Zaara Biotech

About Zaara Biotech

Zaara Biotech, established in 2016, is a biotechnology firm focused on tackling global food and energy crises by leveraging micro-algae. The company originated from an academic project led by founder and CEO Najeeb Bin Haneef, who began his journey while studying biotechnology engineering at Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology in Kerala, India. Inspired by his grandfather's work in commercial agriculture, Haneef developed a keen interest in the commercial and social aspects of food production from a young age. This early exposure guided his academic pursuits and culminated in the formal incorporation of Zaara Biotech in 2019.

The company's core business revolves around the research, development, and production of sustainable products from micro-algae like Spirulina. Zaara Biotech operates on a circular economy model, aiming to transform renewable resources into a diverse range of products while minimizing waste. Its primary revenue stream comes from the sale of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), most notably its flagship product, B-lite cookies. These cookies, made from algae and seaweed, are marketed as a nutritious food source designed to combat malnutrition. The products are sold through both online channels, including its website and Amazon, and offline distributors. Beyond consumer products, the company also provides R&D consultation services and develops custom photobioreactors for cultivating micro-algae.

Zaara's product portfolio is a direct result of its research in algal-seaweed technology, developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agriculture and Research's Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR CIFT). The B-lite cookies are formulated with Spirulina, a nutrient-rich blue-green algae, and other healthy ingredients like oats and quinoa, positioning them as a meal replacement. The company has expanded its product development pipeline to include other food items like noodles and cakes, as well as cosmetics and animal feed. A significant milestone was achieved in March 2021 when Zaara Biotech secured a strategic investment of $10 million from the UAE-based TCN International Commerce LLC, facilitating its expansion into the UAE and global markets. The company also received further funding to establish manufacturing and research facilities in the US. This international expansion is managed through subsidiaries while the Indian entity acts as the parent company.