Plankton First
Plankton First AG is a Swiss biotech that cultivates Nannochloropsis oceanica marine phytoplankton in Greek Natura 2000 waters and sells the resulting NannOcea® powder as a B2B ingredient to supplement, pet nutrition, cosmetics, and functional food manufacturers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersHergiswil, Switzerland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Plankton First does
Plankton First AG is a Swiss-domiciled biotechnology company founded in 2019 that cultivates the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica in outdoor ponds within a Natura 2000 protected zone on the Malian Gulf in Greece. Its single commercial brand, NannOcea®, is a whole-food (non-extracted) phytoplankton powder marketed as a nutrient-dense ingredient containing over 100 nutrients, produced via a nature-led outdoor cultivation process supplemented with semi-transparent solar panels. The company sells the ingredient to B2B manufacturers across five application verticals: human dietary supplements (primary), pet nutrition, cosmetics, functional food, and animal feed/aquaculture, with a new liquid microalgae offering for juvenile fish nutrition launched through a dedicated aquaculture unit.
The company's underlying technology is a vertically integrated outdoor bioprocess spanning species selection (single-species Nannochloropsis oceanica), pond-based cultivation leveraging the local marine ecosystem, solar-assisted growth, harvest, drying, and powder processing. Differentiation rests on the whole-food (non-extract) positioning, the protected production site, and the company's portfolio of certifications (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000:2018, vegan, halal, kosher) alongside an ongoing EU Novel Food application.
Revenue mechanics are B2B ingredient sales via direct enterprise sales, channel partners, and industry events, with sample/pilot material offered for formulation development. The company is led by CEO Colette Schilling with scientific advisor Thanos Andreou and an 11-person team. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, no customer logos are named, and revenue figures are not reported. R&D is supplemented by partnerships with six Greek universities and research institutions, including the University of Ioannina, the National Technical University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the International Hellenic University, and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research.
Plankton First firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Plankton First
- Legal name
- Plankton First AG
- Website
- https://planktonfirst.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Plankton First AG is a Swiss biotech that cultivates Nannochloropsis oceanica marine phytoplankton in Greek Natura 2000 waters and sells the resulting NannOcea® powder as a B2B ingredient to supplement, pet nutrition, cosmetics, and functional food manufacturers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Plankton First industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Microalgae Ingredients
- NAICS
- Aquaculture (11251), Other Aquaculture (112519), Animal Production and Aquaculture (112)
- SIC
- Food And Kindred Products (2000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Offshore & Open-Ocean Aquaculture (AFAEAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Algae & Seaweed Proteins (Microalgae/Spirulina, Macroalgae) (AFAJAHAF), Aquaculture Feed & Nutrition (farm-level feed programs) (AFAEAAAL)
Keywords
Where Plankton First is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hergiswil
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Plankton First business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- B2B Ingredient Sales: Sales of NannOcea phytoplankton powder to B2B customers including supplement manufacturers, pet food brands, cosmetics companies, and functional food producers. Revenue generated through direct ingredient supply agreements with brand owners, co-manufacturers, and contract manufacturers.
- Co-Manufacturing Services: Partnership-based co-manufacturing and formulation support for brands developing products with NannOcea. The company provides pilot-scale material for market testing and technical support for product development.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
Plankton First product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Plankton First cultivates Nannochloropsis oceanica marine phytoplankton in natural outdoor ponds at a Natura 2000 protected production facility in the Malian Gulf of the Aegean Sea, Greece. It processes and sells NannOcea®, a premium whole-food phytoplankton powder ingredient naturally rich in EPA omega-3, complete protein, bioactive lipids, antioxidants and micronutrients, supplied B2B to dietary supplement, pet nutrition, cosmetics and functional food manufacturers.
Product overview
Plankton First operates as a B2B ingredient supplier with a single core product brand, NannOcea®, made from Nannochloropsis oceanica phytoplankton cultivated in Greece. The company sells this one phytoplankton biomass powder across four application verticals — supplements, pet nutrition, cosmetics, and functional food — each targeting different formulation needs while sharing the same underlying ingredient with its documented nutritional profile (EPA omega-3, complete protein, antioxidants, polyamines).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NannOcea®: Premium phytoplankton powder ingredient made from Nannochloropsis oceanica, naturally rich in EPA omega-3, complete protein, antioxidants, and essential micronutrients for supplements, pet nutrition, cosmetics, and functional food applications.
Products and services
- NannOcea® Phytoplankton Powder Premium whole-food phytoplankton (Nannochloropsis oceanica) ingredient powder supplied B2B, providing naturally concentrated EPA omega-3, complete plant protein with all essential amino acids including BCAAs, bioactive lipids, antioxidants (carotenoids, chlorophylls, polyphenols), polyamines, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Used by dietary supplement, pet nutrition, cosmetics and functional food manufacturers; non-GMO, vegan, allergen-free, halal and kosher with full culture-to-product traceability.
- NannOcea® for Dietary Supplements NannOcea® phytoplankton powder offered as a nutrient-dense ingredient for human supplement formulations including capsules, tablets, softgels, powders and gummies, targeting cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory support, cognitive and mood balance, muscle recovery, immune modulation and gut health. Aimed at supplement brand owners, co-manufacturers and contract manufacturers seeking a plant-based EPA omega-3 and complete protein source.
- NannOcea® for Pet Nutrition Marine phytoplankton ingredient for pet food and treat formulations including kibble, soft chews, treats, meal toppers and functional snacks, targeting joint flexibility, skin and coat health, brain and focus, gut and immunity, and vitality support in dogs, cats and horses. Positioned as a sustainable, nutrient-dense alternative to fish-based ingredients for premium pet nutrition manufacturers.
- NannOcea® for Cosmetics and Personal Care Microalgae-derived powder ingredient for skin, scalp and hair care formulations including face masks, spa treatments, rinse-off products, creams, lotions and serums. Provides EPA omega-3, carotenoids, chlorophylls, proteins and polyamines for antioxidant protection, anti-aging, skin hydration, barrier support and scalp/hair vitality in clean beauty formulations.
- NannOcea® for Functional Food and Beverage Whole-food phytoplankton ingredient for clean-label functional foods and beverages including protein bars, snacks, powder blends, shakes, bakery, baked goods, gels and endurance formats. Delivers EPA omega-3, complete protein with BCAAs, antioxidants and micronutrients in a single allergen-free, non-GMO ingredient for sports nutrition and functional food manufacturers.
- Liquid Microalgae Feed for Aquaculture (Juvenile Fish) Liquid Nannochloropsis oceanica microalgae produced for use as innovative fish feed for juvenile fish in aquaculture facilities, supplied to aquaculture operators as a sustainable, nutrient-rich feed source.
Quantifiable outcome
- 35% more protein than other plant proteins like soy
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Plankton First
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Plankton First technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Plankton First partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Dept of Biological Applications and Technologies, University of Ioannina, GreececoreResearch collaboration with University of Ioannina's Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, supporting scientific research and development in phytoplankton cultivation and applications.
- Dept of Chemical Sciences, School of Chemistry, National Technical University of Athens, GreececorePartnership with NTUA's School of Chemistry for chemical sciences research related to phytoplankton composition, extraction, and analytical methods.
- Dept of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GreececoreCollaboration with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki's Food Science and Technology department for food applications research and development.
- Dept of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, GreececorePartnership with International Hellenic University for nutritional sciences research and dietetics applications of phytoplankton ingredients.
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Island of Crete, GreececoreCollaboration with Greece's leading marine research institution for expertise in marine biology and aquaculture applications.
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GreececoreAdditional partnership with Aristotle University's Food Chemistry and Technology laboratory for food technology research and development.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Plankton First competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Cyanotech: Cyanotech produces spirulina and Hawaiian BioAstin natural astaxanthin from microalgae for nutra and cosmeceutical markets. Comparable as a microalgae biomass ingredient supplier selling premium algae-based ingredients.
- Fermentalg: Fermentalg is a French microalgae producer focused on DHA-rich oils and high-value algae ingredients for nutrition. Comparable as a publicly listed microalgae ingredient specialist addressing similar end-markets.
- INNOVA Microalgae: INNOVA Microalgae produces microalgae biomass for food and nutraceutical applications with industrial-scale facilities. Comparable in B2B microalgae ingredient supply but at an earlier commercial stage than Plankton First.
Direct peers
- Microphyt: Microphyt is a French microalgae producer developing bioactive ingredients for nutraceuticals and cosmetics, with controlled cultivation systems. It is the closest direct comparable to Plankton First's B2B microalgae ingredient model.
- Algaia: Algaia produces marine algae extracts and hydrocolloids for food, nutrition, and personal care applications. It is directly comparable as a B2B algae-ingredient supplier selling into overlapping verticals (nutri, food, cosmetics).
- A4F (Algae for Future): A4F is a Portuguese microalgae biotechnology company producing algae biomass and bioactives for feed, food, and cosmeceuticals. Comparable as an integrated microalgae cultivation and ingredient supplier, including aquaculture feed applications.
- Fitoplancton Marino: Fitoplancton Marino is a Spanish producer of marine phytoplankton (Tetraselmis and Nannochloropsis) ingredients for human nutrition and cosmetics. Directly comparable in species focus, B2B ingredient model, and Mediterranean cultivation.
Broad incumbents
- Roquette (Plant Proteins): Roquette supplies plant-based protein and functional ingredients (e.g., pea protein) to food, nutrition, and pharma customers. Broad incumbent addressing overlapping clean-label protein demand that NannOcea targets in functional food.
- Corbion (Algae Ingredients): Corbion produces microalgae-derived DHA (AlgaPrime DHA) for aquaculture feed and nutrition. Directly comparable as an incumbent in the algae-based aquaculture feed and omega-3 ingredient segments Plankton First is pursuing.
- DSM-firmenich (Algae Omega-3): DSM-firmenich produces DHA/EPA from algae (life'sDHA/life'sOMEGA) at industrial scale for infant nutrition, supplements, and food. Broad incumbent in the same plant-based omega-3 ingredient space Plankton First targets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Plankton First social profiles
Digital presencePlankton First compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Plankton First financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Plankton First leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Plankton First funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Plankton First 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 Plankton First
What does Plankton First do?
Plankton First cultivates Nannochloropsis oceanica marine phytoplankton in natural outdoor ponds at a Natura 2000 protected production facility in the Malian Gulf of the Aegean Sea, Greece. It processes and sells NannOcea®, a premium whole-food phytoplankton powder ingredient naturally rich in EPA omega-3, complete protein, bioactive lipids, antioxidants and micronutrients, supplied B2B to dietary supplement, pet nutrition, cosmetics and functional food manufacturers.
Is Plankton First a public or private company?
Plankton First is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Plankton First founded?
Plankton First was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Plankton First based?
Plankton First is headquartered in Hergiswil, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Plankton First make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. B2B Ingredient Sales are the primary driver. The others are co-Manufacturing Services.
Who are Plankton First's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Cyanotech, Fermentalg and INNOVA Microalgae. Direct peers are Microphyt, Algaia, A4F (Algae for Future) and Fitoplancton Marino. Broad incumbents are Roquette (Plant Proteins), Corbion (Algae Ingredients) and DSM-firmenich (Algae Omega-3).
Does Plankton First have an API?
No public API is recorded for Plankton First.
What industry is Plankton First in?
Plankton First's product category is Microalgae Ingredients. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEAAAH, Offshore & Open-Ocean Aquaculture, with a secondary code of AFAJAHAF, Algae & Seaweed Proteins (Microalgae/Spirulina, Macroalgae). Its NAICS code is 11251 and its SIC code is 2000.