Pioneering Algae-Based Innovation for Sustainable Cosmetics
We are scientists, engineers, and nature-lovers redefining what clean beauty means—by starting with its building blocks.
Our Mission
At CyanoCare, we develop high-performance, bio-based ingredients from microalgae to empower the next generation of sustainable cosmetic formulations. Our mission is simple: a healthier planet—starting with our skin.
Our Vision
To replace synthetic polymers in cosmetics with safe, effective, and natural alternatives—without compromise.
We believe science and nature can co-create a cleaner, more regenerative beauty industry.
From Lab to Label
CyanoCare was born at the intersection of biotechnology, marine biology, and clean beauty innovation. Seeing the growing concern around synthetic ingredients and microplastics in personal care, our founders - researchers in the fields of microbiology and materials science - began exploring cyanobacteria as a sustainable, scalable raw material.
After years of development, we introduced Cyanoflan: a natural thickener and active ingredient with proven performance and a planet-positive footprint.
2018: Research Phase Kickoff
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Acceleration program for CyanoCare started in Portugal
2020: Scientific Recognition
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Cyanoflan is first mentioned in scientific publications (i3S)
2022: Research Progress
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Continuation of lab research and process refinement
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4.5-year R&D project started in Austria (acib GmbH)
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First patent granted
2023: Scale-Up Trials Begin
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Successful transfer to pilot-scale production in photobioreactors
2024: Scale-Up Phase Launch
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Cyanoflan enters validation testing
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Model-based process optimization by Novasign and SimVantage
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Joins accent incubator, the high-tech incubator of Lower Austria
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2nd Place Ecological genius Category | riz up GENIUS Ideen- und Gründerpreis 2024
2025: Start-Up Foundation
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Official founding of CyanoCare Natural Products FlexCo
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Pre-Seed funding granted by AWS
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Establishment of R&D lab at accent Makerspace
Development Timeline
A look at how CyanoCare’s breakthrough product Cyanoflan evolved from a research idea into a scalable biotech innovation for the clean beauty industry:
Meet the Team Behind CyanoCare
We’re a multidisciplinary team of scientists, biotech engineers, and sustainability experts - united by our passion for clean innovation
RITA MOTA
CEO & Co-Founder
Rita is a Project Leader at acib GmbH with a PhD in Biology and over 15 years of R&D experience, specializing in microalgae and their applications. She has successfully led 8 funded research projects, holds over 25 publications and 2 patents, and brings startup experience from Portugal and Spain.
Michael Egermeier
CTO & Co-Founder
Michael is a Team Leader at Wood K plus and holds a PhD in Biotechnology. With 12 years of experience in industrial biotech and process scale-up, he has contributed to the development of 3 biotech spin-offs and brings valuable startup expertise from Austria.
Giovanni Amenta
CPO & Co-Founder
Giovanni comes from an entrepreneurial background, managing a family office and acting as business angel. He is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Astarte srl and Bioecopest srl, with hands-on leadership experience in company building and strategic investment.
Want to connect?
We want to collaborate — and we’re looking for curious minds who care about impact.
If you're passionate about natural materials, algae-based innovation, and sustainable chemistry, this is your chance to start a cooperation with a purpose-driven biotech startup at the forefront of clean beauty.
Interested? We’d love to hear from you.