Zaara Biotech, a biotechnology startup fostered under the Kerala Startup Mission’s (KSUM) flagship Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) scheme, has raised an undisclosed amount from US-based Transcend International.

The biotech startup will use the raised funds to set up a manufacturing facility for food and beverages under the brand name ‘B-lite’, an algal seaweed culturing facility and a research centre for photobioreactors in the US.

Zaara Biotech | Feeding The Nation Forward

Founded by Najeeb Bin Haneef in 2016, Zaara Biotech focuses on research in energy and food crisis using Micro-Algae. The biotechnology startup, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agriculture and Research-CIFT Cochin, Govt. of India, is manufacturing India’s First Algal- Seaweed Food products and other FMCG products that ensure complete family care for targeted customers by utilizing amazing nutritional properties of Microalgae and Seaweeds.

Started in the college dorm of Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology, Zaara Biotech grew through the IEDC programme of KSUM, besides getting exposure to the GITEX 2019 held at the World Trade Centre, Dubai.

Last year, Zaara Biotech raised $10 million in funding from UAE-based TCN International Commerce. The startup is currently working in the UAE to set up a manufacturing facility for FMCG products.

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is the nodal agency of the Kerala government for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state. It operates with a network of around 320 mini-incubators called Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) on campuses to promote technological entrepreneurship among students.

Speaking about the development, John M Thomas, KSUM CEO, said,

“IEDCs help aspiring entrepreneurs get ample exposure and technology skills, besides promoting an environment to set up ventures by developing innovative products of social relevance. Zaara’s achievement will certainly be an inspiration for the fledgling startups at IEDCs.”

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