With this new investment, HutanBio’s seed round advances to £3 million. The commitment from UKI2S, a publicly funded organisation specialising in early science and knowledge-based innovations that have high-impact potential - managed by impact-led Future Planet Capital (Ventures) Limited - bolsters the growing confidence in HutanBio’s technology and its future potential. Recognising the valuable contribution advanced biology could have in combating climate change.
Through the development of its innovative HBx biofuel platform - the culmination of 10 years of research and the world’s largest-ever marine microalgae bioprospecting programme, HutanBio has not only addressed a series of social and environmental challenges faced by other biofuel developments but has identified ways to utilise harmful carbon emissions from high polluting industries such as cement and steel production, further increasing its global impact and future valuation by bolstering energy security and providing a major economic stimulus whilst reducing carbon emissions.
Having been optimised through directed evolution to thrive in high salinity and grown in purpose designed enclosed photobioreactors, HutanBio’s patented algae, HBx, will be grown on barren, desert like land along coastal regions in areas of the world that benefit from high solar radiation. Avoiding prime agricultural land and removing deforestation incentives.
“UKI2S is committed to investing in technologies that have a significant positive environmental impact” said Oliver Sexton, Investment Director at UKI2S. “HutanBio's innovative use of biology for low carbon fuel production aligns perfectly with our vision. We believe in its mission to make sustainable fuels and are excited to support its efforts in the battle against climate change.”
This increased strength of investment partners, including HutanBio’s legal advisers, Mishcon de Reya, reinforces HutanBio’s position as a leader in the development of sustainable biofuel technologies. The combined expertise and resources from HutanBio and its investors are set to drive significant advancements in the sector, propelling the company towards its goal of contributing meaningfully to global NetZero targets through the decarbonisation of long-distance transportation.
“We are delighted to have secured funding from UK12S” added Paul Beastall, CEO of HutanBio. “This investment is not just a financial boost, but a strong vote of confidence in our mission to harness advanced biology to produce low carbon fuels. Bolstered by this additional investment, we can accelerate our strategic growth plans and bring our innovative solutions to market quicker.”
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