Cycle Momentum announced a new co-investment from its Origo program last week. Discover Aplantex, the start-up benefiting from this new investment.
Why We Invested
There is a large and growing demand for botanical ingredients for the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage markets. Aplantex has developed a local and circular process to supply these ingredients more sustainably. It uses significantly less land, water and raw materials compared to traditional agriculture. Agriculture contributes close to one-third of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Sustainable processes for inputs like botanical ingredients help to reduce their impact on land and water use, and producing locally reduces emissions from transportation.
Addressing the Shortage of Plant-Derived Active Ingredients
The food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries are facing increasing demand for active molecules, which are often imported, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions and resulting in sustainability issues, exacerbating environmental burdens and jeopardizing the future of our planet.
A Unique Production Method for Predictable Supply
In response to this challenge, Aplantex offers a radically different solution. Their approach is based on a revolutionary industrial platform that produces a wide range of high-value plant molecules from their optimized biomass. Through fast-growing photosynthetic replication, Aplantex provides a sustainable alternative to synthetic molecules while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The predictable supply resulting from Aplantex’s production method translates to price stability, consistent supply, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and better management of natural resources. This innovative approach aligns with key ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles by balancing economic efficiency with environmental respect.
The Origo Program, A Strategic Support for Aplantex
The funding round, with participation from Cycle Momentum’s Origo program, represents a significant milestone for Aplantex, which considers this investment a valuable addition to its financial structure. It notably allows Aplantex to complete its first phase of expansion following the successful startup of the research lab at the Boucherville plant. This financial support adds to the widespread backing from the ecosystem and accredited investors, highlighting the recognition of Aplantex’s innovative green biotechnology approach.
“The Aplantex team is proud of the support from the Circular Innovation Fund, Cycle Momentum, Investissement Québec and Frederick Perrault for our green biotechnology. We are accelerating our production and commercialization efforts, consolidating our position in key industries. The valuable lessons from our participation in Cycle Momentum’s 2023 Climate Innovation Super Cohort and the 2023 CIF Accelerator Program have also contributed to our success.” – Patrick Charest, B.Sc., Eng., CEO of Aplantex
Next Steps: Securing Strategic Partnerships and Preparing for Series A Fundraising
Encouraged by the concrete interest of clients in the cosmetics and natural health industries, Aplantex’s next milestone is to translate this interest into strategic agreements for a foundation for the next phase of growth. This will support Aplantex’s increased production capacity, further establishing its position as a leader in the supply of high-value plant-derived active ingredients.
