ÄIO: Pioneering Sustainable and Healthy Alternative Oils.
Revolutionizing the Future of Food, Cosmetics, and Oleochemicals.
Our world is reaching a sustainability threshold.
8 bil
33%
6%
Pesticides & fertilizers
Introducing next-generation ingredients for the food, cosmetic and oleochemical industries. Versatile and high-value, our sustainable alternatives are the perfect substitute for many vegetable oils and animal-based fats.
ÄIO IN BRIEF
ÄIO is a biotechnology company (established in 2022 by Nemailla Bonturi and Petri-Jaan Lahtvee) that shapes our planet’s future by replacing unsustainable fats and oils with high-quality microbial alternatives, ensuring that your clients receive healthy ingredients. As a leader in sustainable fats and oils developer, solving the unsustainable fats and oils production problem by offering a new alternative to existing products market.
Our mission
To revolutionize the production of fats and oils by leveraging sustainable biotechnology, transforming industrial by-products into valuable and resource-efficient alternatives, and driving global change toward healthier and more environmentally friendly solutions.
Our vision
To become the global leader in microbial fat development/production, pioneering innovative solutions that replace high-impact traditional fats and oils with sustainable alternatives, creating a healthier planet and inspiring industries worldwide to adopt circular and eco-conscious practices.
Our products
Encapsulated oil
Having trouble with vegetable oils leaking out? Our Encapsulated Oil is a perfect plant-based alternative to be used in patties, bakery products and other recipes wherein you seek a good balance. Delivered in both, function and nutrition – designed for uses inside out!
RedOil
There is really no comparison to our RedOil. The bright red not only brings a splash of color but is naturally packed with beneficial compounds which can serve as active ingredients in your product’s formula.
Buttery fats
Desired consistency and the mouthfeel you seek can be often hindered by the wrong texture. Our Buttery Fat is an exceptional addition to your recipe if you are looking for an alternative to coconut, or any other butters. From spreads to creams – a versatile ingredient you can now tune your product’s formula with.
WHY ÄIO?
Proven technology and product
Currently, ÄIO has a pilot scale (300 L) production with the capacity to produce 10-20 kg of material weekly, while we are also using CMOs to demonstrate the feasibility of larger scale biotechnological production (10 000 L-scale production is proven and 100 000 L-scale production currently in preparation) We have grown in 3 years from lab to pilot scale with an ability to produce full scale-up.
Functionality of ÄIO’s oils and fats in food, feed and cosmetics products has been tested with product prototypes. ÄIO has developed three alternative product categories and has over 120 collaboration partners from various industries in Estonia and abroad who are testing their oils and fats. The company has already secured deals with several major food, cosmetics and household product companies.
Prerequisites for a highly profitable business
At ÄIO, we are committed to building a highly profitable business by leveraging our cutting-edge technology in alternative oils and fats production. Our success will be driven by scaling production capacity, reducing manufacturing costs, and ensuring premium pricing through high-value product categories with strong brands and robust market demand.
Following the technology development phase, we anticipate that our commercial factories will generate strong and predictable cash flow. Our production model is independent of long and complex raw material supply chains, mitigating strategic supply risks. Additionally, our process requires minimal working capital, further enhancing financial stability and operational efficiency.
Using a wide range of side-streams
ÄIO’s technology transforms by-products from the wood and agricultural industries into food-grade oils and fats using a specialized fermentation process. This process is faster and much less harmful to the environment, significantly reducing land and water usage.
Innovation-driven business model
ÄIO is a technology-driven company dedicated to commercializing alternative oils and fats to replace traditional animal-based ingredients. At the core of our innovation is our fermentation technology, which enables the sustainable production of high-quality oils and fats. By utilizing both existing and newly developed microbial strains, we are pioneering a new era of environmentally responsible food production for the global market. The market is vast, as it includes the global food, cosmetics and household products industries, all of which are seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional oils and fats.
ÄIO’s
technology
transforms by-products from wood and agriculture into eco-friendly oils and fats, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional animal fats and palm oils used in the food, cosmetics, and household industries.
ÄIO’s key
differentiator
is its ability to utilize a wide range of local substrates, which lowers production costs and enhances the appeal of its ingredients to the food and cosmetics industries.
ÄIO’s
products
offer significant environmental benefits, including reduced land use, water consumption, and CO2 emissions compared to conventional oils and fats.
ÄIO AS AN INVESTMENT
Use, features, production process and research
ÄIO is revolutionizing the global food industry by producing alternative oils and fats that reduce reliance on traditional agriculture. Founded in 2022, we are committed to transforming food production with sustainable, high-quality solutions that meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible ingredients.
ÄIO develops innovative & sustainable microbial oils that replace palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats. We focus on upcycling by-products into valuable, sustainable oils. Our innovative production process utilizes cutting-edge technology to create alternative oils and fats from low value side-streams, significantly lowering environmental impact. By decoupling food production from land-intensive agriculture, we enhance global food security, preserve biodiversity and mitigate tons of CO2.
With a strong focus on sustainability, our process minimizes carbon emissions and maximizes efficiency, making our products a game-changer for industries seeking eco-friendly alternatives. Our versatile oils and fats have been successfully integrated into various food applications, including dairy, meat, and plant-based alternatives.
As we scale our operations, we invite forward-thinking investors to join us in driving the future of sustainable food. Together, we can create lasting value while making a positive impact on the planet.
Join us in shaping the future.
OUR TWOFOLD BUSINESS MODEL
Invest in production & B2B product supply
We are actively expanding our production capacity to supply premium alternative oils and fats to manufacturers worldwide. By providing sustainable, high-quality oils and fats, we empower brands to create next-generation food, feed, cosmetics products and household chemicals.
ÄIO’s pricing is determined by its application and availability of alternative options for oils in the market.
Technology & Licensing
We license our fermentation technology and production organisms to partners in the food, feed, cosmetics and household chemicals industry, enabling them to produce sustainable ingredients efficiently. This can either be under a separate licensing agreement or in the form of a joint-venture with a special focus on manufactures with abundant resources of side-streams.
The licensing model will operate by, first, optimising the value chain from the clients available raw material towards desired base lipids or precision fermentation lipids. Second, the process will be implemented at client’s site. This model allows for widespread adoption of our breakthrough technology, accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable global food system.
GO-TO-MARKET PLAN
2025
Although food sector is our primary target market, regulatory barriers for the entry are relatively high there. Therefore, ÄIO is currently preparing a dossier for the European Food and Safety Association, with a goal to submit it in 2026.
To mitigate the risks, and to facilitate the first licensing deals, permits in cosmetic and animal feed (including pet food) sector are targeted in 2025. INCI name for marketing oils in the cosmetics industry was filed Q4 2024.
2026
PRODUCTION: 10 tons
Revenue generation will begin through technology licensing, with the first two licensing deals anticipated in 2026.
The same year, dossiers for regulatory approval will be submitted in Singapore and the US (Self GRAS), with permits expected by the end of 2026.
In the end of 2026, we also expect to close our Series A financing round, combining strategic investors, venture capital and loans (European Investment Bank) with the goal to build ÄIO’s first full-scale production plant as a joint venture with the raw material provider.
2027
PRODUCTION: 10 tons
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) permit for the food sector is anticipated to be granted in 2027, following the submission of the dossier in 2026.
2029
PRODUCTION: 1510 tons
Plans for 2029 include launching the first full-scale production facility as a joint venture in Europe, which is expected to be operational by late 2029. This facility will drive significant revenue growth, with full-scale production revenues projected to reach €29 million.
2030-2032
PRODUCTION: 2400+ tons per year
Between 2030 and 2032, the goal is to double the number of licensing deals every two years. By 2032, licensing revenues are expected to reach €40+million per year.
THE TEAM
Since 2022, ÄIO is on a mission to develop sustainable alternatives to animal fats, palm, and coconut oil. By introducing environmentally friendly microbial lipid products to the market, we aim to evoke a turn of mind towards more responsible production and consumption. Read more
55%
Masters
23%
PhD
55%
Women
45%
Men
