ÄIO, a new member of the Tehnopol HealthTech community, is revolutionising fat and oil production

The biotechnology company ÄIO has joined the Tehnopol, bringing an innovative approach to the production of sustainable fats and oils. ÄIO aims to reduce the use of palm oil and coconut fats by offering environmentally friendly alternatives that do not require the destruction of tropical forests. Joining the Tehnopol HealthTech community supports ÄIO’s growth by helping them reach new partners and markets and accelerating the industrial implementation of their research-intensive solutions. 

The company’s origins trace back to a research group at TalTech, where co-founders Petri-Jaan Lahtvee and Nemailla Bonturi initiated scientific projects to find sustainable alternatives to palm oil and coconut fats. 

ÄIO’s innovative technology utilizes microorganisms to convert industrial by-products and biomass residues into high-quality fats and oils. This approach enables the use of next-generation fats and oils across various industries, from food production to cosmetics and household chemicals. 

Why ÄIO? What drives the team? 

ÄIO’s mission is to combat climate change and reduce the environmental damage caused by traditional palm oil production, which is one of the leading causes of tropical deforestation. Their solution is highly resource-efficient, requiring up to 90% less land, ten times less water, and ten times less energy compared to conventional methods. Additionally, their technology fosters food industry innovation by providing healthier and more sustainable fat alternatives. 

The company’s main goals include launching palm oil alternatives that do not contribute to deforestation, scaling up industrial production to replace environmentally harmful fat sources, and establishing a new biotechnology standard that promotes circular economy-based solutions. 

How does ÄIO stand out from competitors? 

ÄIO differentiates itself in several key ways: 

• Sustainability – Unlike traditional oil production, ÄIO’s process does not require vast land areas and does not harm ecosystems. 
• Circular economy – The company utilises industrial by-products as raw materials, significantly reducing resource consumption and waste. 
• Adaptability – ÄIO’s fats and oils can easily replace conventional ingredients in baked goods, meat and dairy alternatives, cosmetics, and more. 
• Efficient production – Their process is far more energy-efficient, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. 

ÄIO applies scientific research and development with maximum efficiency, using microbes to produce fats instead of traditional agriculture. Their technology is based on circular economy principles, minimizing industrial waste while optimizing resource efficiency. Moreover, their fats’ chemical composition is tailored to meet the specific needs of various food products, providing innovative and sustainable solutions for the food industry. 

Looking ahead, ÄIO focuses on scaling its technology for broader adoption in the food industry. The company also aims for international expansion, bringing European research-driven biotechnology to global markets and advancing environmentally friendly and sustainable fat alternatives worldwide. 

Recognition and industry feedback 

ÄIO has received positive feedback from scientific communities, investors, and industrial partners alike. More than 100 companies have expressed interest in testing their solutions, recognizing the potential of ÄIO’s technology to replace conventional, environmentally harmful oils and fats. Many food and cosmetics manufacturers have already tested ÄIO’s innovations and confirmed that they provide sustainable alternatives without compromising quality. Consumer feedback has also been overwhelmingly positive, as people appreciate the opportunity to enjoy palm oil-free products that are both sustainable and high in quality and taste. 

The company’s founders have also received several prestigious international awards. In 2024, Nemailla Bonturi was honored as an alumna of her home university—one of the largest and most esteemed universities in Brazil—highlighting the global impact of her work. Additionally, Petri-Jaan Lahtvee was recently awarded White Star Class IV State medal from the Estonian President Mr. Alar Karis, recognizing his long-standing contributions to scientific research and its practical applications through ÄIO. 

A future full of opportunities 

ÄIO’s future is centered around international expansion, targeting markets with high demand for environmentally friendly fat alternatives. The company’s primary focus is on scaling industrial production to replace conventional fat sources on a large scale. To achieve this, ÄIO collaborates closely with industry partners to accelerate the adoption of its technology across different sectors. 

At the same time, the company continues its research and development efforts to refine microbial fats and oils further, ensuring they meet the specific needs of the food, cosmetics, and chemical industries. Additionally, ÄIO is committed to raising awareness of sustainable biotechnological solutions, actively engaging with scientific communities, businesses, and policymakers to drive the widespread adoption of circular economy principles worldwide. 

Why did ÄIO join the Tehnopol HealthTech community? 

ÄIO sees the Tehnopol HealthTech community as a strong bridge between science and industry. 

• Networking and collaboration – Tehnopol helps ÄIO connect with potential partners and investors. 
• Supportive environment – Collaborating with other biotechnology and health technology experts opens new development opportunities. 
• Internationalisation – Tehnopol’s network accelerates ÄIO’s expansion into foreign markets. 

 ÄIO firmly believes that its partnership with Tehnopol will help bring Estonia’s research-driven biotechnology to the global stage! They recently relocated their company to the Tehnopol campus, which allows us to support and celebrate their progress even more closely.
Learn more: www.aio.bio

Do you want to join Estonia’s most innovative health technology community? A strong community awaits, along with extensive collaboration opportunities and support for exploring new export markets. 

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