As the world races to combat climate change, a UK-based startup, Deep Blue Biotech, is making strides in revolutionizing the production of chemicals. Founded in May 2023, the biotech company is harnessing the power of photosynthesis to create a more sustainable and cost-effective method of manufacturing chemicals, a crucial step towards decarbonizing economies.

The startup's innovative approach leverages genetically engineered microorganisms, specifically cyanobacteria, to produce chemicals through a process of biomanufacturing. This method not only reduces carbon emissions but also achieves cost parity with conventional chemical production methods, making it an attractive alternative for industries seeking to transition to more environmentally friendly practices.

According to Deep Blue Biotech, its method is "net-positive" in terms of carbon emissions, as the cyanobacteria consume CO2 during photosynthesis. Moreover, the company claims its bioengineering approach enables the production of more efficacious chemicals, addressing a significant limitation of earlier industry attempts to formulate sustainable ingredients.

Co-founder Manuel Rios, a former VP of sustainable design at Unilever, emphasized the importance of creating a new generation of sustainable materials that are not only environmentally conscious but also superior in functionality. "The first generation of green chemicals, unfortunately, they just sucked," Rios stated. "They were just more expensive and less efficacious, and we need to counteract that effect that happened in the last 10 years."

Deep Blue Biotech is initially targeting the beauty and cosmetics industry, where it believes its novel production method can have a significant impact. The company is producing hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient in various skincare products and cosmetic treatments, which also has medical applications. Rios noted that the cosmetics industry offers a quicker route to market compared to other applications, and the company is keen to have a positive impact sooner rather than later.

The startup has secured an $800,000 pre-seed round, led by Sustainable Ventures, with participation from One Planet Capital, PCSI, and SFC Capital, as well as two Innovate UK grants. The funding will be used to kick off paid pilots, enter into joint development agreements with customers, and develop its second ingredient, likely a textile dye. Additionally, the company plans to file a patent application and expand its team to enhance in-house expertise in bioprocess engineering.

Rios highlighted the advantages of Deep Blue Biotech's modular production process, which utilizes photobioreactors to cultivate cyanobacteria. The transparent tubes allow for easy scaling up of capacity by adding more tubes, making it a competitive advantage over other technologies. The company is working with partners that have the necessary capacity to support its growth.

In terms of competitors, Rios mentioned French biotech Microphyt, which has been working with microalgae, and Australian-based Bondi Bio, which is also utilizing cyanobacteria. However, he emphasized that Deep Blue Biotech's focus is slightly different, and its expertise in the industry gives it an edge in the market.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, innovations like Deep Blue Biotech's photosynthesis-based biomanufacturing offer a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future. With its cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach, the startup is poised to make a significant impact in the chemical production industry and beyond.