
Carapace Biopolymers
Develops bio-based, biodegradable, and bioactive coatings tailored for plant growth products.
Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
---|---|---|---|
investor investor | €0.0 | round | |
investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | €200k | Support Program | |
Total Funding | 000k |
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Carapace Biopolymers is a Dutch biotechnology startup operating in the AgriFoodTech sector, specializing in the development of bio-based and biodegradable coatings for seeds and fertilizers. The company was founded by Suellen Espíndola, a scientist, and Marouschka Blahetek, a business expert. The venture originated from Espíndola's PhD research at TU Delft, which focused on creating bio-based alternatives to plastics used in agriculture. Recognizing the commercial potential of the research, she partnered with Blahetek, whom she met through the TU Delft Valorization Center, to establish the company.
The core of Carapace Biopolymers' business is to provide sustainable solutions that address critical environmental issues in modern agriculture, such as microplastic pollution from conventional seed and fertilizer coatings and soil degradation from the overuse of chemical fertilizers. The company is strategically positioned to meet upcoming European Union regulations that will ban microplastic-generating coatings in fertilizers starting in 2026 and in seed coatings by 2028. Carapace serves farmers, growers, and agricultural companies by helping them transition to more sustainable practices.
The startup's main offering is its patent-pending Pomonin bio-coating platform. This technology creates protective, biodegradable coatings for seeds and fertilizers that are designed to be microplastic-free. A key feature of these coatings is the ability to integrate biologicals, such as beneficial microbes, to act as biostimulants. This enhances seed germination, promotes healthy plant growth, and improves soil health by supporting the natural soil microbiota. The coatings also allow for the controlled and paced release of nutrients, which can increase crop yields while reducing the need for frequent fertilizer applications and mitigating environmental pollution. The technology is tunable, allowing for the development of dynamic compositions tailored to specific client needs.
In early 2025, Carapace Biopolymers secured €200,000 in Biotech Booster Level 1 funding, a crucial step for advancing their concepts, particularly in the area of biofertilization and plant growth promotion. The company has participated in the StartLife Accelerate program and was selected as one of the top 10 academic startups in the Netherlands in the Academic Startup Competition. With the recent funding, the company plans to establish proof of principle for its coatings, expand its team, and move towards full-scale production within five years.
Keywords: biopolymers, biodegradable coatings, seed treatment, fertilizer coating, AgriFoodTech, sustainable agriculture, microplastic-free, biostimulants, soil health, controlled-release fertilizer, circular economy, bio-based materials, agricultural technology, Pomonin, crop science, soil microbiota, plant resilience, sustainable farming, seed enhancement, nutrient management