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Indonesia is one of the largest producers of seaweed, a key source of nutrition that also absorbs carbon and nitrogen from water. Dominated by smallholder farmers, the seaweed industry provides income for more than 260,000 coastal households. “Many farmers struggle to rise above the poverty line due to systemic challenges,” such as price volatility, lack of market access, limited financing options and poor quality inputs, says Banyu’s Anis Nur Aini.
The Jakarta-based startup trains seaweed farmers on managing seedlings and harvesting techniques to boost their yields. It provides better quality and more resilient seedlings, helps farmers improve income predictability, and links farmers to international and local buyers. Banyu oversees farming and production methods to ensure farmers meet environmental and food- and pharma-grade standards to help secure offtake agreements.
Seaweed R&D
Banyu secured $1.3 million in a seed round led by Indonesian VC firm Intudo Ventures, part of which will support a seedling nursery and cultivation lab.
“A crucial aspect of our approach involves collaborating with universities and research institutions to explore downstream applications of seaweed,” says Aini. “By conducting cutting-edge research into the development of value-added seaweed products, such as bioplastics, food additives and cosmetics, we aim to elevate the global perception of Indonesian seaweed.”
