Plankton First was established in 2019 with one vision: to become the European hub of microalgae production and supply.

The company represents the first part of an 18-million-euro investment of the Swiss Nano Algae Solutions AG in microalgae production and biorefinery.

Powered by innovation, our mission is to research, develop, produce and commercialise microalgae and microalgae-derived high value functional ingredients that can improve public health and prevent diseases.

Greece fulfils the required environmental and climate conditions for the production of our specific microalgae species. Nannochloropsis needs abundant sunlight and cool water temperature during summertime.

Our open type cultivation plant is located in Skarfia, by the seaside of Kamena Vourla, at central Greece. For optimal farming conditions, we are working closely with the Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, a leading institution in microalgal biotechnology, and Ebisu Algae Industry Research Institute Co., Ltd., Japan, a key player in the algal market.

Microalgae, also known as phytoplankton, is the first natural food. Microalgae contain high amounts of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and carbohydrates. Especially, Nannochloropsis contains all essential amino acids, even the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) which cannot be synthesized in the human body.

Besides its health benefits, microalgae is fully sustainable, meaning it is autotrophic and renewable. As it grows by photosynthesis, it uses solar energy, consumes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. In fact, every ton of algae consumes up to 1.8 tons of carbon dioxide.

Choosing microalgae is not only about health. It’s about social change.

Starting with pilot production of 5 hectares in 2022, it will progressively cover a plot area of 40 hectares by 2024, the largest in Europe. Our annual production of dry powder is estimated at 480 tons, in full operation of the plot area.

Our R&D Laboratory will be fully operational by the end of 2022, whereas our Biorefinery Plant for commercial production of bioactive compounds will be ready by the end of 2023.