SeaDyes earns share of £100,000 prize fund after being named joint winner of Regional EDGE Tayside
SeaDyes, an innovative start-up based at The James Hutton Institute’s Invergowrie campus, has been named as a joint winner of the Regional EDGE Tayside prize funding – earning a share of £100,000.
The company, which is developing seaweed-based fabric dyes as a non-toxic alternative to petroleum-based colourants, won £10,000 from the prize fund after impressing judges with their concept and pitch.
The five companies which won funding were chosen from a shortlist of ten finalists after a competitive application process, with the final award ceremony being held at the V&A in Dundee.
In addition to the funds, SeaDyes was granted the status of EDGE Alumnus, giving them access to a network of contacts and business acumen from Scotland’s largest business-funding competition.
Founded by marine scientist and biotech innovator Jessica Giannotti in July 2023, SeaDyes joined The James Hutton Institute as a spin-in company at the beginning of 2025.
Since then, the Hutton has provided access to workspaces, cutting-edge equipment and commercial and scientific support to SeaDyes through Hutton Scientific Services, the commercial wing of the Institute.
SeaDyes founder Jessica Giannotti said, “We set out to secure £10,000, and we did it! We are grateful to the judges and the Scottish Edge team for their guidance and for believing in SeaDyes. This funding will allow us to expand our premises to build a dedicated quality control and dye performance lab.
“Being based at the James Hutton Institute has enabled this plan. As a hub for Agri- and ClimaTech innovation, the Hutton provides the expertise and infrastructure needed to accelerate ambitious, high-growth ventures developing the nature-based solutions of tomorrow. With spaces still available, I encourage startups with bold ideas to make Hutton their home. Just reach out to find out more.”
Regional EDGE is the regional wing of Scottish EDGE, Scotland’s biggest business funding competition. Following a successful pilot in 2025, the competition returned to offer a chance for entrepreneurs and businesses to pitch for a share of £100,000. The Tayside event was the last of four award ceremonies held as part of the contest, with others taking place in the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeen and the South of Scotland. The funding was delivered in partnership with Elevator and Growbiz, two social enterprises providing support to businesses.
Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, said, “Regional EDGE is fast becoming an important part of supporting ambitious entrepreneurs across Scotland. By taking our competitive pitch format to different parts of the country, we’re able to back businesses with the potential to grow, create jobs and strengthen the economy.
“This round’s Regional EDGE Tayside Final has showcased the impressive strength of entrepreneurial talent across the Tayside region. We’re grateful to both Elevator and Growbiz for their support in making the awards possible and for helping us continue to champion the businesses building Scotland’s future.”
