At a glance
Client: SeaDyes (spin-in company)
Sector: Sustainable materials, textiles, marine biotechnology
Scientific Services provided by: James Hutton Institute Scientific Services (JHISS)
Location: James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie campus
The challenge
The global fashion and textiles industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact,
particularly from the widespread use of synthetic, petroleum-based dyes. While marine-derived,
nature-based dyes offer a promising alternative, developing them into consistent, reproducible and
commercially viable products presents significant scientific and technical challenges.
SeaDyes, founded by marine scientist and biotech innovator Jessica Giannotti, set out to develop
high-performing dyes derived from seaweed. To progress beyond early-stage innovation and towards
scale-up, the company required access to specialist analytical facilities, expert scientific guidance and
commercial support to help protect, refine and grow its technology.
The JHISS approach
By spinning in to The James Hutton Institute through James Hutton Institute Scientific Services (JHISS),
the commercial arm of the Hutton, SeaDyes gained access to a unique combination of scientific
expertise, facilities and commercial capability.
Based on site at The James Hutton Institute’s Invergowrie campus, SeaDyes makes regular use of
laboratory space and specialist equipment to support its research and development activities. This on-site
presence enables close collaboration with Institute scientists, including experts in seaweed analysis, who
provide technical guidance through regular meetings and ongoing knowledge exchange.
Alongside technical support, JHISS has played a key role in supporting SeaDyes’ commercial
development, including guidance on intellectual property and broader commercial insight drawn from
experience supporting emerging technologies and spin-in companies.
Spinning in to the Institute has also enabled SeaDyes to access public funding streams and benefit from
rent-free facilities, reducing barriers to growth and allowing greater focus on innovation.
The impact
- Accelerated development of marine-derived dyes using world-class laboratory facilities
- Strengthened scientific foundations through expert guidance and analysis
- Improved protection and management of intellectual property
- Integrated commercial and technical support
- Progressed research and development through access to public funding
“Joining James Hutton Institute Scientific Services as a spin-in has been a natural and powerful step for
SeaDyes. Being embedded within The James Hutton Institute gives us direct access to world-class laboratories, facilities
and scientific expertise, enabling close collaboration with leading researchers and accelerating our R&D.;
This environment has strengthened the scientific rigour behind our sustainable dye innovations and helped
us translate research into real-world impact as we scale nature-based solutions for a more sustainable
textile industry.”
Jessica Giannotti, Founder of SeaDyes
Looking ahead
SeaDyes continues to work on site at The James Hutton Institute, developing and refining its technology
with ongoing support from James Hutton Institute Scientific Services and Hutton scientists. The
collaboration demonstrates how integrated scientific, technical and commercial expertise can help
innovative companies address global sustainability challenges and move confidently towards
commercialisation.
Work with James Hutton Institute Scientific Services
James Hutton Institute Scientific Services supports organisations through access to specialist facilities,
analytical expertise and commercial know-how. From early-stage innovation to scale-up, JHISS works with
partners to turn scientific insight into real-world impact.
