A pioneering West Cork-based marine biotechnology company has launched Ireland’s first health supplement range made from native red seaweed.

The new venture from Pure Ocean Algae, based on the Beara peninsula, marks a major milestone for the country’s emerging seaweed-based economy.

The nutraceutical ranges have gone to market in Ireland and the UK, with plans to expand into EU and Asian markets later in 2026.

The new line includes three products - a hair and nail revitalising supplement, a cognitive-support supplement designed to aid focus and memory, and a hormone-balance formula. All three are available in capsule form, with no artificial additives.

The launch represents the culmination of several years of research, investment, and innovation led by Pure Ocean founder and CEO Michael O’Neill, who has positioned the company at the forefront of European seaweed cultivation.

Pure Ocean Algae was founded in 2019 after O’Neill, an engineer and former commercial fisherman, turned his focus to sustainable aquaculture.

He recognised the potential of farming seaweed, a regenerative crop that requires no fertiliser, freshwater, or land, to provide both environmental and economic value, while creating jobs in coastal regions.

Red seaweed or Palmaria palmata, commonly known as Dulse or Dillisk, has historically been wild-harvested but Pure Ocean Algae has built Ireland’s first end-to-end production platform for the seaweed, managing the full lifecycle from hatchery to growing sites to processing.

This system ensures consistent quality and traceability, an important requirement for nutraceutical production.

Red seaweeds such as Dulse are increasingly valued for their bioactive compounds, including natural proteins and amino acids, minerals such as iodine, magnesium and iron and antioxidants and micronutrients.

Pure Ocean Algae has invested heavily in research and development, including human trials conducted with researchers at the University of Limerick to assess the functional benefits of Dulse extracts.

Early findings related to metabolic and digestive health prompted the company’s move into the broader functional-foods and nutraceutical space.

‘The red seaweed we cultivate is vastly different from wild-harvested dulse,’ O’Neill explained.

‘Because we control every stage of its development, we can enhance its bioactive properties and ensure a clean, consistent ingredient suitable for wellness applications. This is the foundation of our new product range.

‘Ireland’s seaweed farming sector is still in its infancy, but with international demand for marine-derived ingredients across food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements, there is huge potential.’

Pure Ocean Algae has already secured significant private investment which will allow it to expand its sea sites across West Cork, and scale its hatchery to support year-round production.

The company’s approach coupling biotechnology with a deep understanding of coastal ecosystems has attracted attention from researchers, investors, and industry partners across Europe and Asia.

‘Seaweed is one of the world’s most sustainable crops,’ O’Neill said.

‘By focusing on high-functionality red seaweeds and developing premium nutraceutical ingredients, we can help transform coastal economies while bringing science-driven products to consumers.’

For O’Neill, the launch marks both a commercial milestone and a mission-driven achievement.

‘This is just the beginning,’ he said. ‘We’re building a platform for Ireland to become a global leader in seaweed-based wellness. The potential is enormous - and we’re only starting to tap into it.’

The products are also available to buy online www.pureocean.ie.