Algal Scientific

Algal Scientific Corporation, founded in May 2009, operated in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors with a focus on creating algae-based products. The company was co-founded by Geoff Horst, who served as the Chief Science Officer. His background includes over a decade of research into the nutrient physiology of algal blooms, holding an MS in Marine Biology and a BS in Oceanography. The company's inception followed a victory at the DTE Clean Energy Competition, a catalyst that preceded several other awards, including a grand prize at the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition.

The core of Algal Scientific's business was a proprietary process for cultivating a specific strain of algae, Euglena gracilis, to produce high-purity beta-1,3-glucan. This compound is a well-regarded prebiotic known for enhancing immune system function. The company's technology enabled the production of this ingredient at a significantly lower cost and with higher potency compared to conventional methods like yeast extraction. The business model centered on manufacturing and selling these algae-based ingredients to a broad market. Clients were primarily in the animal nutrition and human health sectors, including producers of feed for poultry, swine, and aquaculture, as well as nutraceuticals and human food products.

The flagship product line included Algamune™ for livestock and PureAlgal for human consumption. These products were designed as feed and food supplements to support immune health, gut integrity, and overall performance, offering an alternative to the widespread use of antibiotics in food production. Initially, the company also developed technology for wastewater treatment using an algae-based process to recover nutrients. A significant milestone occurred in March 2017 when Algal Scientific's unique beta-glucan manufacturing technology and its associated assets were acquired by Kemin Industries, a global nutritional ingredient company. This acquisition, valued at US $8 million, included the production facility and key employees, allowing for the global expansion and further development of the technology Algal Scientific had pioneered.

Keywords: algae beta-glucan, Euglena gracilis, animal nutrition, human nutrition, feed supplement, immune support, prebiotic, Algamune, Kemin Industries acquisition, Geoff Horst, gut health, antibiotic alternative, aquaculture feed, nutraceutical ingredients, sustainable animal nutrition, algae cultivation, life sciences, wastewater treatment, biotechnology, food ingredients