Choi Lab
Choi Lab (초이랩) is a Seoul-based green-biotech startup founded in 2022 that develops biochar-based biodegradable fertilizers, microbial solutions, and environmental technologies, serving agricultural cooperatives, biotech firms, and government R&D programs through direct B2B sales and licensed IP.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersSeoul, South Korea
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Choi Lab does
Choi Lab (초이랩) is a privately held Korean green-biotech startup founded in 2022 and headquartered at the Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) Startup Incubator Center in Seoul. The company develops eco-friendly bio-based materials — principally biochar, biodegradable polymer composites, controlled-release fertilizers, and microbial solutions including microalgae, enzymes, and probiotics — targeting agricultural, environmental, energy, and cosmetic applications.
Its commercial platform is anchored on the patented biochar technology stack. The flagship product is 'Alssui' (알쓸이), a Type 3 biochar-based slow-release compound fertilizer (biodegradable microbial) launched in June 2024 and sold via direct B2B inquiry. Supporting offerings include raw biochar material, a myrrh-extract antibacterial biochar variant, microbial testing and analysis services (strain characterization, safety assessment, probiotic functional food consulting), and collaborative R&D services in energy and environmental technology development. The IP base comprises three granted patents, five pending patents including a proprietary Bacillus subtilis CPK-7 strain and an electromagnetic-field pesticide degradation device, and four registered trademarks.
Choi Lab monetizes through three streams: fertilizer product sales (hardware), professional microbial testing and consulting services, and potential licensing of patented biochar and biodegradable fertilizer technologies. The go-to-market is sales-led and quote-based, with no public pricing. Distribution is direct to enterprise customers (agricultural cooperatives, farmers, biotech and pharmaceutical firms) supplemented by a temporary government SME exhibition channel. The company has secured venture enterprise certification, fertilizer production and factory registrations, corporate research institute certification, and is embedded in multiple government R&D programs and university research consortia, including partnerships targeting Africa expansion.
Choi Lab firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Choi Lab
- Legal name
- 주식회사 초이랩
- Website
- https://choi-lab.co.kr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Choi Lab (초이랩) is a Seoul-based green-biotech startup founded in 2022 that develops biochar-based biodegradable fertilizers, microbial solutions, and environmental technologies, serving agricultural cooperatives, biotech firms, and government R&D programs through direct B2B sales and licensed IP.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Choi Lab industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- NAICS
- Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing (32532), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Biologicals Distribution & Field Application Services (AFABAEAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Botanical Biopesticides & Plant Extracts (Essential Oils, Neem, Pyrethrins) (AFABAEAF)
Keywords
Where Choi Lab is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seoul
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Choi Lab business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Bio-based fertilizer sales: Sale of eco-friendly fertilizer products including 'Alssui' (알쑥이) biodegradable slow-release compound fertilizer (Type 3). Product launched June 2024 and sold through direct inquiry/quotes.
- Microbial testing and analysis services: Research and consulting services for microbial strain analysis, stress tolerance testing, antibacterial properties, and probiotic health functional food development. Services include viable cell count, antibiotic susceptibility, hemolysis, and toxic metabolite analysis.
- Technology licensing and IP: Potential revenue from patented technologies in biochar production, biodegradable fertilizers, and agricultural applications through licensing arrangements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | B2B enterprise pricing via inquiry |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Choi Lab product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Choi Lab is a Seoul-based biotechnology laboratory that researches, develops, and manufactures eco-friendly bio-based materials. Its flagship commercial offering is Alssui (알쓸이), a biochar-based Type 3 slow-release compound fertilizer launched in June 2024, supplemented by myrrh-extract antibacterial biochar products and fee-based microbial testing and analysis services for agricultural and biotechnology customers.
Product overview
Choi Lab (초이랩) is a biotech startup developing eco-friendly bio-based materials and sustainable technologies. The company operates on a platform model centered on biochar technology, with the flagship product '알쑥이' (Al-Sseuki) slow-release biochar fertilizer as the main commercial offering. Supporting services include microbial testing and analysis, and collaborative R&D in energy/environment sectors. The product portfolio spans agriculture (biochar fertilizers, plant growth promoters), biotechnology (enzymes, probiotics, microalgae), bio-materials (bioplastics, biochemicals), and environmental solutions (biodegradable materials, carbon reduction technologies).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 알쑥이 (Alssuki): 친환경 완효성 복합 비료 (Eco-friendly slow-release compound fertilizer) - 제3종 복합비료. Biochar-based fertilizer product marketed as '알아서 쑥쑥' (Alssuki) for agricultural use.
Products and services
- Alssui (알쓸이) Biochar-based Slow-release Compound Fertilizer Biochar-based Type 3 slow-release biodegradable compound fertilizer for agricultural producers seeking eco-friendly fertilizer inputs.
- Microbial Testing & Analysis Service (미생물 시험 분석 서비스) Fee-based microbial testing and analysis services for biotechnology and pharmaceutical-sector clients.
- Myrrh Extract Antibacterial Biochar (몰약 추출물 함유 항균 바이오차) Patented antibacterial biochar incorporating myrrh extract, applied within the bio-based materials portfolio.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products certified as 3rd type compound fertilizer (biodegradable microbial)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Choi Lab
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Choi Lab technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Choi Lab partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered emerging, key, core and supporting.
- 에티오피아 대사관 (Embassy of Ethiopia)emergingThree-party MOU signed at Mirjon Molyak Research Institute 10th anniversary ceremony with Ethiopian embassy, exploring international collaboration opportunities.
- 메텍 (M-tec)keyThree-way MOU for methane capsule carbon reduction joint business along with Mirjon Molyak Research Institute and Choi Lab. Announced Nov 14, 2024 at COEX.
- 한-아프리카 재단 (Korea-Africa Foundation)emergingVisit to foundation for international cooperation discussions in Africa-Korea relations. CEO Choi Yong-geun participated.
- 시에라리온 대사관 (Embassy of Sierra Leone)emergingDiscussions on cooperation with Sierra Leone ambassador held at Shilla Hotel. Part of Africa-Korea foundation activities.
- 한국환경공단 국가물산업클러스터 (Korea Environment Corporation National Water Industry Cluster)coreSelected for national water industry cluster project (2023.06~2025.12) in collaboration with ATECorp. Government-supported initiative.
- 철원플라즈마 산업기술研究院 (Cheorwon Plasma Industry Technology Research Institute)coreFour-party multi-stakeholder research cooperation agreement for energy-environment composite material R&D. 철원플라즈마 나노소재사업본부 participates alongside universities and Choi Lab.
- 강원대학교 전극계면공학연구실 (Kangwon National University Electrode Interface Engineering Lab)coreFour-party multi-stakeholder research cooperation agreement. University research lab specializing in battery convergence engineering and electrode interfaces.
- 서울과학기술대학교 에너지기술인력양성센터 (SeoulTech Energy Technology HR Center)coreFour-party multi-stakeholder research cooperation agreement. Host university incubator providing research talent and facilities.
- 중소벤처기업부 디딤돌 R&D 사업 (Ministry of SMEs Startup Ddidimdol R&D Program)coreSelected for startup growth technology development program (2023.09~2024.07). Government R&D funding support for technology commercialization.
- 에이티이 (ATECorp)keyListed as partner company on website. Collaborated on Entech 2023 international environmental energy industry exhibition for biogas augmentation technology using sewage sludge-derived biochar.
- 미르존몰약연구소 (Mirjon Molyak Research Institute)keyListed as partner with ongoing joint research. MOU signed at 10th anniversary ceremony (2024.11.22). Collaboration on myrrh extract biochar technology.
- 세아회계법 (SeAH Accounting)supportingAccounting firm providing financial and tax advisory services.
- 서울과학기술대학교 창업지원단 (SeoulTech Startup Support Group)supportingUniversity startup incubator providing workspace in First Startup Incubator Center Suite 101A and startup support services.
- 특허법인 태동 (TaeDong Patent Law Office)supportingPatent law firm providing IP management services for patent filings and trademark registrations.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Choi Lab competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Novonesis: Global market leader in biological solutions (formed by Novozymes-Chr. Hansen merger) with broad agricultural biological inputs portfolio. Represents the scaled incumbent that specialized biochar/microbial fertilizer entrants like Choi Lab must compete against for shelf space and farmer mind-share.
Emerging players
- Kula Bio: Early-stage US startup developing biological nitrogen fertilizers using microbial technology. Comparable company stage, similar agricultural biotech focus, and analogous product positioning around sustainable fertilizer alternatives.
- Danimer Scientific: US-based manufacturer of biodegradable PHA bioplastics used in agricultural mulch films and packaging. Comparable biodegradable polymer R&D focus and overlapping end-market of agricultural applications addressing microplastic pollution.
- Sound Agriculture: US ag biotech company developing nutrient efficiency and on-demand plant chemistry solutions. Overlapping agricultural biotechnology R&D approach and similar target of improving fertilizer efficiency and sustainability outcomes for growers.
Direct peers
- Biochar Solutions: US-based biochar manufacturer producing engineered biochar for agricultural soil amendment, water filtration, and environmental remediation. Direct technology peer with comparable biomass-to-biochar production methods and agricultural end-markets.
- Anuvia Plant Nutrients: US-based producer of bio-based enhanced-efficiency fertilizers using organic waste-derived materials. Comparable sustainable fertilizer technology platform and similar value proposition around controlled nutrient release and reduced environmental impact.
- Indigo Ag: US agricultural biotechnology company developing microbial seed treatments and crop microbiome products. Comparable biotech R&D approach to agricultural inputs and similar target customer of commercial growers seeking biological alternatives to chemical inputs.
- Pivot Bio: US-based microbial nitrogen-fixing fertilizer company selling biological agricultural inputs directly to farmers. Highly comparable to Choi Lab's biochar-based microbial fertilizer business model, target customer (commercial growers), and biological-input value proposition.
- Carbon Gold: UK-based company producing biochar-based products for agriculture, horticulture, and animal feed. Directly comparable technology platform (biochar as soil amendment and carrier) and overlapping customer base in sustainable agriculture.
Regional players
- Namhae Chemical: Korean fertilizer and agricultural chemicals manufacturer with established domestic distribution. Direct domestic market peer competing in the same Korean agricultural inputs channel and customer base that Choi Lab targets with Alssuki.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Choi Lab social profiles
Digital presenceChoi Lab compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Choi Lab financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Choi Lab leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Choi Lab funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Choi Lab 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 Choi Lab
What does Choi Lab do?
Choi Lab is a Seoul-based biotechnology laboratory that researches, develops, and manufactures eco-friendly bio-based materials. Its flagship commercial offering is Alssui (알쓸이), a biochar-based Type 3 slow-release compound fertilizer launched in June 2024, supplemented by myrrh-extract antibacterial biochar products and fee-based microbial testing and analysis services for agricultural and biotechnology customers.
Is Choi Lab a public or private company?
Choi Lab is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Choi Lab founded?
Choi Lab was founded in 2022.
Where is Choi Lab based?
Choi Lab is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does Choi Lab make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Bio-based fertilizer sales are the primary driver. The others are microbial testing and analysis services and technology licensing and IP.
Who are Choi Lab's main competitors?
Novonesis is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are Kula Bio, Danimer Scientific and Sound Agriculture. Direct peers are Biochar Solutions, Anuvia Plant Nutrients, Indigo Ag, Pivot Bio and Carbon Gold. Namhae Chemical is listed as a regional player.
Does Choi Lab have an API?
No public API is recorded for Choi Lab.
What industry is Choi Lab in?
Choi Lab's product category is Agricultural Biotechnology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFABAEAN, Biologicals Distribution & Field Application Services, with a secondary code of AFABAEAF, Botanical Biopesticides & Plant Extracts (Essential Oils, Neem, Pyrethrins). Its NAICS code is 32532 and its SIC code is 8731.