Global Innovators Gather as First Blue Biotech Studio Launches at Bigelow Laboratory

Global Innovators Gather as First Blue Biotech Studio Launches at Bigelow Laboratory

A version of this story originally appeared on the Fish Site.

The first blue biotech innovation studio launched this week at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. Organized by Hatch Blue and Bigelow Laboratory, and supported by Maine Technology Institute, the studio is designed to accelerate the application of marine resources into high-value sectors, supporting companies to grow into investable, market-ready businesses.

The inaugural cohort brings together three teams from Maine, three from other parts of the Northeast, and others from Norway, Canada, and Germany. The companies are working across algae innovation, aquaculture health, biomaterials, and marine circularity. Over the coming weeks, the founders will embed in Maine's blue economy ecosystem - engaging with scientists, industry partners, investors, and infrastructure leaders as they work to refine their technologies and business models.

Meet the Selected Teams

• Salmonics (Maine) - developing fish-derived biomedical materials, including veterinary surgical products built from aquaculture byproducts
• Atlantic Sea Solutions (Connecticut) - advancing seaweed-based edible coatings to extend produce shelf life and reduce food loss
• MacroBreed (New York) - applying genomics to accelerate kelp breeding for improved yield and bioactive performance
• RuMeverse (Maine) - integrating seaweed-based feed additives and sensors to improve dairy health and production
• CapiPro (Norway) - Sludge-to-protein bioconversion for salmon farming through high-efficiency polychaete production
• SEVO Bioscience (Canada) - developing oral aquaculture vaccines using engineered microalgae delivery systems
• Kelpinor (Norway) - engineering seaweed-derived biostimulants optimized for vertical farming and hydroponic systems
• Koralo (Germany) - producing functional nutrition ingredients through microalgae and mycelium co-fermentation, with industrial-scale manufacturing underway
• Atlantic Blue Bio (Maine) - establishing a Maine-based biorefinery for high-purity fucoidan and alginate from farmed kelp
• Kykloris (Massachusetts) - building modular systems to convert shellfish waste into high-performance chitosan at processing facilities

About the Studio

During the program, founders will engage in intensive one-to-one mentorship with industry leaders, visit regional seafood and seaweed processors, and gain exposure to Maine's leading marine laboratories and research institutions.

"What's particularly exciting about this program is that it's the first studio of its kind focused specifically on blue biotechnology," said Dylan Terry, studio director at Hatch Blue. "We've brought together a really strong group of companies working across algae innovation, aquaculture health, biomaterials and marine circularity. The aim is to give these founders the time, mentorship and industry connections needed to help turn promising marine technologies into scalable companies."

The Maine Blue Biotech Studio underpins this effort by accelerating the growth of startups and scaleups developing blue biotechnology solutions and providing the structure, visibility and support needed to help these companies grow and scale.

Maine as a Global Leader in Blue Biotechnology?

Maine is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this emerging sector due to its abundant marine resources, world-class research institutions, and strong coastal business community. It already hosts the nation's fastest-growing seaweed aquaculture industry, the country's most diverse algae culture collection, and proximity to Boston's life science ecosystem - providing a rare mix of resources, research, and reach.

"Maine is emerging as the nation's testbed for blue biotechnology innovation and startups - with abundant marine resources, world-class marine science, pilot facilities, and a collaborative innovation ecosystem," said Beth Orcutt, vice president for research at Bigelow Laboratory. "Having the teams here this week, you can really feel the momentum building. There's a real energy in the room as founders connect with mentors, interact with resources and support in Maine, and identify areas where they can engage and form partnerships."

This momentum will be on display at the North Atlantic Blue BioTech Summit in Portland on 19 March, bringing together investors, corporates, innovators, and policymakers to accelerate the commercialization of ocean-derived technologies.