Plankton First company logo with stylized blue, yellow, and light green abstract shapes.
Menu
HomeApplicationsAbout UsInsightsContact
about us

Plankton First is a Swiss-owned biotech company focused on NannOcea®​

We cultivate Nannochloropsis oceanica, one of the most nutrient-dense phytoplankton species. Through NannOcea®, our premium whole-food ingredient, we provide clean, traceable, and naturally rich sources of EPA omega-3, complete protein, antioxidants, and essential micronutrients for modern nutrition solutions.​

Phytoplankton powder production in Greece, ponds
Production

Unlocking the Power of Phytoplankton​

By harnessing the intelligence of phytoplankton — nature’s first food, first oxygen producer, and the base of the marine food chain — we aim to offer sustainable solutions that nourish people and support planetary health.​Our mission is simple: to put nature’s most efficient organism at the centre of tomorrow’s nutrition.​

HOW WE WORK​

Our Nature-Led Approach​

Our cultivation site in Greece was designed to work with nature, not against it — honouring the environment that has sustained phytoplankton since the origin of life.​
Instead of artificial bioreactors, we grow Nannochloropsis in open-air ponds shaped by natural sunlight, seawater, and the rhythm of the surrounding environment.​
This approach preserves the microalga’s intrinsic complexity, resulting in a clean, minimally processed ingredient with exceptional nutrient density and bioavailability. ​Learn more about our nature-led production approach.

Aerial view of a lakeside facility with long white covered structures, surrounded by agricultural fields and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
our partners

They support Plankton First​

At Plankton First, collaboration drives our science. We work with leading universities and research centres to deepen the understanding of phytoplankton. Together, we advance evidence-based innovation and bring nature-led, high-quality solutions to the future of nutrition and wellbeing.​

Dept of Biological Applications and Technologies, University of Ioannina, Greece​
Dept of Chemical Sciences, School of Chemistry, National Technical University of Athens, Greece​
Dept of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece​
Dept of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics ​International Hellenic University, Greece
Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Island of Crete, Greece​
Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Meet the team

The people behind Plankton First

United by a shared vision, we work to unlock the full potential of Nannochloropsis oceanica and deliver high-quality, nature-led solutions for nutrition, health, and wellbeing.

Your questions, our answers

How sustainable is microalgae cultivation?

Microalgae require very little land, use sunlight and CO₂ to grow, and can thrive in non-arable regions.

They naturally capture CO₂ and can integrate into circular water systems. Compared to traditional crops or fish-derived oils, algae offer significantly improved efficiency per hectare.

Can microalgae replace traditional plant or animal proteins?

Microalgae deliver complete amino acid profiles, including BCAAs, and naturally contain antioxidants and micronutrients absent in many plant proteins.

They can enhance or partially replace proteins in supplements, bars, ready-to-drink formulations, pet food, or functional snacks.

How is NannOcea® produced?

We grow Nannochloropsis oceanica in outdoor ponds using sunlight, seawater, and CO₂. Biomass is harvested gently, dried immediately, and minimally processed under strict quality systems to preserve nutrients. Our site is located in a Natura 2000 protected area. To find out more you can click here.

Why produce microalgae instead of sourcing omega-3 from fish?

Microalgae are the original source of marine omega-3s.
Producing EPA directly from algae avoids overfishing, improves purity, and reduces dependence on declining fish stocks.
It also enables consistent quality and a far smaller environmental footprint.

‍

Why are you producing in Greece in a Natura 2000 area?​

We produce in Greece — within a Natura 2000 protected area — because it offers the ideal natural conditions for Nannochloropsis.
Abundant sunlight, clean seawater, and stable humidity create an environment where our phytoplankton grows efficiently and reliably.

Because algae naturally capture CO₂, our cultivation supports environmental conservation while keeping our own footprint minimal.
Working within a protected landscape ensures that our production stays aligned with nature — safe, clean, and ecologically responsible.

‍

What is the difference between phytoplankton and microalgae? ​

Phytoplankton and microalgae are closely related, but not identical.

Microalgae is the broader term. It includes all microscopic algae capable of photosynthesis, living in freshwater or marine environments.

Phytoplankton is a subset of microalgae. It specifically refers to the photosynthetic microorganisms that float or drift in oceans and lakes and form the base of aquatic food webs.

How can I join the Plankton First team?

If you’re interested in joining Plankton First and believe your skills can contribute to our mission, we’d be happy to hear from you.Please reach out via our contact form, and our team will get back to you. We look forward to meeting talented people who share our commitment to building a better future.