Provectus Algae

Provectus Algae is an Australian biotechnology company engineering a scalable biomanufacturing platform to produce high-value products from microalgae. Founded in April 2018 by Nusqe Spanton, the company originated in a small laboratory in Noosa, Queensland. Spanton, an expert with nearly two decades of experience in aquaculture, the pearl oyster industry, and marine biotechnology, identified the immense potential of algae while developing nutritional profiles for oysters. He recognized that the main barrier to commercializing algae was the difficulty of cultivating it at an industrial scale due to a limited understanding of photosynthesis in aquatic environments.

The company's core business revolves around its proprietary Precision Photosynthesis® technology. This platform integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and patented, closed-loop bioreactors to precisely control the growth of various algae species, including microalgae, seaweed, and cyanobacteria. By manipulating specific light wavelengths, the system can regulate gene expression, essentially turning genes on and off to optimize the production of targeted compounds. This process allows Provectus Algae to transform light and carbon dioxide into a range of bio-based chemicals and specialty ingredients, positioning it as a carbon-negative manufacturing solution. The business model involves developing and licensing these biomanufacturing processes to commercial partners and producing its own branded products.

Provectus Algae serves a diverse client base across multiple industries, including agriculture, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and animal health. Its flagship product is Surf'N'Turf®, a feed supplement for livestock derived from Asparagopsis, a red seaweed. This supplement has been demonstrated to reduce enteric methane emissions in ruminant animals by up to 98% while improving feed digestibility. The company provides Surf'N'Turf® as a cost-effective, shelf-stable powder, simplifying its integration into existing farm operations. To scale this product, Provectus has secured a license from Future Feed, which holds the global IP for Asparagopsis technology developed by several Australian research institutions.

The company has achieved significant milestones, including raising a total of $24.7M over six funding rounds. A recent Series A round in July 2025, led by At One Ventures, secured US$10.1M, complemented by a US$2.5M grant from the Australian government. These funds are earmarked for scaling up Surf'N'Turf® production and conducting large-scale pilot trials. Provectus Algae has expanded from a one-person lab to a team of over 16, operating a 30,000-liter demonstration plant with plans for further expansion. The company collaborates with entities like the University of the Sunshine Coast for research and has attracted investments from firms such as Hitachi Ventures and CJ Bio.

Keywords: algae biomanufacturing, Precision Photosynthesis, Nusqe Spanton, livestock methane reduction, Surf'N'Turf, Asparagopsis, sustainable ingredients, carbon-negative manufacturing, aquaculture technology, specialty chemicals from algae, synthetic biology, agricultural biotechnology, algal fermentation, animal feed supplement, venture capital, At One Ventures, Hitachi Ventures, commercial algae cultivation, closed-loop bioreactors, AI-driven bioproduction