University of Groningen Spin Off modAlgae Selected as Finalist in Academic Startup Competition 2026

Marc van der Maarel and Mariska van der Hoek during the Pitch Day | Image: Jara van den Bosch

(IN BRIEF) modAlgae, a startup originating from the University of Groningen, has been selected as one of the top ten finalists in the Academic Startup Competition 2026. The company, founded in 2024, develops microalgae-derived glycogen for sustainable skincare applications, building on over fifteen years of academic research. Its technology has shown strong hydration performance, positioning it as a promising innovation in personal care. Following its success at the Pitch Day, modAlgae will participate in the competition’s international phase in the United States, where it will connect with investors and industry leaders. Supported by funding from Future Tech Ventures, the startup is focused on scaling its operations and bringing its technology to market, reflecting the broader goal of translating academic research into real-world impact.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRONINGEN, 6-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Groningen spin-off modAlgae has been selected as one of the ten finalists in the Academic Startup Competition 2026, following a competitive Pitch Day where startups were evaluated on innovation, strategic vision, and their ability to translate scientific research into practical applications. As part of the next stage of the programme, the selected teams will travel to the United States at the end of May to engage with entrepreneurs, investors, and key figures within the global innovation ecosystem.

The top ten finalists include Aluvia Photonics, Constellate Proteomics, Fluxthor, FrostByte, modAlgae, Myriagon, Puform, Tolvac Therapeutics, Twente Medical Optics, and UCANACT, representing a diverse range of cutting-edge academic ventures.

Founded in 2024 in Groningen, modAlgae focuses on developing a novel glycogen derived from microalgae for use in personal care applications. The technology is based on more than fifteen years of research conducted at the University of Groningen and is aimed at advancing sustainable skincare solutions. The ingredient has demonstrated strong hydration performance compared to conventional alternatives, positioning it as a promising innovation in the cosmetics sector.

The company was established by a team combining scientific and industry expertise, led by CEO Mariska van der Hoek and co-founder Marc van der Maarel. To support its growth and commercialization efforts, modAlgae secured investment in late 2025 from Future Tech Ventures, a collaborative fund involving RUG Ventures, NOM, Triade, and IFG. The funding is intended to accelerate scaling activities and support the transition from research to market-ready products.

The Academic Startup Competition is designed to support emerging academic ventures by refining their business strategies, strengthening their teams, and providing access to new opportunities. Through multiple selection rounds and expert feedback, the programme identifies high-potential startups and prepares them for international exposure. The final stage in the United States offers participants the opportunity to connect with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders, further supporting their growth and global ambitions.

Academic Startup Competition

The Academic Startup Competition is an annual programme that helps promising academic ventures grow by sharpening their focus, strengthening their teams and opening new opportunities. After several rounds of expert feedback and selection, the top 10 startups move on to an intensive international final phase in the United States. There they will have the chance to meet Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem connectors.

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SOURCE: University of Groningen