ÄIO, a biotechnology company originating from Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), has reached an important new stage: in collaboration with Estonian skincare brand tilk!, it has launched its first consumer product — a facial serum built around ÄIO’s bio-fermented oil, RedOil.
This marks a shift from university-based research to real-world products that people can use in their everyday lives.
According to ÄIO co-founder and TalTech professor Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, this is a natural step in the development of deep tech.
“Universities exist not only to generate knowledge, but to translate that knowledge into realworld impact. This product is a strong example of how science, supported by the right ecosystem, can create tangible values.”
At the core of the new serum is RedOil — a lipid blend produced through a fermentation process using organic side-streams. It contains antioxidants, carotenoids and essential fatty acids, helping to support skin renewal, hydration and resilience.
For ÄIO, this milestone shows that its technology is ready to move from research and development into industrial and consumer-facing applications. Founded in 2022 as a TalTech spin-off, the company focuses on transforming industrial by-products into high-value ingredients.
Fermentation technology makes it possible to produce oils and fats independently of climate conditions, using significantly fewer resources. Compared to traditional agriculture, it requires less land, water and time, while ensuring consistent quality.
Magdalena Koziol, Head of Cosmetic Applications at ÄIO, highlights that RedOil is more than just an alternative to conventional oils.
“When we received the analytical results, it became clear that it delivers real, measurable benefits on the cellular level. This is not just about marketing claims, it is about science,” she said.
The collaboration with tilk! has taken several years, from early testing to the final product. It demonstrates how university-based research can reach the market through close cooperation with industry partners.
The new serum is among the first examples in Europe where a fermentation-derived oil has been successfully incorporated into a consumer skincare product. It brings biotechnology into everyday life and shows how science can shape even routine choices such as skincare.