I-Tech Acquires Rights to Bio-Derived Antifouling Technology, Expanding Its Sustainable Solutions Portfolio

The new technology alters the physical properties of underwater surfaces, preventing fouling organisms from attaching to coatings that are formulated with the additive. This biochemical additive is produced through microbial fermentation using a selected strain of a naturally occurring microorganism.

“Mimicking nature’s own methods for preventing biofouling can be a successful strategy for creating sustainable antifouling solutions,” says Markus Jönsson, CEO of I-Tech.

“The technology adds to the toolbox of non-biocidal options available to coating formulators and supports I-Tech’s strategy to expand both its product portfolio and target markets. We see potential applications across several market segments, including aquaculture, which is an area of increasing strategic interest for I-Tech. The technology has reached a medium level of maturity, with continued development activities aimed at supporting commercial introduction in the coming years, subject to customer validation and production scale-up,” he concludes.

The technology has delivered promising results in laboratory studies and preliminary field trials and is now being tested further under real-world operating conditions.

Potential applications include aquaculture net coatings, yacht coatings, and antifouling solutions for various professional marine and industrial uses. By complementing I-Tech’s existing portfolio, the technology enables the company to serve a wider range of customer needs and market segments.

Aquaculture currently represents the technology’s most advanced application area and will remain a key focus during further development and validation. The acquisition supports I-Tech’s strategy to diversify its technology portfolio and gradually strengthen its presence in selected adjacent markets.

Source: I-Tech