A Presidential Visit to ÄIO: Trust, Innovation, and the Future of Sustainable Ingredients.

When the President of Estonia steps through your lab door, it’s more than a visit. It is a powerful recognition of science-driven innovation and the potential for global impact.

On September 10 2025, ÄIO had the honour of welcoming His Excellency Mr. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, for a visit to our lab at TalTech in Tallinn. This visit marked a significant milestone for our company and for Estonia’s growing position in sustainable biotechnology.

ÄIO co-founders, Nemailla Bonturi and Petri-Jaan Lahtvee introducing ÄIO labs to the President, Mr. Alar Karis

Inside the Lab: From Pilot Plant to Product Applications

President Karis was given a full tour of ÄIO’s core operations, guided by our co-founders Prof. Petri-Jaan Lahtvee and Dr. Nemailla Bonturi. The tour covered our Pilot Plant, analytical and strain engineering labs, and R&D innovation spaces, offering a first-hand view of how ÄIO develops high-value oils and fats from organic side streams using precision fermentation.

Beyond the science, the President also had a chance to taste food applications made with ÄIO’s novel ingredients and explore our cosmetics formulations, which aim to replace unsustainable ingredients like palm oil, coconut oil, and petroleum-based compounds.

From Research to Real-World Impact

“This visit allowed us to present the biotechnology research directions developed at TalTech and how automation is being implemented through projects,” explained Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, co-founder and COO. “With ÄIO as a living example, we showed how lab research can be translated into real-world solutions that help address global challenges in food security and sustainable production.”

TalTech Professor, co-founder and COO Petri-Jaan Lahtvee explaining how automation is integrated into lab work at ÄIO 

Enabling Innovation Through Policy

In addition to showcasing scientific progress, the discussion also focused on the regulatory challenges facing deep-tech and biotech startups.

“We talked about the main hurdles companies like ours face in Estonia and the EU when navigating regulatory pathways for novel foods and sustainable materials,” added Nemailla Bonturi, co-founder and CEO. “It was encouraging to see that these topics are on the national agenda – because public support and clear policy can enable innovation to thrive.”

Co-founder and CEO, Nemailla Bonturi giving into into Pilot Plant at ÄIO 

Why This Visit Matters

This visit was more than ceremonial. It served as a public endorsement of Estonia’s deep-tech potential and of ÄIO’s mission to become a global leader in sustainable ingredient production.

With a novel ingredient pipeline, a growing international team, and strategic partnerships in both food and cosmetics sectors, ÄIO is scaling fast and preparing for its next investment round (seed A) in Q3 2026.

“We’re building with a country behind us,” concluded the team. “Innovation grows where there is trust, vision, and the courage to support bold ideas.”

Want to learn more or collaborate with us?TalTech Professor, co-founder and COO Petri-Jaan Lahtvee explaining how automation is integrated into lab work at ÄIO 

ÄIO team 2025 September with the President of Estonia, Mr Alar Karis

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