Our Vision
Unlock the secrets of microalgae; improve the quality of human life.
Microalgae are rapidly gaining popularity due to their wide-ranging applications in different industries. While more and more microalgal species are being discovered, technologies and insights that unearth the potential of these tiny microorganisms are urgently required. They hold the secret to highly beneficial products for consumers.
At Iconthin, we continue to explore microalgae species and use cutting-edge biotechnology to produce high-quality microalgae-based products. It is our endeavor to use that for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications and improve overall human health.




The Story
When I was pursuing my Ph.D. study at the University of Toronto, I was fascinated by the potential of microalgae. They have survived for billions of years but we know very little about them.
My study deepened my understanding of one specific microalgae specie called Haematococcus Pluvialis. It is capable of producing a super-strong antioxidant - astaxanthin - to protect against Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damages caused by environmental stresses.
I started looking around for astaxanthin products for myself and my family. However, I found many products using astaxanthin in questionable ways. I couldn't find a brand that I could trust, so I decided to establish my own.
I founded Iconthin Biotech with the conviction that better health comes from better products and they should be developed by people who understand them. With us, you’ll know how each ingredient is made and why it is there.
Welcome to our family and start experiencing the power of algae now.
Dr. Alvin Cheng
CEO & Founder

Timeline
This section shows a record of what we have accomplished in the past, in academia as well as business. As entrepreneurs, we believe that all these steppingstones have led to the final outcome.

2020.02.04
Hatchery Launchlab Panelist
Invited by The University of Toronto Entrepreneurship Hatchery, for a panel discussion. Our CEO shared his life’s journey and how he used his Ph.D. studies to incorporate a successful company.

2019.10.08~2019.11.08
Blue Bio Value - Lisbon, Portugal
Blue Bio Value is a business program dedicated to blue bioeconomy. We were invited by them to Lisbon for a one-month business trip. The objective was to scale up marine bio-based solutions to meet global market demands while tackling relevant societal challenges.

2019.07.21
UTCSSA x COGITA Startups Meetup
Our CEO was invited by OneHub Business Development Centre as one of the speakers. He shared our company’s vision and industry insights with business professionals, startups and individuals interested in starting a new business.

2019.06.05
UN Green Fair
Iconthin was invited to share sustainable lifestyles and products. We encourage everyone to live more sustainably, by changing their consumption patterns, using active transport, and buying local foods.

2019.05.21
Startup Boost
Startup Boost is a global tech startup accelerator that works with early-stage entrepreneurs to prepare them for investment and scale-up. Under their business guidance and advice, we successfully refined our technology and business model, aiming to tackle bigger problems of the society.

2019.04.05
CRAM Toronto
CRAM brought Toronto’s universities together to bridge the gap between research and the public. Iconthin was invited by CRAM to talk to the public about our experience in commercializing a research project.

2019.03.21
True Blue Expo
True Blue Expo is the University of Toronto’s annual showcase of entrepreneurship initiatives. It is the capstone event of the University of Toronto’s Entrepreneurship Week. We were invited to participate as one of the exhibitors to demonstrate how we can use microalgae to benefit human health while creating a sustainable future.

2019.03.18
MPP Visit
MPP David Piccini, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities, visited the University of Toronto’s Hatchery. Our CEO Alvin Cheng had a discussion with David about how the government can support Iconthin to create a sustainable and green microalgae industry. This conversation greatly increased our confidence in the future of our green technology.

2019.03.04
YEDI
YEDI is a top-tier business accelerator aiming to provide mentorship to Canada’s innovative entrepreneurs, in order to accelerate successful businesses. Iconthin was proud to be selected from more than 400 applicants. We built solid relationships with experienced business mentors and investors throughout the 16-week training process, greatly shaping the future of Iconthin.

2018.12.04
AlgaEurope
Our CEO - Dr. Alvin Cheng was invited by AlgaEurope to participate in the well-known microalgae academic conference and exchange views on academic research directions and progress. We demonstrated our advanced astaxanthin extraction technology on a microfluidic platform.

2018.11.27
Innovate Niagara
Innovate Niagara is a well-known innovation center that supports young entrepreneurs and companies from a variety of industries to start, grow and thrive. Iconthin was invited on the final pitch day to demonstrate how a thriving microalgae industry can help in the mitigation of global warming and how to use algae to benefit human health.

2018.11.23
UTMUST
UTMUST is an annual, university-wide academic event to connect researchers and non-specialist audience. UTMUST aims to showcase the most advanced researches in the most understandable way. Iconthin was invited to talk about the transformation of top-tier researches into a viable daily health supplement – AstaDaily.

2018.06.04
UN Green Fair
The 2018 UN Green Fair topic was World Environment Day. Iconthin was invited to present how to protect our environment and how our microalgae industry is making the world better.

2017.10.28
Algae Biomass Summit - Salt Lake City
Initiated by the Algae Biomass Organization, this event brings together current and future producers of bio-based products, algae crop growers, municipal leaders, technology providers, investors, and policymakers. Our CEO, Dr. Alvin Cheng, was invited to discuss the microalgae technology development and showcase our cutting-edge astaxanthin extraction technology.

2017.09.15
CHFA - Toronto
CHFA is the natural health product industry’s most prestigious trade event. Iconthin participated in the 2018 Canadian Health Food Association Exhibition in Toronto to showcase our “All-In-One” supplement – AstaDaily.

2017.06.18 & 2016.06.29
International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts - Miami & San Diego US
AlgalBBB is hosted by a well-known science journal publisher – ELSEVIER. The conference places a major emphasis on the latest scientific discoveries and facilitates direct interactions between scientists, engineers, funding sponsors, and leaders from around the world. Our CEO, Dr. Alvin Cheng, was invited to give a talk about our most exciting breakthrough in Supercritical CO2 extraction of astaxanthin.

2017.06.05 & 2016.06.05
UN Green Fair - New York
Iconthin was invited to the United Nations Green Fair exhibition to showcase how to live sustainably in our daily life.

2016.10.23
Algae Biomass Summit - Phoenix
Because of our contribution to the development of microalgal technology, our CEO - Dr. Alvin Cheng was presented the “Young Researcher” Award at Algae Biomass Summit Phoenix.
We are building a sustainable future with ALGAE
Say GOODBYE to petrochemicals