Seaweed is a global resource with untapped potential for human and animal health, as well as environmental sustainability. Yet, for all its promise, there's a significant gap between scientific research and commercial application. Kelp & Co. is an exciting early-stage venture dedicated to bridging this gap by demonstrating the versatility and economic potential of New Zealand seaweed.

The idea for Kelp & Co. came from a personal mission. Juliet Linzmeier wanted to find a career that benefited both people and the planet, but found such jobs were "few and far between". She discovered that seaweed represented everything she was looking for, an up-and-coming, sustainable industry with thousands of overlooked species and limitless potential for food, agriculture, and health. Through her research as a recent Master's graduate from the Macroalgal Biotechnologies group at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, Juliet explored the industry further, where she realised there was a disconnect between scientific discovery and market application.

This led her to connect with Lucas Evans, CEO Premium Seas, a seaweed product technology company that has a strategic partnership with the University of Waikato, with a shared goal of developing innovative seaweed products and enabling the seaweed industry of Aotearoa New Zealand. Premium Seas actively supports New Zealand's emerging seaweed cultivation capability, including the establishment and operation of New Zealand's first commercial seaweed hatchery in Coromandel. Juliet and Lucas, together with a team of scientists from the University of Waikato, including commercialisation specialist Dr John Tyrrell, launched Kelp & Co. to create innovative, sustainable products from seaweed. They are one of eighteen exciting ventures taking part in the Spring25 Cohort of the Sprout Accelerator.

Kelp & Co. is responding to the rise in common dog health issues such as joint discomfort, skin irritation, and digestive imbalance. The team’s core solution is Sulfoidan™, a premium seaweed compound produced through Kelp & Co.’s proprietary extraction process. This functional ingredient provides multiple health benefits, including immune support, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved gut health in dogs. Sulfoidan™ will be offered as a high-value additive for companion animal product manufacturers, helping them enhance functionality and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

A surprising discovery for Juliet has been just how beneficial seaweed can be for dogs, offering many of the same wellness advantages it provides to humans, such as supporting joint health, skin condition, and overall immunity. The more she explored these applications, the clearer it became that seaweed-based compounds could transform the pet health industry.

Kelp & Co.’s next steps are to validate their market assumptions, engage with manufacturers to understand product requirements, and run stability testing to confirm Sulfoidan™’s quality and shelf life in real-use scenarios. These efforts will ensure the extract meets both scientific and commercial expectations. Their ultimate aspiration is to grow a comprehensive range of seaweed products and demonstrate its versatility and environmental benefits.

For the team, success is not a single point but a continuous journey. As Lucas and Juliet put it, “There's no failure, only degrees of success”. Their vision is to build a thriving seaweed sector in which Kelp & Co. plays a leading role, making both a profit and a difference.