With the dynamic and enthusiastic phrase “It’s alive,” an innovative idea is introduced: fresh spirulina that turns honey blue. The story echoes Archimedes’ famous moment of discovery, when he ran through the streets shouting “Eureka!” That must have been how inventor Giorgos Lignos felt. A chemical engineer passionate about process design and optimization, Lignos leveraged cutting-edge technology to develop a sustainable urban spirulina farming system that produces fresh product daily—an achievement that certainly stands out.

Spirulina: A Superfood with a History

Spirulina is a cyanobacterium, meaning it belongs to the group of microorganisms responsible for oxygenating the Earth. Cyanobacteria were the first to produce oxygen, paving the way for other life forms. Spirulina has a long history as a superfood, serving as a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It is particularly noted for its high content of phycocyanin, a plant protein with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Its earliest recorded use dates back to the 16th century, and more recently, NASA has used it as a dietary supplement for astronauts during space missions. Modern research continues to confirm its many potential health benefits, with scientists still exploring its therapeutic applications.

As a dietary supplement, spirulina is commonly available in powder, capsule, and tablet form, and it is often added to protein bars, smoothies, juices, and even pasta. However, It’s Alive is changing the game by introducing spirulina as a fresh and frozen food, available in heart-shaped portions. This innovation combines freshness, functionality, and aesthetics while preserving all of its nutritional value.

Biotechnology in the Service of Nutrition

The It’s Alive story began in December 2018, when a small group of visionaries conducted their first experiments in fresh spirulina production using a small photobioreactor. With persistence and innovation, they designed their own photobioreactors, continuously improving their technology and production processes.

A major turning point came in 2019 when they participated in the EGG startup accelerator program, securing initial funding for laboratory equipment. Additional financial support came from competitions like New Agriculture for the New Generation and the European Suave program, which provided both funding and essential knowledge for their startup’s development.

After years of research and nine generations of experiments, they built the first industrial-scale photobioreactor, significantly reducing production costs. By 2021, they had integrated IoT technologies to optimize their production process and began sharing their results with the public. Their first taste party allowed friends and supporters to sample fresh and frozen spirulina, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.

In 2022, It’s Alive won the Trophy-Trophy Challenge by New Agriculture for the New Generation, further establishing its reputation.

A Leader in Fresh Spirulina Production

Today, It’s Alive is an award-winning company based in central Athens, committed to delivering high-quality fresh spirulina to consumers. Led by Giorgos Lignos and a team of dedicated scientists, the company combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices to create unique, nutrient-rich products.

Their philosophy is rooted in science and close consumer connection. By focusing on urban production, they ensure that fresh spirulina reaches consumers quickly and at peak quality.

Looking Beyond Greece: Entering International Markets

The It’s Alive team is now preparing for its first major export: blue honey to the U.S. In collaboration with Laconic Foods, the product will be sold under the private label Cyano. Expanding into international markets is a challenging step for Greek startups, particularly in biotechnology, where Greece lacks strong institutional support.

Urban Spirulina Farming

Production takes place in closed photobioreactors designed and manufactured in-house, ensuring high efficiency and top quality. The process is entirely sustainable, with zero waste and the use of green energy. Solar heating and passive cooling systems reduce the environmental footprint, making It’s Alive a model for sustainable food production.

How Does Honey Turn Blue?

The transformation of honey into blue is achieved by adding fresh spirulina extract. The striking blue color comes from phycocyanin, a natural pigment within spirulina. Under intense light, the Miel et Ciel honey glows red—a phenomenon caused by the freshness of the extract.

It’s Alive has applied for a patent, as their method allows the extract to color and enhance honey nutritionally while the honey, in turn, preserves the extract at room temperature. However, this striking effect does not work with all types of Greek honey. Extensive research was conducted to identify the optimal honey variety that ensures both stability and quality.

Beyond its visual appeal, the addition of spirulina extract enhances honey’s nutritional value, transforming it into a biofunctional food that merges aesthetics with health benefits.

It’s Alive Products

The company offers fresh spirulina in various forms, tailored to consumer needs:

• Frozen spirulina hearts, ideal for smoothies, salads, or meal accompaniments.
• Fresh spirulina paste, available in different flavors for an ultimate freshness experience.
• Miel et Ciel, a unique product blending honey with fresh spirulina extract, creating a visually stunning and nutrient-packed superfood.

For more information, visit: www.itsalive.gr