Algaeo
Algaeo has developed an integrated platform that combines novel microbial consortia with enabling hardware to deliver next-generation biofertilizers. Our microbial formulations include proprietary blends of microalgae, bacteria, and fungi that improve nutrient cycling, soil structure, and plant resilience. These formulations are informed by patent US 11,708,557 and published work (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-2020245629-A1).
Complementing our bio-inputs, our hardware system uses an adsorption-based mechanism to capture atmospheric CO₂ and nitrogen and deliver them directly to our microbial cultures. This technology enhances microbe productivity while reducing input costs—making sustainable solutions more accessible to growers.
Your IFA Innovation Platform Profile
What collaboration are we looking for?
- Partnerships with fertilizer companies interested in integrating microbe- or algae-based biofertilizers into their product portfolios
- Collaboration with distributors seeking differentiated, sustainable offerings for specialty and regenerative markets
- Joint development or piloting opportunities to test compatibility and performance of our solutions with conventional fertilizer systems
What solutions and opportunities are we offering?
- Access to our proprietary microbial consortia and algae-enhancing technologies to complement traditional or blended fertilizer offerings
- Technical and field support for pilot programs or soil health trials
- Hardware co-development or licensing opportunities for firms seeking to integrate nutrient-capture systems with biological inputs
Additional geographies of business operation
North America
Maturity / funding
Pre-seed
Additional Information
Funding received ($) and name of funders
$530,000 non-dilutive (Innovation Crossroads)
... of which grants
$100.00
Awards received, and brief description of the award(s)
Spark Cleantech Accelerator (2024 Cohort): Selected as one of ten early-stage climate tech companies for a competitive program focused on commercialization, mentorship, and lab access through the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Innovation Crossroads (Finalist): Recognized by Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s prestigious program supporting science-based startups addressing critical energy and environmental challenges.
100Knoxville: Selected for a business accelerator supporting Black entrepreneurs in Knoxville, focused on scaling high-impact ventures through mentorship and strategic partnerships.
Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator: Chosen to participate in a national program that funds and supports innovative ideas with early-stage experimentation, customer discovery, and market validation.
Expected opening of next investment round
Q3 2025
Expected funding sought from next investment round
1,600,000
Expected closing of next investment round
Q1 2026
Intellectual property & regulation
What is the IP status of your innovation(s)?
We have access to intellectual property developed in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including microbial strain data and soil health optimization methods. We are also preparing a provisional patent (planned for 2025) to protect proprietary formulations, microbial consortia, and data-driven recommendation algorithms developed through our platform. Additional elements of our software and datasets are being protected as trade secrets.
What regulatory approvals are you currently seeking, or have already been achieved?
We are currently preparing for state-level registration of our biofertilizer product as a microbial soil amendment in key agricultural states, including Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina. Our formulation complies with U.S. EPA guidelines for microbial products, and we are aligning with OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) standards to support organic use certification in the future. No federal approvals are currently required for our product category.
