Our Journey: From Local Seaweed to Global Solutions
Who We Are
Building a Sustainable Future from Saaremaa
Vetik’s story started in 2017, inspired by the abundant red seaweed in Estonian waters, particularly the unique Furcellaria lumbricalis. We saw an opportunity to transform this underutilized resource into sustainable, high-value products. As a startup, our journey has been one of exploration, innovation, and problem-solving.
In the early days, we tested different ideas—from extracting pigments for cosmetics to creating bioplastics. However, biostimulants showed the most promise, offering a natural solution to boost crop growth while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Along the way, we’ve faced challenges, but we’ve also gained significant traction, thanks to a strong team and support from partners across Europe.
With over €700,000 in funding from programs like AlgaeProBANOS, TACO Algae, and the Beamline Deeptech Accelerator, we’ve developed and tested our products extensively. From small lab experiments to greenhouse trials with Estonia’s largest producers, every step has been focused on refining our biostimulants and sidestream products like red pigments and seaweed solids.
Today, we are proud to be a team driven by sustainability, science, and innovation. Our goal is not only to enhance agriculture but also to support rural development in Saaremaa. By creating jobs and promoting eco-friendly practices, we’re turning a local resource into a global impact.
Meet Our Team
Seaweed Harvesting
Arvi Talk brings decades of maritime and fishing expertise to Vetik, ensuring sustainable and efficient seaweed harvesting operations. Based in Saaremaa, he has worked as a professional fisherman and maritime mechanic since 1979, contributing to the sustainable use of local marine resources. Arvi’s deep connection to Saaremaa’s coastal ecosystem and his hands-on experience are vital in supporting Vetik’s mission to create eco-friendly, high-quality products.
Production and Business Development
Tanel Ilmjärv, CEO, and Valmar Kasuk bring a strong background in life sciences and entrepreneurial spirit to Vetik. Tanel, a visionary leader, drives the company’s mission and long-term strategy, while Valmar, a strategist with experience in sales, ensures that ideas are translated into scalable, impactful solutions. Together, they have secured funding, built collaborations, and developed innovative biostimulants, united by their commitment to sustainability and real-world impact.