Phycube Technologies is pioneering a sustainable future in agriculture through the scalable production of bioactive compounds from microalgae. With its proprietary photobioreactor technology, the German startup offers a clean, efficient, and high-yield alternative to traditional biomass sources. Its first commercial focus is on producing Chrysolaminarin, a plant-strengthening agent, with further expansion planned into high-value cosmetic and nutraceutical markets.
Addressing Climate and Agricultural Crises with Algae
The agricultural sector is under immense pressure from climate change, regulatory pesticide restrictions, and rising resistance to chemical solutions. Phycube aims to replace conventional crop protection products with biological alternatives derived from microalgae.
Chrysolaminarin has already demonstrated up to 80% effectiveness against downy mildew in pilot studies. The company collaborates with institutions like Fraunhofer and industry leaders such as W. Neudorff GmbH, validating the efficacy and commercial interest in its biostimulant products.
The Technology: Scalable, Automated, Compact
Phycube’s breakthrough lies in its ultra-compact, artificially illuminated photobioreactor modules:
- 3m² footprint with 1m³ liquid volume
- Annual biomass yield: 1 ton per module
The system is designed for modular scale-up, transforming non-arable space into biofactories. Each module is low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and ready for GMP adaptation, enabling rapid deployment and vertical stacking.
Primary Target Market:
- Agricultural biostimulants – projected to replace billions in chemical inputs, especially in wine, fruit, hemp, and vegetable cultivation.
Secondary Markets from Year 3:
- Cosmetics Fucoxanthin:
- Nutraceuticals EPA-rich oils
TAM Estimates:
- Global microalgae biomass market: €3.9B+
- German specialty crops market (initial target): €159M
Phycube’s approach also enables production of other high-value components like omega-3 fatty acids, natural pigments, and vegan proteins — unlocking broader B2B opportunities.
Business Model and Go-to-Market
Phycube positions itself as an enabler for industrial-scale raw material production through:
- Direct sales of algae-based extracts (CRY, FUX, EPA)
- Photobioreactor sales or licensing
- Strategic B2B partnerships in agrochemicals, cosmetics, and pharma
Initial go-to-market involves installing pilot reactors with innovation-driven clients.
Funding and Roadmap
Phycube has raised a lead investment of €250K (LOI) and seeks an additional investment to finalize development and commercialization of its second-generation photobioreactor module over the next 18 months.
Funding allocation includes:
- Module development and testing
- Personnel expansion
- Algae extract production
- Business development and marketing
Commercial rollout will begin with Chrysolaminarin, followed by value-added derivatives from fractionation processes.
Team & Contact
Phycube is led by a seasoned team of engineers, biochemists, and biotech entrepreneurs. Key team members include: gordon.brinitzer@phycube.de and johann.bauerfeind@phycube.de.
Contact Information:
www.phycube.de
- Founder Contact: Not disclosed in deck
