Megaplan

Megaplan is a South Korean aquaculture technology startup founded in 2019 by its CEO, You Chul-won. The company focuses on solving potential food security issues and environmental challenges, such as overfishing and marine pollution, through its proprietary land-based aquaculture system. This system facilitates the year-round spawning of mackerel, a species whose wild population has declined significantly.

The company operates a land-based mackerel farm in Jeju, South Korea, where it has successfully produced its first generation of artificially spawned mackerel, shipping its first batch in January 2025. Megaplan’s core business revolves around producing high-quality, sashimi-grade mackerel in a controlled indoor environment, ensuring a stable and safe supply chain independent of climate change and marine pollutants. By managing the entire cycle from spawning to sales, the company aims to bring innovation to mackerel farming. Its long-term vision is to make mackerel available globally for one dollar per fish, contributing to the UN's 'Zero Hunger' project.

Megaplan has secured seed funding from investors including Infobank, TheVenture, and CNT Tech, and was selected for the 'TIPS' program by the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups. It has also received Pre-A funding from Bluepoint Partners. The business model involves the direct sale and distribution of its premium farmed mackerel, having signed an MOU with Tidepool, which operates the 'Fishfather' brand, for distribution rights.

Keywords: aquaculture technology, land-based farming, mackerel production, food security, sustainable fishing, smart aquaculture, blue food, food tech, climate tech, fish farming