Sparxell Secures €1.9 Million European Innovation Grant for Plant-Based Colourants

Sparxell, a leading innovator in plant-based colourants, has been awarded a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC). This funding will support the company’s expansion of product development.

Advancing Sustainable Colour Technology

Based in Cambridge, Sparxell focuses on revolutionizing the colourants industry by offering sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes used in fashion and cosmetics. The new financial backing will help the company tackle key technical challenges in scaling its natural colourants, which are biodegradable and free from fossil-based chemicals.

The EIC grant is part of the Council’s mission to support transformative innovations that address pressing global issues. Sparxell aims to capture a substantial share of the global $48 billion colourant market with its groundbreaking technology.

Growing Commercial Validation

Since its spin-off from the University of Cambridge in 2023, Sparxell has rapidly established itself in the market. It has successfully completed over 25 fully-funded pilot projects with prominent global brands across various industries, receiving strong commercial validation.

Scaling Up Production

With its first million in sales on the horizon, Sparxell is poised for significant growth. The EIC funding will enable the company to increase its production capacity to tonne-level output in 2025, setting the stage for its first commercial launches with top-tier brands.

Collaborating with Luxury Brands

After joining the La Maison des Startups accelerator program by LVMH, Sparxell has made strong connections with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Loewe. These partnerships are essential in furthering Sparxell’s mission to bring plant-based colours to the forefront of the luxury market.

CEO’s Statement

Dr. Benjamin Droguet, founder and CEO of Sparxell, commented on the grant, stating, “This funding is a game changer for us, helping us to scale our operations and overcome critical hurdles much sooner. Our plant-based approach to colour offers a more sustainable alternative while ensuring the highest standards of performance.”