment and adjacent services.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Subitec social profiles
Digital presenceSubitec financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Subitec leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Subitec funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Subitec M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Subitec
What does Subitec do?
Subitec manufactures and sells Flat-Panel-Airlift (FPA) photobioreactor systems for industrial microalgae cultivation. The offering spans the CM180 industrial cultivation module, a centralized Cultivation Infrastructure (media preparation, harvesting, cleaning, control, ring pipeline), lab/pre-scale systems (LS6, LS28, LS4x28, LS180), and after-sales support, spare parts, training, and logistics/installation services.
Is Subitec a public or private company?
Subitec is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Subitec founded?
Subitec was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Subitec based?
Subitec is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Subitec make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Industrial Production Systems are the primary driver. The others are lab and Pre-Scale Systems, support, Service and Spare Parts and training Services.
Who are Subitec's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Roquette, Cellana, Bühler Group and Cyanotech. Direct peers are Varicon Aqua, Photon Systems Instruments, GICON Bioenergy, A4F Algae for Future, Ecoduna and Phyco-Biotech.
Does Subitec have an API?
No public API is recorded for Subitec.
What industry is Subitec in?
Subitec's product category is Industrial Photobioreactor Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFANAKAF, Bioprocessing & Fermentation Manufacturing (Bioreactors, Scale-Up, Toll/CMO), with a secondary code of AFAEAAAE, Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae). Its NAICS code is 3331 and its SIC code is 3569.