New Zealand biotechnology company NewFish came out of stealth mode with an oversubscribed $1.3 million pre-seed round. NewFish is fermenting microalgae unique to New Zealand to create new sustainable food sources in response to the climate crisis.

“We need to change the way we think about these systems if the status quo is to change”

The company is undertaking several strands of R&D to explore the unique nature of New Zealand microalgae and macroalgae, with chief executive and co-founder Hamish Howard saying international plans with global partnerships have already been established.

Ocean mortadella ©NewFish

He says that with many of the world’s oceans fished to capacity, seafood needs to change. Working with international and local New Zealand partners, NewFish is exploring the transformation of microalgae into novel proteins and bioactives using precision fermentation. One of its first products is an Ocean Mortadella derived from plant microalgae, developed by Kiwi chef Vaughan Mabee.

“The regeneration of our food and marine systems is central to NewFish, as we need to change the way we think about these systems if the status quo is to change. We are reimagining seafood and human nutrition to replenish our oceans,” says Howard. “At NewFish, weNewFish is driving this change with new nutritional solutions and ingredients that focus on the enormous potential of microalgae and algae.”