In an exciting moment for Uganda, a video trailer showcasing the innovative startup Nautical Elixir is being displayed on the iconic Times Square in New York. This achievement puts Uganda on the global map, highlighting the country’s innovative spirit and potential to make a significant impact on the world stage.
Nautical Elixir is a startup founded by Andrew Izaara, an aquaculture scientist at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). The company seeks to transform fish waste into premium collagen for the cosmetics industry, addressing environmental challenges while creating a valuable resource for beauty products.
Andrew Izaara, the brainchild behind Nautical Elixir, shared his concept with fellow Executive MBA graduates at Quantic School of Business and Technology. Three of his colleagues, hailing from Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey, joined him in refining and packaging the idea. Together, they formed a team dedicated to making a sustainable impact.
Nautical Elixir extracts high-quality hydrolysed freshwater collagen peptides from repurposed fish waste. This innovative process addresses the significant problem of fish waste, with over 35% of caught fish being wasted. By tapping into the growing global collagen market, projected to expand by almost 10% by 2030, Nautical Elixir is poised to make a significant impact.
With fish collagen being 1.5 times more absorbable than other sources, Nautical Elixir is exploring applications in nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and dental care. The startup’s sustainable innovation has the potential to transform both the cosmetic industry and the fish processing value chain.
Nautical Elixir has gained international acclaim, earning a spot among the 50 semi-finalists in a global competition. The company is now one of five teams competing in the prestigious Moonshot Final Event, taking place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Lightbox in New York City. The competition offers a $50,000 grand prize and the opportunity to showcase their innovation to leading industry experts and potential investors.
