About Us
We harness the ocean’s untapped potential to drive innovation in marine biotechnology
Founded in 2018 in Portugal, a country with a deep connection to the sea, we set out with a clear mission: to unlock the full potential of seaweed by creating innovative, science-based and sustainable solutions.
We develop high-performance, low-carbon ingredients that support multiple key industries and contribute to a more balanced, nature-aligned future.
What sets us apart?
Scientific Excellence
We combine advanced research with a toolkit of sustainable extraction technologies to maximise bioactive potential. Each ingredient is scientifically validated and rigorously tested to ensure both efficacy and environmental responsibility for your brand.
Sustainable Sourcing & Traceability
From the ocean to the final product, we guarantee full traceability. Our commitment to sustainable harvesting, responsible sourcing, and green processing ensures that every step of our production respects both nature and industry standards.
Seaweed Biodiversity
We work with a wide variety of seaweed species, carefully selected for their unique bioactive properties and regulatory compliance. This diversity allows us to create high-performance, multifunctional ingredients, tailored to a range of industries and applications.
Biorefinery Methodology
Our biorefinery processes ensure the full utilisation of valuable seaweed compounds, minimising waste and maximising efficiency. Partnering with us means embracing a sustainable approach, where nature and innovation work together to shape a low-carbon future.
Proprietary Portfolio & Bespoke Development
Our ready-to-use portfolio features cutting-edge ingredients designed to combine sustainability and efficiency. But we go further: our expertise in marine biotechnology enables us to co-create bespoke solutions, developing tailor-made ingredients to meet your business’s specific needs.
Meet our managers
Our team is constantly growing and evolving, uniting highly qualified professionals who share a passion for excellence. Each manager plays a key role in driving our vision forward, ensuring we deliver the highest quality in everything we do.
A. Catarina Guedes, PhD
Co-founder & CEO
Jorge Fernandes
Co-founder & COO
Catarina Ricca
Business Development Manager
Helena Amaro, PhD
R&D Lab Manager
Isabel Pereira
Operations Manager
Pedro Quelhas
Process Scale-up Manager
Julio Tendeiro
Finance Manager
A. Catarina Guedes, PhD
Co-founder & CEO
Jorge Fernandes
Co-founder & CEO
Catarina Ricca
Business Development Manager
Helena Amaro, PhD
R&D Lab Manager
Isabel Pereira
Operations Manager
Pedro Quelhas
Process Scale-up Manager
Julio Tendeiro
Finance Manager
Our History
2018
Rooted in Science
Our company became the first official spin-off of the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) at the University of Porto.
2019
ISS - Ínclita Seaweed Solutions is Born
Based in the vibrant city of Porto, in northern Portugal, we set up our first laboratories and intensified our R&D efforts to explore the potential of seaweed in ingredient development.
2021
Certified for Integrity and Innovation
Our commitment to ethics, transparency, and scientific excellence was formally recognised with the Certificate of Integrity from the Portuguese National Innovation Agency. This distinction solidified our reputation as a reliable and forward thinking research partner.
2022
First Ingredient Prototypes
We began developing the first proprietary ingredients in our portfolio, initially targeting the cosmetic industry. Our work was guided by market needs and sustainability principles, combining efficacy with responsibility.
2023
Strategic Growth and Market Expansion
We secured venture capital and funding through the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan), enabling us to expand our team with multidisciplinary talent. We broadened our ingredient development to address the needs of multiple industries, including nutraceuticals, pet care, food & beverage, and biostimulants.
2024
New Facilities and Product Launches
We moved into our new offices and R&D laboratories at UPTEC MAR, a hub for innovation in marine biotechnology. We proudly launched our first proprietary ingredients: InAlgae® AOX, InAlgae® HEX, and InAlgae® AZO, each offering high-performance solutions grounded in rigorous scientific research.
2025
Scaling Up
We launched InAlgae® LIT, expanding our ingredient portfolio even further. We will also inaugurate our new pilot plant, significantly enhancing our capacity for research, development, and industrial production.
