Algae Scope, a startup developing bio-based textile coatings from seaweed, was recently named one of the winners in the Hypergrowth Category at the Malta ClimAccelerator. The event, held on 9th May, brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to spotlight startups driving innovation in ocean regeneration and the blue economy.

Speaking to WhosWho.mt, Fiona McOmish, Business Manager at Algae Scope, reflected on what inspired the company’s creation. She said the idea came from “a collective recognition of the untapped potential of algae, not just as a carbon sink but as a resource for sustainable innovation across multiple industries.” For the founding team of five, she noted, seaweed is more than a raw material – it is part of their cultures and personal stories.

Ms McOmish explained that each member brought expertise from different sectors and disciplines, uniting to “innovate seaweed bioproducts” at a time when industries are increasingly in need of bio-based alternatives. The company’s flagship product is a 100 per cent seaweed-based coating that is water- and fire-resistant, designed to replace toxic chemicals such as PFAS – substances currently being phased out under EU REACH regulations.

However, Ms McOmish acknowledged that the startup has not been without its challenges. Like many early-stage ventures, Algae Scope has grappled with the typical hurdles of securing funding, building a strong team, and attracting early adopters. One of the biggest obstacles, she said, has been “convincing stakeholders of the commercial and environmental value of algae.” Since seaweed-based biomass is still relatively nascent in many industries, the team has invested considerable effort into education and outreach to overcome initial scepticism and demonstrate the performance, cost-efficiency, and ease of implementation of their product.

Being selected as one of the ClimAccelerator winners was described by McOmish as “incredibly validating.” She noted that the recognition reinforced the value of their work and expressed gratitude to MaltAccelerate for offering a platform to showcase their innovation. “Malta's strategic coastal position in the Mediterranean, surrounded by abundant seaweed, has presented compelling opportunities for us to develop new partnerships, funding opportunities, and demonstrate broader impact,” she added.

Algae Scope’s Elvira Rakova (middle) and Planetixx’s James Doherty (right) receiving a reward for winning the Hypergrowth Category

Looking ahead, Algae Scope plans to scale its operations and continue product validation with a wider range of textile manufacturers. Having already proven their technology at lab scale, the next step is to deepen R&D efforts and optimise the solution for commercial use.

Ms McOmish emphasised that building strategic collaborations and expanding market exposure remain top priorities as the company seeks to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of algae-based innovation.

The Malta ClimAccelerator also awarded Italian startup Ogyre in the Impact Category for its work with fishing communities to recover marine litter, and Planetixx, which tied with Algae Scope in the Hypergrowth Category, for its use of satellite imagery and AI to monitor ocean health.