SeaDyes, a startup focused on developing seaweed-based fabric dyes, has entered the company creation phase of Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme and secured £200,000 in funding. The investment will help the company accelerate its development and commercialisation efforts in the sustainable textile sector.
Marine scientist and biotech innovator Jessica Giannotti founded the company in July 2023. Later, the startup joined the James Hutton Institute at the beginning of 2025 as a spin-in. Since then, the company has operated from the institute’s Invergowrie campus while advancing its proprietary seaweed-derived textile dye technology.
The startup continues to develop natural dyes created from seaweed, which provide a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to conventional petroleum-based dyes. Traditional textile dyes contribute nearly 280,000 tonnes of pollution to the environment each year. Moreover, the textile dyeing and finishing industry remains a major global polluter because it generates around 20% of industrial wastewater pollution and approximately 3% of global CO₂ emissions. Experts also project that these emissions could increase to 10% by 2050 if the industry does not adopt sustainable alternatives.
Meanwhile, SeaDyes has accelerated its innovation with the support of Scottish Enterprise and the James Hutton Institute. Both organisations have provided access to laboratory workspaces, advanced equipment, and commercial guidance through Hutton Scientific Services. As a result, the company has successfully developed viable prototype dyes and engaged with more than 100 potential customers across the textile ecosystem.
In addition, the startup has established multi-year research and development collaborations as well as commercial partnerships with leading industry players. At the same time, the company has strengthened its leadership team by bringing in new experts to support its growth strategy.
SeaDyes recently appointed Isla Fowler as its Textile Innovation Technician. She holds a master’s degree in fashion and textile design from Heriot-Watt University and will contribute to advancing the startup’s textile innovation capabilities. Furthermore, the company has appointed Ian Laird as its Commercial Champion to guide its business expansion and market strategy.
Ian brings more than 30 years of experience in building and scaling companies across multiple industries, including the textiles sector. He has extensive expertise in securing investment, licensing complex industrial processes, and driving innovation through strategic partnerships.
He said, “I’m excited to support the inspirational Jessica Giannotti in her vision to develop bio-based dyes for use in textiles, using seaweed as a sustainable and renewable feedstock.”
Hutton CEO Professor Colin Campbell added, “SeaDyes is a very exciting prospect and an inspiring nature-based approach that aims to solve a historically difficult and intractable problem for the dye industry. We are delighted they are at the James Hutton Institute and tapping into our expertise in natural products.”
Leah Pape, Head of High Growth Services at Scottish Enterprise, added, “This company creation funding marks a pivotal step for SeaDyes, providing the capital and structured support needed to accelerate the journey to spin-out. It will enable the team to build a robust commercial proposition, position the business for investment, and establish SeaDyes as a high-growth company capable of driving more sustainable practices across the textile industry while strengthening Scotland’s industrial biotechnology ecosystem.”
With fresh funding, strong institutional backing, and growing industry partnerships, the startup aims to transform the dyeing process with eco-friendly seaweed-based alternatives while contributing to a more sustainable global textile industry.
