Indoor environments—where individuals in urbanized
regions like China spend the majority of their time—are significantly
threatened by mold and dampness. In a multi-city study covering 36,541 Chinese
households, 6.3% of homes reported visible mold on internal surfaces, 11.1%
reported damp stains, and 11.1% experienced mold odor; these conditions were
strongly associated with respiratory and skin symptoms such as rhinitis,
throat irritation, fatigue, and headache
[2][3]. Globally, roughly 50% of homes and up to 85% of
commercial buildings exhibit signs of water damage that can lead to mold
growth
[4]. Similarly, in the United States, exposure to indoor
dampness and mold also causes enormous economic losses. In fact, the allergic
rhinitis caused by mold costs about $3.7 billion annually, and mold-related
acute bronchitis contributes an additional $1.9 billion each year
[5].
Despite the severity of this issue,
existing
solutions remain inadequate: conventional chemical mold removers often fail to
remove mold from its root, have risks of remaining toxic materials, or even
have harmful impacts on users, while natural alternatives often lack
sufficient efficiency
[6][7].
Consequently, GreatBay-SCIE 2025 aims to
launch a product that effectively removes mold from wall surfaces while also
incorporating aromatic alcohols to release a pleasant fragrance—offering a
safe, dual-function solution that surpasses conventional cleaning agents in
both efficacy and user experience.
Since the mold problem is real
and causes significant losses, how large is the market created by this issue?
Market Analysis
Figure 3. A diagram introducing ArMOLDgeddon’s SOM, SAM,
and TAM
[8][13][14]
1.1 Total Available Market (TAM)
We defined our total available market (TAM) as the
global mold remover market size, which reached USD 2.34 billion in 2024, with
a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% observed over the past
year. The market is anticipated to maintain this momentum, projecting a value
of USD 4.28 billion by 2033 as per CAGR calculations
[8]. Below are more details related to the global mold
removal market.
Details about mold removal market
Figure 4. Pie chart of the mold remover’s market
size around the globe
[9]
The market is relatively concentrated. North
America and Europe are accounted for 39% and 20-25% of the global mould
removal service revenue and leads in demand for eco-friendly solutions.
In the Asia-Pacific region where we are located it contributes to 29% of
global mold removal service revenue but is dominated by low-cost
chemical products
[9].
Figure 5. Table of the market share of differnet
types of mold removers
[10]
Some mold remover products also include natural
essential oils to mask and eliminate odors. Additionally, they may
contain phytoncide active ingredients such as α-pinene, limonene, and
eucalyptus. These compounds can destroy mold cell membranes, inhibit
spore germination, disrupt mold metabolism, neutralize musty odors, and
degrade organic toxins
[11][12].
1.2 Service Available Market (SAM)
We define our Serviceable Available Market (SAM) as the
mold remover market in China. This market generated USD 498.9 million in
revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 964.5 million by 2030,
representing a CAGR of 11.6% from 2025 to 2030
[13].
Figure 6. The Chinese mold remover market size and its
CAGR
[13]
1.3 Service Obtainable Market (SOM)
Our estimated Service Obtainable Market (SOM) is $6
million, focused on the mold remover market in Guangdong Province. To reach
this figure, we research the annual sales volume of a mid-to-high-end
biological mold remover on Taobao as a reference
[14]. Below is a detailed introduction to our
methodology.
Methodology
Figure 7. Steps for us to determine our SOM
Step 1. Determine trade area based on
regulations
Mold removers are regulated under the
Regulations on the Administration of Disinfection Products
[15].
Products must undergo efficacy testing demonstrating antifungal
activity
[15].
Safety assessments, including acute toxicity tests and skin and eye
irritation evaluations, are needed
[16].
Labeling requirements mandate displaying ingredient lists and safety
instructions
[17].
Recent updates include the new national standards
on coatings (GB 30981.1-2025 and GB 30981.2-2025), effective June 1,
2026, tightening controls on hazardous substances in related products,
promoting green and sustainable industry development
[18].
Step2. Identify population
being affected by climate causing mold
growth
Climate Impact References:
Increased regional humidity results in cyclical mold growth,
especially in humid subtropical zones such as South China (e.g.
Guangdong Province)
[19].
Literature underscores that moisture and temperature fluctuations
are primary drivers of indoor mold proliferation
[19].
Calculating Population at Risk:
Guangdong Province has a population number that is over 127 million
[20].
Given the humid subtropical climate, an estimated 20% of households
and commercial buildings face mold risk annually
[21].
This translates to approximately 25.4 million people potentially
affected by mold growth in the targeted trade area.
Step3. Determine market
size
Our target customers include families with
vulnerable members (infants, elderly), mid-to-high-end hotels,
hospitals, food industry, mold removal company and museums/heritage
preservation entities.
Since we do not yet have our final
product, we cannot calculate our SOM directly. Therefore, we selected a
Chinese bio-based mid-to-high-end mold remover (approximately $6 per 480
g bottle) that is mostly sealed to Guangdong Province as a reference
[14]. Based on our research, this product sold
around
1 million units last year. Using this data as a proxy, we estimate our
SOM to be around $6 × 1 million = $6 million.
Given the substantial size of the market, our products
have strong potential for growth. However, in such a highly competitive
environment, the key question is: do customers still face unmet needs that
could be solved by our products?
Unmet Needs
Pain Points Ranking
We select 24 products from leading brands, inspect the
server for comments on every product, and rank the percentages of pain points
mentioned
[22].
Figure 8. The word cloud of the frequency of one pain
point being mentioned (the bigger the words, the more frequently this pain
point is being mentioned)
[22] .
To successfully translate scientific innovation into
market impact, a rigorous analysis of unmet customer needs is essential. We
systematically evaluated over 30 commercial mold removal products, selecting
24 leading brands as key competitors. We conducted deep market research to
identify critical consumer decision factors. This analysis distilled 4 key
purchasing dimensions, which were further broken down into 9 specific “pain
points.” These pain points were then prioritized based on their frequency in
customer complaints and perceived urgency, allowing us to pinpoint the most
significant market gaps and align our product development with clear
commercial demand
[22].
Detailed analysis
Effect on Mold
Effectiveness
A
critical market gap identified through customer feedback is the limited
effectiveness of conventional mold removal solutions. This represents a
significant commercial opportunity, as users consistently report
unsatisfactory results—including the need for repeated applications and
outright product failure. Further undermining market confidence, many
manufacturers fail to provide credible, function-specific certifications
or third-party validation on their platforms, eroding trust and
highlighting a clear demand for reliably effective
solutions.
In response, our project, arMOLDgeddon, is
designed to deliver superior efficacy through a targeted enzymatic
approach. Unlike broad-spectrum chemical oxidizers, our formulation
specifically degrades key structural components of mold cell
walls—chitin and glucan—using a combination of chitinase and glucanase.
This multi-enzyme system ensures more complete hydrolysis and
irreversible elimination, positioning arMOLDgeddon as a
precision-biology solution with demonstrably higher effectiveness and
clear competitive advantage.
Time to
react
A core issue similar to the bad effects of
current commercial products is that these products require a very long
period to have an effect, requiring a long process to do its job.
Potential customers of ArMOLDgeddon expressed their dissatisfaction
towards the reaction time of current products. The housewife we
interviewed reflected that the foam had to remain on the wall for more
than 40 minutes to be effective, and then wiped repeatedly, greatly
decreasing the efficiency of household cleaning.
Again, with
the combination of three enzymes that are specific to mold cell wall
component, arMOLDgeddon can greatly reduce the time of cleaning mold.
Instantly upon spraying onto walls, our product starts reacting – no
wiping needed, no waiting time. Customers can experience a perfectly
clean wall surface right away.
Mold
recurrence
Even if some products may manage to
achieve temporary removal of mold infestations, many existing products
have a disability in the prevention of mold recurrence. Stakeholders of
ArMOLDgeddon, especially the housewife we interviewed, complained about
the lack of mold prevention function of existing mold removers. It
forced them to apply detergent frequently, each time with a higher
dose.
This issue stems from incomplete mold removal.
ArMOLDgeddon employs three enzymes that simultaneously target mold,
completely eradicating deep-seated fungi within the wall
structure—effectively resolving the problem at its root.
Effect on Human
Irritative odor
The
pungent smell of current products was the aspect most complained by our
potential users – most of them reported getting nauseas, despite wearing
masks. Furthermore, our individual user reported having to ventilate for
one hour, because she fear her children inhaling the product. Despite
her effect, the pungent smell remains for 2 days at
least.
ArMOLDgeddon relieves people from such concerns, for
we do not contain any oxidizers or disinfectant with strong odor. On the
contrary, we took our customers’ complaint on the ‘moldy smell’ in their
houses, and we tackled it with geraniol, a chemical with a pleasant
tangerine-like aroma.
Irritation to skin and
eye
Another issue concerning customers is the
irritative nature of the products to human skin and eye. A majority of
the competitive products we inspected required their customers to wear
protective clothing such as rubber gloves, due to common irritants like
hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds. Customers also reflected
that their faces were prone to the damage of the foam, causing swollen
eyes.
However, arMOLDgeddon does not contain any ingredient
that is irritative. Our enzymes are biodegradable, posing no threat to
our body and the geraniol we use is also proven to be safe
[23][24][25][26].
Hazardous
ingredients
Additionally, customers are concerned
about potentially hazardous ingredients present in the existing mold
removers. The housewife we contacted expressed her sincere concerns
about the toxicity of mold removers: she particularly dreaded her
children accidentally consume the product, resulting in severe digestive
issues. According to our investigation, hypochlorite-based mold remover
posed a threat to the human endocrine systems, disrupting our hormone
levels.
ArMOLDgeddon’s ingredients, however, are much safer.
Chitinase, glucanase and lysozyme are bio-enzymes, while geraniol is
easily biodegradable. Through arMOLDgeddon, we express our concerns for
the well-being of our customers and a sustainable future.
Effect on Environment
Damage to walls
Our
potential customers showed dissatisfaction towards the damage of current
products to surfaces.The greatest voices of complaint came from chemical
mold remover users, who reported different degree of damage of metal,
acrylic and wall papers after applying. Current mold detergents not only
causes stains, but also bleaching of surfaces, diminishing user
experience.
These are the results of oxidizers in their
formula, corroding the wall structure, causing patches of ugliness as
discomforting as mold. ArMOLDgeddon takes this factor into
consideration, managing to tackle mold without these
chemicals.
Damage to
organisms
Additional to their own health, our
potential users are also concerned about their pets and plants they
grow. Some of our interviewees reflected that using a chemical mold
remover on their balcony results in the death of their home-grown
vegetable.
Because ArMOLDgeddon uses all biological
ingredients, it doesn’t pose a threat on organisms. Our enzymes are all
biodegradable, so they will not remain in the natural environment for a
long time.
Commercial Aspects
Price
We analyze the
price of our competitors using the feedback we got from our public
survey and our individual stakeholder (see integrated human practice
page for details), 100RMB per 500mL is our criteria. Generally, products
with biological ingredients added were charged higher than our
stakeholders’ expectations.
However, the longer lasting time
period of biological ingredients means that less of our product needs to
be applied on mold-infested surfaces in the same time period,
potentially reducing purchasing amount and saving more money overall
compared to our competitors.
Other Aspects
Confusing ingredient
table
During our consultancy with some reviewing
influencers, they reflected customers were often confused by the
ingredient table of current mold remover products. For instance, several
biological product only informed consumer “enzymes” were used in their
product, not specifically indicate which enzyme. This suggests their
contents might not be 100% compliant to our country’s regulation,
cheating on customers. However, the ingredients of ArMOLDgeddon are
clearly labeled and clear.
Current Complain Gallery
Figure 9: A collection of the screenshots of the
comments we found on Tmall about current mold remover.
[27][28][29][30]
Having identified the motivation behind our project and
clarified the market’s existing pain points and unmet needs, the next crucial
step is to evaluate the feasibility of our proposed solution. We wander to
know: could we survive in the highly competitive market?
Feasibility
Internal Factors
Technology we used
Figure 10: Mechanism of ArMOLDgeddon [31-37]
ArMOLDgeddon is an innovative antifungal solution that
integrates chitinase, glucanase, lysozyme and natural terpenes to achieve
optimum eliminating and inhibiting effect to mold.
Chitinase: Hydrolyzes β-1,4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers in chitin,
breaking down one of the main structural components of the mold cell wall
[31].
Lysozyme: Disrupts cell wall integrity through its cationic charge and
induces ROS formation, further damaging fungal cells
[33].
Geraniol with Cyclodextrin: Provides antifungal activity and a rose-like
fragrance. Encapsulation ensures controlled release and prolonged
effectiveness
[34][35][36][37].
Protein Engineering & Stabilization: MPNN optimization enhances
chitinase and glucanase stability, while lysozyme mutants improve expression
and activity. Encapsulation and cross-linking further extend antifungal
performance
[38].
Microbial Fermentation: Eco-friendly fermentation ensures efficient,
sustainable enzyme production at scale
[39][40].
Therefore, considering the technology we used, we
perform a SWOT analysis focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of our
product and also the opportunities and threats to our enterprise, which could
help GreatBay-SCIE understand the factors influencing ArMOLDgeddon and
demonstrate the market position of it.
Enzyme-based synthetic biology solution that is non-toxic,
biodegradable, and safe for sensitive groups (e.g. infants, pregnant
women)
[23][24][25][26], while offering a pleasant citrus aroma
instead of harsh chemical odors.
Superior Mold Removal Efficiency
Hybrid formula combining enzymes, lysozymes, and natural
phytoncides, enabling deep-rooted mold elimination with higher
efficiency than conventional products.
Versatile & User-Friendly
Compatible with multiple surfaces and household materials, supported
by adaptable hardware tools (e.g. spray nozzles for tight spaces) to
meet diverse cleaning scenarios.
Low Risk of Resistance
Mold is unlikely to develop resistance to the chitinase and
glucanase in our product
[41], because these enzymes target the very cell
wall component that is essential for their structure and survival.
Target Specific
For organisms lacking chitin, β1,6-glucan, and β1,3-glucan,
ArMOLDgeddon will not have any hydrolyzing effect on them, preventing
off-target effects.
Weakness
Enzyme Stability & Shelf Life
Current enzymes require cold-chain logistics and quick use after
opening.
Production & Biosafety Concerns
Risk of accidental leakage of genetically modified organisms during
production.
Market Penetration Limitations
At present, we lack established physical distribution channels,
which may slow customer access.
Opportunity
Expanding demand and Market Size
ArMOLDgeddon will benefit from the current global climate, as the
continuous increase in temperature and humidity will cause a 7.1% CAGR
(compound annual growth rate) in the mold remover market (2024–2033)
[8].
Increasing public awareness to health threats of mold, giving us
more opportunities to promote and sell our product.
National initiatives like China’s “Health China 2030” and stricter
chemical regulations could favor safer biological alternatives
[42][43][44].
Variety of fields and commercial collaboration
More application of ArMOLDgeddon can be cooperated with our products
as a base, such as cross-sell with air filter, humidifiers and so on.
As ArMOLDgeddon wields artificial intelligence in our modelling, we
could seek cooperation from companies that specialize in AI, like
XtalPi.
A key component of our product is terpene, which is also an
important ingredient in many perfume and fragrant products. By
providing our formula to perfume producers, we can collaborate with
them and get their specialist support.
Production line expansion
ArMOLDgeddon has the potential to develop different types of
products, for example, a titration device for removing mold on
cultural relics.
Threat
Competitive Pressure
Dominant brands control online shopping app’s search rankings and
the majority of the market B consumers. While ArMOLDgeddon is a
new-born enterprise, we don’t have a stable source of customers.
Undesirable consumer Behavior Inertia
Many consumers are accustomed to cheap, chemical-based mold removers
or perfumes to mask odors
The public doesn’t recognize the potential of biosynthetic products,
fearing they may pose a threat to their health.
Unpredictability
Our demand is greatly affected by weather and climate. While in the
hot and humid summer, the demand is great, in the dryer winter, demand
shrinks
[44].
USP
Based on the analysis above, here is our product’s
Unique Selling Point (USP):
Figure 12. ArMOLDgeddon’s unique selling point (USP)
Beyond our product, our team’s skills and capabilities
are also crucial to our success.
Skills
Figure 13. Skills of our team (GreatBay-SCIE)
GreatBay-SCIE has cultivated a diverse and
complementary skill set that enables us to drive our iGEM project from concept
to real-world impact.
Scientific Research Abilities
Our team possesses strong wet-lab
and computational skills, demonstrated through the design and optimization
of our enzymatic mold removal system. We have successfully engineered
chitinase and glucanase enzymes for enhanced stability and efficiency,
conducted rigorous biochemical assays, and validated product performance
under real-world conditions. This capacity for hypothesis-driven R&D
allows us to develop a product grounded in solid science.
Strategic Thinking
We adopt a systems-level approach to project
planning. This is reflected in our phased product development roadmap—from
invention and establishment to scaled production and expansion. We have
systematically analyzed market gaps, regulatory pathways, and stakeholder
needs, allowing us to align scientific milestones with clear commercial and
social objectives.
Human Resources Management
Our team is structured to leverage
interdisciplinary expertise, with clear role allocation among wet-lab
researchers, dry-lab modelers, business developers, and educators. We have
implemented weekly syncs, task-tracking systems, and peer feedback loops to
maintain productivity and cohesion. Additionally, our outreach and education
initiatives showcase our ability to recruit, inspire, and coordinate with
diverse external groups.
Financing Capabilities
We have built realistic financial models
based on lab-scale production costs and market-based pricing analysis.
Through engagement with venture capitalists and industry experts, we refined
our valuation and funding strategy. We are experienced in budgeting,
resource allocation, and identifying potential grant and subsidy
opportunities—such as China’s high-tech enterprise tax incentives—to improve
fiscal sustainability.
Marketing and Promotion
Our user-centered strategy involved
re-interviewing stakeholders to adapt our product formats to their specific
needs, while our design team developed cohesive branding and visual
materials to enhance market appeal.
Together, these form the foundation of GreatBay-SCIE,
an entrepreneurial team capable of delivering a responsible, scalable, and
high-impact synthetic biology solution.
To ensure the profitability
and long-term sustainability of our product in the market, it is essential for
us to identify our revenue. Thus, we need to calculate the cost of production
and the estimated price to determine a feasible profit margin and overall
financial viability.
Capibilities
Estimated Costs
Sprayer
Atomizer
Gel
Coating
Titration Device
Sticker
Filter
Model
1 spary bottle (500mL) + 2 sachet
1 Atomizer head + bottle (500mL) + 2 sachet
100mL
1L
10mL + 10 sachets (0.3g)
10cm * 10cm * 100 pieces
per square meter
Cost / $
0.87859
2.168593
0.1888793
1.061793
31.3042965
0.264
0.18095
Model
1 spary bottle (1500mL) + 6 sachet
1 Atomizer head + bottle (1000mL) + 4 sachet
200mL
5L
25mL + 10 sachets (0.3g)
15cm * 15cm * 100 pieces
N/A
Cost / $
2.685779
2.817186
0.2791586
4.158965
33.4142965
0.594
N/A
Model
1 spary bottle (3000mL) + 12 sachet
1 Atomizer head + bottle (2000mL) + 8 sachet
N/A
10L
50mL + 10 sachets (0.3g)
20cm * 20cm * 100 pieces
N/A
Cost / $
5.111558
4.214372
N/A
8.88793
34.8142965
1.06
N/A
Model
N/A
1 Atomizer head + bottle (5000mL) + 20 sachet
N/A
200L
N/A
N/A
N/A
Cost / $
N/A
8.03593
N/A
141.2086
N/A
N/A
N/A
Model
N/A
1 Atomizer head + bottle (10000mL) + 40 sachet
N/A
+ brushes
N/A
N/A
N/A
Cost / $
N/A
14.58186
N/A
+2.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
Figure 14. Estimated cost of our products [61-76]
[78-80]
Calculation process
Calculation Process
Cost of component (enzyme &
terpene):
Production cost estimation per 100-ton
fermenter batch (with OEM):
Procedure
Examples
Estimated cost (RMB)
Estimate yield
Estimated enzyme yield g/L
Estimated total enzyme yield kg
Estimated cost of producing enzyme dry powder RMB/t enzyme
powder with OEM RMB/t
Fermentation
Raw materials, energy, labour, devices
450,000
70t fermentation broth
14t wet cell biomass
10
630
950,000
Purification
Devices for purification and ultrafiltration
150,000
Figure 15. This is a report of the cost of mass
production with OEM from Mr. Zhong, an experienced industrial
manufacturer
According to Khan, M. F.
[61], a virus-inoculated cotton plant has plant sap
containing chitinase of specific activity 148.67 U/mg and
β-1,3-glucanase of specific activity 30.75 U/mg. It is thus hypothesized
that our final anti-mold mixture should reach a comparable enzymatic
activity to gain relatively effective antifungal
activity.
For the chitinase component, we first considered
BcChiA, which has a reported activity of 197 U/mg, exceeding the target
threshold of 148.67 U/mg. Given a concentration of 0.222 mg/ml,
preparing 500 ml of solution yields a total of 111 mg of enzyme.
Converting this into a mass fraction relative to one metric ton
(1,000,000,000 mg), we obtain 1.11 × 10⁻⁷. Multiplying this by the unit
price of 950,000 RMB per ton results in a cost of 0.10545
RMB.
Next, we included rMvEChi, which has an activity of 36
U/mg. When considered at fivefold concentration, its effective activity
exceeds the 148.67 U/mg benchmark. With a working concentration of 0.44
mg/ml, producing 500 ml with the 5-fold factor corresponds to 1100 mg of
enzyme. Expressed as a fraction of a ton, this equals 1.1 × 10⁻⁶.
Multiplying by 950,000 RMB per ton yields a cost of 1.045
RMB.
For the glucanase component, two enzymes were also
selected. Specifically, for the β-(1,3-1,4)-glucanase component, we
examined Bglu1, which has a very high activity of 532.077 U/mg. This
level is more than fifteen times greater than the required 30.75 U/mg,
so we only need to use one-fifteenth of its concentration. With an
initial concentration of 0.159 mg/ml, scaled to 500 ml, this amounts to
5.3 mg of enzyme. Converted to a ton fraction, this is 5.3 × 10⁻⁹, which
corresponds to a cost of 0.005035 RMB. In addition, we assessed BglS27,
which is β-1,3-glucanase and has a much lower activity of 2.06 U/mg. To
achieve the target threshold, we must apply it at fifteenfold
concentration. At a base concentration of 0.113 mg/ml, scaled to 500 ml
with the 15-fold factor, the total comes to 847.5 mg. This represents
8.475 × 10⁻⁷ of a ton, corresponding to a cost of 0.80513 RMB. Summing
all four enzyme costs gives a total of 1.96061 RMB (equal to $0.2757965)
for the enzymatic component of the mixture.
Beyond enzymes,
we also choose geraniol as a direct mold inhibitor. According to A. L.
Mahmoud, the minimum inhibitory concentration of geraniol is 500 ppm
(500 mg/L)
[62]. For 500 ml of solution, this corresponds to
250
mg. Given its production cost is 11 USD per kilogram
[63], the cost is calculated as follows:250 mg ÷
1,000,000 mg = 0.00025 kg, and 0.00025 × 11 = 0.00275 USD. To stabilize
geraniol and improve its solubility, we included γ-cyclodextrin at the
same concentration, following a 1:1 mass ratio. For 500 ml, this again
requires 250 mg. With a cost of 7.5 USD per kilogram
[64], the calculation is 0.00025 × 7.5 = 0.00075
USD.
Thus, the total cost for the geraniol and γ-cyclodextrin component is
0.0035 USD.
Taken together, the cost of producing 500 ml of
the complete anti-mold mixture is $0.2757965 + $0.0035 =
$0.2792965
Cost of packing
Spray
3 g sachet (foil pouch): $0.01 per piece (bulk)
[65].
Volume
Price Quote (per unit, bulk)
500 mL
$0.30
1500 mL
$0.95
3000 mL
$1.64
Figure 16. Table of the volume of the spray bottle
and its price
[66][67][68]
Atomizer
3 g sachet (foil pouch): $0.01 per piece (bulk)
[65].
Atomizer head (single unit): $1.39
per piece (representative)
[69]
Volume
Price Quote (per unit, bottle)
500 mL
$0.20
1000 mL
$0.27
2000 mL
$0.51
5000 mL
$0.86
10000 mL
$1.62
Figure 17. Table of the volume of the bottle and
its price
[70][71]
Gel
Thickening agent: 12.64 USD/kg; 0.5% thickening
(5g needed for 1 L solution –> 0.0632USD)
[72]
Volume/mL
Price Quote (per unit, bulk)
100
$0.1267
200
$0.1548
Figure 18. Table of the price of plastic bulk in
different volumes
[73]
Coating
Volume
Price Quote (per unit, bucket)
1 L
$0.44
5 L
$1.05
10 L
$2.67
200 L
$16.85
Figure 19. Table of the price of metal bucket in
different volumes
[74][75]
Figure 21. Table of the area of the sticker and
its price
[72][79]
Cost ofFilter
Based on our interview with Mr.
Zhong, an experienced industrial manufacturer, we identify the cost of
mass production (with OEM) of 1 ton of AC filters with our enzyme to be
approximately 48,000 RMB. To translate the unit into cost per square
meter, we first search the mass per unit area of a standard spunbonded
polyester filter with a thickness of 0.65 mm, which is 265 g per square
meter
[80]. Accordingly, one metric ton of filter
material
(1,000,000 g) would correspond to an area of approximately 3,770 m²
(1,000,000 g ÷ 265 g/m²). From this, the production cost can be
calculated by dividing the total cost of one ton of filter by its area,
resulting in 1.272 RMB per m², which is equivalent to 0.18095 USD per
m².
Pricing Strategies
We need pricing strategies because price is not just a
number——it is a strategic tool that directly affects our position in the
market. We hope to price ArMOLDgeddon to define our value, showing the
customers that our enzymatic mold remover is a premium, innovative solution
compared to other products.
For reference, we conducted market
research on existing biological mold remover products and their pricing to
understand whether similar products already exist and how they set their
prices. Through this analysis, we inspected the detailed pricing mechanism in
the mold remover market, concluding two of the major factors that influence
pricing most:
I. Tiered Pricing by Volume Unit
Economy (sodium hypochlorite/bleach-based): $0.0041~0.0069/mL(e.g., Kai
$2.67/400mL → $0.0066/mL; Water Guard $8.26/960mL → $0.0086/mL)
Added lysozyme/bio-enzymes: 20%~40% price increase (vs pure chemical
agents)(e.g., Vitos (enzyme-free) $2.21/500mL vs outbergal
(enzyme-containing) $6.76/300mL)
Safety claims (non-toxic/safe for pregnant women and infants): 15%~25%
premium
After judging the market’s criteria and balancing
price, cost-effectiveness, and safety, we decide to set our spray product’s
price as $0.005/mL
Figure 22. The price for one 500ml spray bottle and one
sachet of powder sufficient for dilution in 500ml of water
Additionally, based on our cost, we also calculated the
prices of our other products.
Sprayer
Atomizer
Gel
Coating
Titration Device
Sticker
Filter
Model
1 spary bottle (500mL) + 2 sachet
1 Atomizer head + bottle (500mL) + 2 sachet
100mL
1L
10mL + 10 sachets (0.3g)
10cm * 10cm * 100 pieces
per square meter
Price / $
5
7
2
7
45
5
5
Model
1 spary bottle (1500mL) + 6 sachet
1 Atomizer head + bottle (1000mL) + 4 sachet
200mL
5L
25mL + 10 sachets (0.3g)
15cm * 15cm * 100 pieces
N/A
Price / $
12
12
3
25
50
7.5
N/A
Model
1 spary bottle (3000mL) + 12 sachet
1 Atomizer head + bottle (2000mL) + 8 sachet
N/A
10L
50mL + 10 sachets (0.3g)
20cm * 20cm * 100 pieces
N/A
Price / $
25
20
N/A
48
55
10
N/A
Model
N/A
1 Atomizer head + bottle (5000mL) + 20 sachet
N/A
200L
N/A
N/A
N/A
Price / $
N/A
50
N/A
980
N/A
N/A
N/A
Model
N/A
1 Atomizer head + bottle (10000mL) + 40 sachet
N/A
+ brushes
N/A
N/A
N/A
Price / $
N/A
95
N/A
+ 3
N/A
N/A
N/A
Figure 23. Price of our products
External Factors
Focusing only on our product and team is not enough for
us to survive in the competitive market; we must analyze the external factors
in the market.
Stakeholders
GreatBay-SCIE has developed a plan for the sustainable
development of ArMOLDgeddon. A key element of this strategy is building and
sustaining long-term relationships with our major stakeholders. Thus,
GreatBay-SCIE has categorized stakeholders into four groups, allowing us to
create a more practical and targeted approach for maintaining stable and
mutually beneficial relationships.
Type of Stakeholders
Stakeholders We Interviewed
Our Action
Future Plan
Potential Risks & Solution
Customers
- Restaurant - Individual Households - Housekeeping
Company - Cultural Heritage Organizations - Hotel -
Hospital
- We have identified our potential customers through surveys and
interviews with individuals and institutions affected by mold
contamination. By collecting their feedback, we obtained valuable
insights that help guide both our product design and marketing
strategies
- In the future, we aim to gain customers’ feedback after launching
our product during the pilot sales phase, justifying their attitudes
toward our products and refining them based on their suggestions.
Additionally, we aim to establish continuous feedback loops through
online platforms, ensuring that user experiences consistently inform
product refinement and innovation
- Distrust towards biosynthesis products and prioritizing
chemical-based mold remover - Solution: keep increasing education
for the general public - Lack of awareness of mold’s health
risks - Solution: increase announcements regarding mold’s
damage - Customers may have a different focus on the
characteristics of the products compared to us - Solution:
frequently communicate with them, gather their feedback, and refine our
products based on these suggestions
Specialists
- Enzyme Engineering Expert - Filter Expert - Expert on Mass
Production - Expert from CDC (Centers for Disease Control) -
Doctor - Enzyme Immobilization Expert - Mycologist - Law
Expert - Capital Market Specialist - Mold Remediation Market
Expert - Mold Removal Research Institute
- We have consulted experts in variable areas to assess our product’s
technical feasibility and scalability. Their professional input helped
us validate the existence of the market and refine our product design,
production timeline, safety testing, and regulatory compliance strategy
- We will continue to collaborate with specialists to optimize
production efficiency and safety standards and help us refine our
products. In addition, we plan to invite experts to serve as long-term
advisors for quality control and environmental assessment as we move
toward commercialization
- May have dissension in opinions - Solution: establish a
consultative committee to maintain long-term communication - May
lack participation toward our product, causing lack of
understanding - Solution: frequently share information, discuss,
and absorb practical advice - Advice may not be implemented in an
appropriate way - Solution: create feedback integration cycles to
show how advice is being used
Business Partners
- Filter Expert - Expert from CDC (Could Assist Us Conduct Mouse
Allegory Experiment Tests) - Gree
- We have established communication with potential business partners,
including partners who could help us sell our filter and help us conduct
safety tests
- In the next stage, we aim to form strategic partnerships with key
stakeholders across our supply chain, including upstream and downstream
suppliers, OEM manufacturers, and distributors (both wholesalers and
retailers), to support future product sales. In addition, we plan to
establish a long-term collaboration with Gree, leveraging their
expertise in filter design and their strong market influence to
accelerate our product’s entry and expansion in the market
- May have inefficient communication with us and misunderstand our
requirements - Solution: communicate with them frequently to
ensure smooth and clear communication - May offer inadequate
services - Solution: establish a supervisory department to
supervise their actions - May have an unstable partnership, and
they may switch to collaborate with our competitors - Solution:
sign a long-term cooperation agreement to build a win-win
relationship - We may be overdependent on a single partner -
Solution: diversify partners - IP (intellectual property)
leakage - Solution: introduce an IP protection clause
Competitors
- Mold Removal Brands We Found on Taobao & Tmall
- We researched existing mold removal products on Taobao, analyzing
their ingredients, selling points, pricing, and market positioning.
Through this comparison, we identified the industrial standards and gaps
in current products, allowing us to highlight our unique
advantages—biological safety, sustainability, and enhanced
efficiency—and develop a differentiated competitive strategy
- In the future, we plan to continuously monitor competitor innovation
trends and update our strategy accordingly. By maintaining
differentiation through technological advancement and eco-friendly
design, we aim to establish a stable position in the market
- May imitate our techniques and quickly occupy the market & may
use improper competition methods to smear our company - Solution:
increase the technical barrier, apply for a patent, and increase brand
propaganda to increase brand recognition and build user trust -
Larger companies may outcompete us with economies of scale -
Solution: establish tough relationships with upstream and downstream
suppliers to reduce cost
Figure 24. The diagram lists the role of stakeholders,
our expectations toward them, potential risks that may be faced, and our
actions to overcome those risks
User-centered analysis has been essential in validating
the design direction of our enzyme-based solution, as it reveals how the
inherent advantages of our product directly correspond to the expressed needs
of key stakeholders. Through systematic engagement with households, commercial
firms, and government agencies, we identified critical limitations in existing
mold removal methods—such as concerns over safety, efficiency, and regulatory
compliance. The core features of our approach, including rapid enzymatic
action and non-toxic degradation, are naturally aligned with these unmet
demands. Guided by the specific characteristics of enzymatic reagents, we
strategically identified appropriate user segments and refined our solution to
better serve their practical requirements.
Figure 25. a pyramid ranking chart of end users for
ArMOLDgeddon (the higher a type of user is located on the chart, the more
important they are to us)
For ArMOLDgeddon, hospitals have the highest priority.
This is because the immune-compromised people are most concentrated in
hospitals and they are the most sensitive to mold infection. Restaurants
ranked the second, for they are dealing with food, which will be directly
consumed by customers. There is great necessity for them to keep their food
clean, both from mold and chemical residues.
Individuals are our
third most important stakeholders, compared to the former two, they do not
have such urgent demand for safety. However, they are still concerned about
the well-being of themselves and their family.
Hotels follow next.
As most of their cleaning and maintenance tasks are handled by professional
cleaning partners, their direct need for a dedicated mold removal product is
relatively moderate.
The second least urgent user is the department
of cultural relics protection. While the preservation of cultural heritage is
undoubtedly important, ArMOLDgeddon is primarily designed with human health
and practical daily use as its core focus.
The last user on the
list is domestic service companies. According to our interview with them, they
did do various mold removal jobs, but the products they used were provided by
their customers, the households.
Figure 26. a mind map of the classifications of our
potential into three categories — individual, firms and government — along
with their prioritized needs
Detailed analysis
Hospital
One of our stakeholders reflected that when she
was staying in the hospital, she noticed the air conditioner had mold
growing on it, blowing out the spores and decreasing her hospitalization
experience. Hospitals should maintain a hygiene environment for patient
safety, therefore they have the obligation to clean every moldy
spot.
Why hospitals have profound needs for our
product
Common chemical methods of cleaning mold
does not work in hospital scenarios, for they bring a pungent smell and
chemical residue. ArMOLDgeddon, on the other hand, is discreet and
contains safe, biological ingredients, minimizing the risks of causing
secondary damage.
Restaurants
In the food industry, cleanliness and safety are
essential, yet mold threatens both. While chemical mold removers can be
effective, they will often leave unsafe residue, causing digestive
problem if they are accidentally consumed.
Why
restaurants have profound needs for our
product
ArMOLDgeddon would be an ideal choice for
them, effectively killing the mold while leaving no residue. It also
doesn’t cause significant issues when being digested.
Individuals
From our interview, we learned that our
individual stakeholders value the safety of the product the most and
complained about the need for ventilation after applying the mold
remover products because of their irritative odor. Another area of
reflection is that the place which mold remover is applied on often
turns yellowish, lowering the overall indoor aesthetics of their indoor
spaces
Why individuals have profound needs for our
product
The intense demand for a safe and
non-residue mold remover for the sake of themselves and their family
causes individuals to demand ArMOLDgeddon.
Hotel
Guest comfort is everything, therefore, hotels
avoid any chemical smells that could trigger complaints. Rooms must be
turned over quickly, so mold treatment can’t delay bookings. Hotels must
ensure guest and staff safety, avoiding irritants or toxic
residues.
Why hotels have profound needs for our
product
Hotels prefer mold removal products that
are non-toxic with a pleasant smell, minimizing health risks of their
customers while improving their brand image. They also require a
fast-acting product that can fit the short turn over period to reduce
revenue lost.
Department of Cultural Relics
Protection
Preventing secondary harm is the core principle
of relic protection. Chemical products are extremely corrosive to the
delicate relics, while the process of applying the mold remover also has
specific requirement — drop by drop.
Why department
of cultural relics protection has profound needs for our
product
ArMOLDgeddon, an enzyme-based,
non-corrosive mold remover will be the best choice for professionals
aiming to clean mold on the cultural relics—far superior to those
corrosive chemical alternatives. In addition, our titration device is
specially designed for the dropwise application demand.
Domestic Service Company
Speed is critical for such companies, they need
mold removers that work within 30 minutes to keep cleaning schedules on
track. They would also try best to avoid harsh chemicals because their
customers are concerned about wall discoloration and fabric damage. In
addition, strong chemical smells are a nuisance for both cleaners and
clients.
Why domestic service companies have profound
needs for our product
They require a product that
kills mold quickly with a gentle yet effective formulas that only target
the mold. A product with pleasant odor would also improve their
employees’ working conditions and reduce complaints from clients.
Figure 27. The gallery of users we interviewed
Competitor Analysis
Besides our customers, understanding our competitors is
also crucial, as it could provide critical insights for positioning our
project in the broader market. Below, we will analyze our competitors from two
dimensions: product main formula (biological, chemical, or hybrid) and type of
competition (direct or indirect).
Main formula
Figure 28. Emoji rating scale of different types of mold
removers
[27][28][29][30]
We strategically classified our competitors into three
categories based on their primary mechanism of action: chemical, biological,
and hybrid solutions, enabling a clear understanding of the competitive
landscape.
Chemical formula
The
majority of mold removers on the market consist of chemical active
ingredients. In order to secure a market place, it is crucial that
ArMOLDgeddon sees them as competitors and exceeds their
fuction.
They have rather superior effects on mold, with pausible
time to react and moderate effectiveness against mold and their recurrence.
However, they have harmful effects on their users and the
environment.
To exceed chemical mold remover, ArMOLDgeddon needs to
verify its mold resistance and repellance effect, demonstrating the
certificate to our customers as proof, while continuing to develop our safety.
At the meantime, we need to minimize production cost to control our prize,
then we can compete against the low-cost chemical
products.
Biological formula
Current
biological mold removers have mediocre effects on mold, while their safety is
also concerning.
To stand out amongst them, ArMOLDgeddon needs to
enhance our mold removing efficiency, which is achieved by using a combination
of different enzymes. Once again, we need to offer safety certification to the
customers, meaning cooperation with third-party organizations to validate our
safety.
Biological and Chemical(Combo)
These combinant products offers efficient
mold removing effect, while their safety level is still
mediorcre.
ArMOLDgeddon needs to establish a clear statement that
we don’t contain any harmful chemical ingredients to distinguish ourselves to
this class of competitors. While we also need to showcase the real using
scenario to our customers to prove our products do not harm the wall.
Direct and Indirect Competitors
Figure 29. Analysis of our competitor [45-50]
Direct
For ArMOLDgadden, a
direct competitor will be any company that focuses on selling mold remover.
These companies will compete with ArMOLDgadden directly, as they share the
same consumer base and market share.
To effectively distinguish
ourselves from direct competitors, we should emphasize our product strengths:
high safety and high efficiency. Through increased advertising and promotional
activities, we can clearly demonstrate our product advantages and enhance our
product’s visibility.
Indirect
The
indirect competitors of ArMOLDgeddon would be cleansers that can remove mold
but do not specialize in it. These products have broader uses, which makes
them more attractive to potential customers and may indirectly impact
ArMOLDgeddon’s market share.
It is common for consumers to prefer
products from larger brands, even if those products are not specialized in
mold removal and may be less effective. To attract these customers and reduce
the impact of these indirect competitors, ArMOLDgeddon should increase its
brand recognition and credibility. This will help customers realize that our
product is specifically designed to solve their problem effectively. This
brand recognition and credibility can be increased through collaborations with
well-known experts or reputable companies.
In addition to
competitors and users, numerous other factors also impact the development of
ArMOLDgeddon. Consequently, we conduct a PESTEL analysis to evaluate the
political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors
that may affect us.
PESTEL Analysis
Figure 30. PESTEL analysis of ArMOLDgeddon [51-60]
Detailed analysis
Political
Government
incentives
China’s policy framework offers
substantial incentives for bio-based and high-tech enterprises,
including a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15%
[51]. These fiscal measures significantly lower
development costs and improve profitability for biotech solutions such
as ours. Furthermore, direct subsidies available through initiatives
like the National Key R&D Program could provide millions in
subsidies for green technology and bio-material projects
[52] and help accelerate product commercialization
and scale-up, thereby reducing financial barriers to market
entry.
Trade and regulation
On
the international front, the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
Agreement requires that product standards and testing procedures be
non-discriminatory, transparent, and no more restrictive than necessary
[53][54]. This encourages alignment with international
standards, which in turn reduces compliance costs and facilitates market
access for enzyme-based products.
By designing our product to
meet globally recognized safety and testing benchmarks, we can achieve
smoother entry into foreign markets while optimizing regulatory
expenditures.
Economic
Market Size
The
global bio-based cleaning products market is projected to grow from USD
11.34 billion in 2025 to USD 15.46 billion in 2030, with a CAGR of 6.3%
[55]. Thus, ArMOLDgeddon can capitalize on this
growth as households and businesses increasingly prefer bio-based
alternatives.
Regional Marekt
Growth
The Asia-Pacific natural household cleaner
market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13.2% between 2025 and
2030, reaching USD 5167.74 million by 2033
[56]. This highlights that China and neighboring
markets present high-potential regions for early adoption and market
share expansion.
Social
Consumer
Preference
Demand for residue-free cleaning
products is increasing, driving the growth of bio-based cleaners
[55]. This means that the enzyme–terpene
formulation
meets consumer demand for chemical-free, safe cleaning
solutions.
Cultural Trends
In
recent years, the Chinese government was propagating the concept of
sustainability and “zero-waste” lifestyles, therefore, the social
acceptance of eco-friendly products was enhanced
[57].
ArMOLDgeddon aligns with these
trends, allowing us to strengthen our brand reputation and market
appeal.
Demographic
Factor
Increasing urbanization and more time spent
indoors raise exposure to indoor mold, driving greater demand for
effective, safe mold prevention solutions.
ArMOLDgeddon
targets indoor mold, meeting the growing health and safety concerns of
urban residents.
Technological
Advances in Industrial Enzyme
Production
New fermentation and purification
technologies lower costs and improve accessibility of enzymes for
large-scale bio-based cleaning products. Therefore, adopting such
technologies enables ArMOLDgeddon to produce at large-scale at
competitive prices, while ensuring quality and
availability.
Global Standards for Bio-Based
Products
Improved testing, certification, and
international standards increase consumer confidence and facilitate
market entry for enzyme-based products.
Alignment with these
standards ensures smoother market entry, credibility, and acceptance in
international markets.
Rapid Development in
Artificial Intelligence
As the calculating ability
and data model of computer improve, the worldwide development in AI has
been at an unprecedented rate over the last
decade.
ArMOLDgeddon wields AI in our modification for our
enzymes, hoping to achieve the best thermo-stability, solubility and
activity possible.
Environmental
Importance of
Sustainability
Biodegradable enzymes are able to
break down entirely into harmless natural substances, reducing long-term
soil and water contamination and aligning with natural cycles
[58].
ArMOLDgeddon fits the profile of a
biodegradable product, protecting the environment
sustainably.
Climate
relevance
The prolonged increase in temperature
across the globe results in an increase in indoors humidity and extreme
weather events, elevating mold growth risks
[59].
This suggests a growing demand for
effective, safe mold prevention solutions, while is exactly what
ArMOLDgeddon offers to the consumer.
Political
Intellectual property(IP)
Intellectual
property is crucial in today’s world as it protects innovations and
rewards creativity, providing the legal framework that incentivizes
research and development.
Our patents on engineered enzymes,
formulation methods, or application technologies can secure our market
advantage.
Biosafety
regulations
Governments implement strict
regulations on products involving the release of live-microbe, in
comparison enzyme-based formulas are legally easier to
market.
While ArMOLDgeddon wields modified microorganisms as
its central technology, our product is only enzyme-based, suggesting a
smoother market process.
Regulatory andSafetyStandards
There has been a growth on
consumer protection and product safety regulations in China,
internationally require the safety of cleaning products
[60].
This creates market opportunities
for enzyme-based sprays, which meet these standards and can be marketed
as safer alternatives to chemical cleaners.
Potential Risks We Might Faced & How Can We
Overcome Them
Given the intense market competition, we may encounter
numerous risks during our development process. Therefore, we have conducted an
analysis of the potential risks we might face and have designed plans on how
to counteract these risks.
Risk Analysis
Figure 31. Risk analysis of ArMOLDgeddon
Exist Strategy
The ArMOLDgeddon was created to address the
shortcomings of current mold-removal products by offering safe, enzyme-based
alternatives. However, although we made thorough preparation, the
unpredictability and uncontrollability of the market may still cause us to be
unable to stay in the market. Thus, we designed the exit strategy to make sure
that our technology could still be used and minimize the investors’
loss.
One option is technology licensing, where we secure
provisional patents and license our enzyme formulation and product formats to
established cleaning or biotech companies. This route allows our innovation to
scale quickly using existing distribution and regulatory
frameworks.
Another pathway is to spin out a startup, incubating
the project within a university accelerator and running pilot programs with
hospitals, hotels, or households. The ultimate goal would be acquisition by a
mid-sized company specializing in cleaning or life sciences.
After
identifying the feasibility of ArMOLDgeddon, it is essential to plan for its
long-term development. Establishing a clear and structured development plan
enables us to transform our vision into practical steps, ensuring our future
growth remains achievable, realistic, and practical.
Development Plan
We mapped out a strategic roadmap that organizes our
growth into two parallel segments: Marketing & Expansion and Technical
Development, each consisting of five phases. To further enhance clarity, we
also created a timeline that outlines the duration of each phase. In addition,
we interviewed Mr. Zheng, an expert in large-scale production, whose insights
helped us estimate the time required for each stage of our technical
development, making our overall timeline more precise and realistic.
Timeline
Figure 32. The development timeline of ArMOLDgeddon
Marketing
Phase 1: Establishment
{2025-2027}
In this phase, GreatBay-SCIE is laying the
groundwork for our company and product by obtaining the necessary
qualifications for product registration and establishing the company. We
will be registrating for our intellectual property and the patent for
our enzyme-combo mold removal product.
Main
Activities
Regulatory Compliance
ArMOLDgeddon are mold-removing cleaning products that are
categorized as cleaning products, meaning they have to complete a
Hygiene and Safety Evaluation of Disinfectant Product.
Additionally, as our products may have indirect contact with food,
they also need to have a hygiene license. GreatBay-SCIE will also
apply for patents for microbial strains, enzyme blends, and
terpene-based anti-mold compositions.
Company establishment
We will formally incorporate a biotechnology entity dedicated to
developing enzyme-based cleaning solutions, while defining a clear
equity distribution and governance framework to guide
decision-making. Concurrently, we will establish robust
operational protocols and quality management systems to
standardize production processes and ensure consistent product
quality.
Seed round equity financing
We will initiate a seed round of equity financing to secure
essential early-stage capital for scaling our enzyme-based mold
removal solution, enabling key activities such as pilot production
and initial market entry. This would involve preparing and
presenting a comprehensive road show to potential investors,
detailing our technology’s competitive advantages, market
validation data, financial projections, and growth strategy to
demonstrate commercial viability and secure the necessary funding
for operational expansion and team development.
Resources
Human
Resources
Partnerships
GreatBay-SCIE cooperated with Link Spider during the iGEM
competition, utilizing their venue and equipments for inventory
activities. They will continue to support us as an experienced and
successful bio-manufacturing enterprise.
Business Experts
The two investors we’ve interviewed will be providing us
valuable marketing and establishment advice in this phase. They
will act as our mentors in equity financing and legal consultants.
Capital Resources
Roadshow resources
We can utilize our resources from the mock roadshow, including
PowerPoints, demonstration tools, and charts, to showcase our
business to possible investors.
Founder investments and personal savings
They will serve as the initial capital base, covering
early-stage operational costs such as laboratory setup,
preliminary research, and prototype development.
Early-stage venture capital
We will target our early-stage venture to provide substantial
funding for supporting activities like pilot production, market
entry, regulatory compliance and IP protection efforts.
Company Structure
Figure 33. The company structure for GreatBay-SCIE
CEO / Managing Director – Strategic oversight, fundraising.
After establishing the company, GreatBay-SCIE
will start pilot sales in the area around Shenzhen. This phase aims to
test the market’s acceptability of our products and collect feedback to
refine our products before scaling further.
Main
Activities
Targeted Market Testing
We will be distributing our enzymatic mold removal products to
selected customer segments, including households, property
management companies, and commercial clients, to gather initial
user feedback and validate product-market fit in real-world
conditions.
Comprehensive Feedback Collection
Through structured surveys and in-depth interviews, we will
systematically identify usage patterns, measure customer
satisfaction, and pinpoint areas for product improvement. In
addition, keeping track of consumer behaviors allows us to
re-establish user anaylsis, changing our marketing strategies in
time with their consumption habits.
Strategic Partnership Development
Apart from our marketing mentors, such as Link Spider
Technology, we will develop strategic partnerships, prioritizing
potential customers with great demand or retails. This not only
allows us to refine our distribution strategy, but also make full
market sales more efficient.
Resources
Human
Resources
Promotion Department
They will be in charge of the promotion and advertising of our
products, including plotting the conceptual graphs of our pilot
product type, creating advertisements and running our social media
channel for publication.
Sales Development Representatives
They will be responsible for initiating contact with potential
pilot customers, conducting product demonstrations, and managing
early-stage client relationships to build our initial customer
base.
Field Application Scientists
These personels with technical background will work directly
with clients to address product usage challenges, document
performance data, and translate customer insights into product
improvement recommendations.
Capital Resources
Product Prototype Demonstration Kits
These portable testing devices will enable real-time product
verification and on-site customer presentations during pilot
deployments.
Technical Support Infrastructure
This includes the establishment of customer service channels,
like hotline systems, online support platforms, and field
technician, enabling us to collect and respond to our customers’
feedback in time.
Phase 3: Regional Launch (reach SOM)
{2030-2032}
After starting large-scale industrial production,
we will significantly increase production capacity while reducing costs.
At this stage, GreatBay-SCIE will expand the marketing campaign across
Guangdong Province, aiming to reach our SOM and solidify our position in
the regional market.
Main Activities
Regional Brand Exposure
We will execute targeted multi-channel marketing campaigns
across the region, combining digital advertising with local
partnerships to build brand awareness. Through participating in
industry exhibitions and hosting product demonstration events, we
will directly engage with potential customers and distributors to
establish a visible market presence.
Strategic Alliance Formation
We will actively pursue partnerships with established brands in
related industries, such as property management groups and home
appliance manufacturers. These collaborations will create
integrated service offerings and co-branded solutions, providing
access to established customer bases and enhancing market
credibility.
In addition, through partnering with regional suppliers and
retailers, we can establish our distribution network.
Performance Optimization
We will continue to develop the data collection system that will
be established in phase 2, tracking sales performance, customer
feedback, and market response across different sub-regions. This
will allow us to continuously refine our market approach for
optimal results.
Resources
Human
Resources
Local Sales and Distribution Personnel
We will recruit experienced sales representatives with
established networks in the target region’s cleaning product
distribution channels. These team members will be responsible for
building relationships with local distributors, retail chains, and
professional cleaning service companies to ensure widespread
product availability and visibility.
Supply Chain and Logistics Coordinators
Experienced supply chain professionals will manage regional
distribution networks, warehouse operations, and inventory
management. They will optimize logistics routes, coordinate with
local transportation providers, and ensure efficient product flow
to meet market demand while controlling operational costs.
Capital Resources
Logistics and Storage Assets
Refrigerated storage warehouses with pallet racking systems will
preserve product stability, while automated inventory management
systems and temperature-controlled delivery vehicles will ensure
proper handling throughout the distribution network.
Packaging and Labeling Systems
High-speed labeling machines equipped with multi-language
capability, tamper-evident sealing equipment, and custom mold
injection units for proprietary container production will enable
region-specific packaging compliance.
Maintenance and Support Equipment
On-site maintenance workshops with specialized tooling, spare
parts inventory, and calibration equipment will support continuous
operation of production assets while minimizing downtime during
the critical launch period.
Phase 4: National Rollout (reach SAM)
{2033-2037}
Building on the revenue and investment we gained
in the earlier stage, we will further increase our production capacity
and sales area to meet nationwide demands and finally reach our
SAM.
Main Activities
Service Standardization
A nationwide service delivery framework will be implemented,
featuring standardized installation procedures, maintenance
protocols and customer support systems. Training programs will be
rolled out to ensure consistent service quality across all
operational regions.
Performance Optimization
We will deploy a national business intelligence system to track
key performance indicators across all markets. This data-driven
approach will enable continuous optimization of operations,
identification of best practices and rapid response to emerging
market trends.
Scaled Production Operations
Our manufacturing facilities will transition to 24/5 production
cycles (the manufacturing facilities operate 24 hours a day, 5
days a week) while implementing stringent quality control
protocols. We will establish dedicated production lines for
different product variants and install automated monitoring
systems to maintain product consistency across increased output
volumes.
National Brand Building
Through coordinated advertising campaigns across television,
digital platforms and strategic outdoor placements, we will
establish uniform brand recognition. Simultaneously, we will
develop market-specific promotional strategies to address regional
consumer preferences while maintaining core brand messaging.
Resources
Human
Resources
Government Relations Specialists
Given China’s regulatory landscape, we will establish a
dedicated team for managing relationships with relevant government
bodies including the National Medical Products Administration and
local environmental protection bureaus. These specialists will
ensure ArMOLDgeddon meets all national standards for biochemical
products while facilitating necessary certifications and approvals
for nationwide distribution.
E-commerce Platform Managers
Recognizing China’s digital marketplace dominance, we will hire
experts in managing Tmall,
JD.com,and Pinduoduo store
operations. These managers will develop platform-specific
marketing strategies for ArMOLDgeddon, create live-streaming
product demonstrations, and optimize digital storefronts to
maximize reach across China’s diverse online consumer base.
Channel Partnership Managers
Focusing on China’s unique distribution landscape, we will
recruit managers to develop relationships with national pharmacy
chains, home improvement stores, and property service companies.
These professionals will create co-branded promotion programs and
training initiatives tailored to China’s retail environment,
ensuring ArMOLDgeddon’s availability through multiple established
channels.
Regional Distribution Managers
We will recruit distribution specialists with established
networks across China’s key economic zones, focusing on the
Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Beijing-Tianjin
regions. These managers will leverage their existing relationships
with local distributors and retail chains to ensure ArMOLDgeddon’s
availability in both tier-1 cities and emerging tier-2/3 markets,
while adapting distribution strategies to accommodate regional
humidity variations that affect mold growth patterns.
Specialized Delivery Couriers
We will establish a dedicated team of delivery personnel
specifically trained in handling bio-enzyme products for our
ArMOLDgeddon rollout across China. These couriers will understand
the proper handling requirements of our enzyme-based formulation,
ensuring products remain stable during transit while educating
customers upon delivery about storage conditions and usage
precautions.
Capital Resources
Warehousing and Logistics Assets
Automated sorting systems and climate-controlled storage
facilities will be established in major logistics hubs. Custom
packaging machinery will be installed to handle region-specific
packaging requirements and seasonal promotional materials.
Digital Marketing Technology Stack
Advanced live-streaming studios will be set up in major
e-commerce hubs, complete with professional lighting, 4K cameras,
and real-time interaction systems for Taobao and Douyin live
commerce sessions. Interactive AR product demonstration tools will
be developed for customer engagement.
Point-of-Sale and Retail Technology
We will install smart product displays with integrated digital
screens in partner stores, showing real-time product efficacy
comparisons. Customized inventory management systems with IoT
sensors will be deployed to monitor stock levels and product
storage conditions nationwide.
Phase 5: Expansion (reach TAM)
{2038-2040}
Finally, GreatBay-SCIE will face expansion,
including geographic expansion, product diversification, and brand
propaganda. By doing so, GreatBay-SCIE will increase its brand
recognition and finally reach its TAM.
Main
Activities
International Market Entry
We will systematically expand into Asia-Pacific, European, and
North American markets, beginning with pilot projects in
high-humidity regions of Southeast Asia. Subsequently, we will
pursue CE certification for the EU and EPA registration in the
U.S. to access developed markets. Localized operational hubs will
be established to adapt ArMOLDgeddon’s enzymatic formulation to
regional architectural characteristics and mold species, ensuring
global applicability and performance consistency.
Strategic Cross-Industry Expansion
Moving beyond conventional cleaning applications, we will extend
our enzymatic technology to sectors such as HVAC systems, building
materials, and agriculture. We plan to collaborate with industry
leaders like Gree and Haier to integrate mold-resistant filters
into air conditioning systems, and partner with construction
material companies to develop anti-mold coatings and additives. In
agriculture, we will explore enzyme-based solutions for crop
protection and post-harvest mold prevention.
Product Line Diversification
Leveraging our core enzymatic technology, we will introduce
specialized product variants tailored to different market
needs—such as rapid-response formulas for emergency remediation,
long-lasting preventive coatings for the construction industry,
and eco-friendly options for environmentally conscious consumers.
This diversification will position ArMOLDgeddon as a comprehensive
solution provider in the global bio-enzyme market.
Sustainability and ESG Integration
As we expand globally, we will emphasize our commitment to
sustainability by aligning with international Environmental,
Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Initiatives will include
obtaining third-party eco-certifications, implementing green
packaging, and launching programs to support communities affected
by mold-related health issues in underserved regions.
Resources
Human
Resources
Global Market Strategists
We will recruit executives with international business
development experience to lead our worldwide market entry
strategy. These professionals will conduct comprehensive market
analysis, identify priority regions for expansion, and develop
culturally-adapted marketing approaches for ArMOLDgeddon across
different continents and regulatory environments.
Cross-Industry Partnership Managers
Specialized business development professionals will be hired to
establish partnerships beyond traditional cleaning sectors. These
managers will leverage their networks in HVAC, construction
materials, and agricultural industries to create new application
scenarios for our enzymatic technology and develop co-branded
solutions with industry leaders.
Multilingual Customer Success Team
To support global operations, we will build a 24/7 customer
service center with staff fluent in multiple languages including
Chinese, English, Spanish, and German. These teams will provide
technical support across time zones and gather international user
feedback to continuously improve our products.
International Regulatory Affairs Team
We will assemble a dedicated team with expertise in global
product registration requirements, including professionals
familiar with EU REACH regulations, US EPA standards, and
Asia-Pacific chemical registration processes. This team will
ensure seamless compliance across all target markets while
accelerating our international certification timeline.
Capital Resources
Multi-Language Digital Marketing Infrastructure
We will invest in localized e-commerce platforms across key
markets, including dedicated Tmall Global stores, Amazon US/EU
accounts, and regional online marketplaces. This includes
professional localization of product listings, multi-language
customer service chatbots, and region-specific payment processing
systems to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions.
Global Brand Experience Centers
Capital will be allocated to establish physical product
demonstration spaces in strategic locations including Shanghai,
Paris, and Singapore. These centers will feature interactive
displays showing ArMOLDgeddon’s effectiveness against local mold
species, complete with humidity-controlled environment simulations
and comparative testing stations against conventional chemical
solutions.
Techanical
Phase 1: iGEM {2025-2026}
In this phase, GreatBay-SCIE completes several
DBTL cycles (design, build, test, learn) to advance the product,
including the DNS enzyme activity assay and the geraniol fungal
inhibition zone experiment.
Main Activities
GreatBay-SCIE initiated product development through the iGEM
competition. The team successfully engineered:
E. coli strains produce chitinase and glucanase for
degradation of mold cell walls (rich in chitin and β-glucan). To
further optimize performance, AI-driven protein design and
molecular dynamics simulations were applied to remodel chitinase
and glucanase, enhancing their catalytic efficiency, antifungal
activity, and thermal stability.
P. pastoris strain producing human lysozyme to
degradate additional mold cell wall components.
E. coli strains produce selected terpenes (Geraniol,
Linalool, Cyclodextrins) to both impart a pleasant natural
fragrance and inhibit mold regrowth.
Potential Partners
Link Spider Technology
Link Spider Technology, a synthetic biology company, provided
ArMoldgadden with laboratory space and equipment during its
development. They also offered valuable guidance and instruction
throughout the process.
Honghao Su
One of our instructors, Dr. Su, holds a Ph.D. from the
University of Cambridge and possesses professional knowledge in
using AI to redesign enzymes for increased activity and
antimicrobial properties. Under his guidance, our team
successfully enhanced our enzyme’s activity and effectiveness.
Phase 2: Small-Scale Labotary Production
{2025-2027}
In this phase, GreatBay-SCIE starts small-scale
laboratory production, launches product prototypes (functional
prototypes), and conducts real-world mold testing on
them.
Main Activity
Small-Scale Laboratory Production of Product Prototypes
In this phase, GreatBay-SCIE will develop and optimize the
production process and establish stable production protocols. This
step will help us to prepare for the future large-scale industrial
production by providing vital data.
Testing on Mold
Once GreatBay-SCIE gets the prototype products, we will test our
products against real mold in a simulated real-world environment
and further adjust the dosage of the product’s ingredients based
on the data obtained.
Building Our Own Laboratory
As an independent biotechnology company, GreatBay-SCIE needs to
have our own laboratory for R&D (research and development) and
other purposes. Therefore, although we will continue to rent space
from Link Spider Technology in the near future, we will begin
constructing our own laboratory to meet future development needs.
Potential Partners
Link Spider Technology
Link Spider Technology will consistently provide us with
laboratory space and experimental supplies, assisting us in
small-scale laboratory production.
Phase 3: Pilot Production
{2028-2029}
In this phase, GreatBay-SCIE starts pilot
production, launches minimum viable products (MVP), gathers feedback,
and refines our products.
Main Activity:
Process Development and Scale-Up
Collaboration with Business Partners and Launch of MVP
Testing of MVP
Potential Partners
Link Spider Technology
Business Partner
Phase 4: Large-scale OEM production
{2030-2034}
In this phase, GreatBay-SCIE will transition from
pilot production to stable large-scale industrial OEM
production.
Main Activity
Find suppliers for OEM production
At the initial stage, it is neither feasible nor necessary for
GreatBay-SCIE to invest in building its own factories. Thus, once
the process is standardized, GreatBay-SCIE will collaborate with
qualified manufacturers to carry out OEM production. This approach
allows us to reduce upfront capital expenditure, accelerate time
to market, and ensure stable product quality through experienced
partners.
Prevention of Core Formula Leakage
To minimize the risk of technical leakage and preserve
intellectual property, GreatBay-SCIE will retain the core
technology patents (key steps in formulation).
Quality Control
GreatBay-SCIE will establish strict quality control measures,
label products with batch numbers, and archive samples.
Potential Partners
OEM Manufacturing Partners
As we need to collaborate with OEM manufacturers and continue
OEM production, it is essential for us to find qualified biotech
manufacturers with experience in bio-based product production.
Raw Material Suppliers
As we start mass production, we need a large amount of raw
materials. Thus, we have to find reliable raw material suppliers
and build long-term cooperative relationships with them to make
sure that we could always get raw materials at a relatively low
price, ensuring we could produce our products stably for a long
time at a relatively low cost.
Testing and Quality Control Laboratories
We need to collaborate with third-party laboratories to test our
products’ stability, safety, and enzyme activity.
Phase 5: Large-Scale Self-Industrial
Production {2033-2040}
In this phase, GreatBay-SCIE will establish our
own factories—starting in Shenzhen and later expanding to other regions
of China and all around the world—to enable automated or semi-automated
large-scale production.
Main Activity
Build Factories
As our company grows, generating more revenue and securing
additional investment, we will gradually transition from OEM
partnerships to self-owned production facilities. Establishing our
own factories will enable us to achieve greater control over the
manufacturing process, improve efficiency, and significantly
reduce costs in the long run. Our first factory will be built in
Shenzhen, where we will streamline production and optimize supply
chain management. This step not only strengthens our independence
but also enhances scalability, supporting our expansion across
Guangdong province.
Expanded towards the world
As our company keeps growing, we will build more factories all
around the world, especially in those less developed areas, to
provide local people more job opportunities and help local
economic development. Additionally, building factories all around
the world could also decrease the cost of transportation and raw
materials, helping us to further decrease the price of our
products, making them able to benefit more people.
Product Development
GreatBay-SCIE will continuously focus on developing new product
lines and refining existing ones, diversifying our products, and
preparing for brand expansion that might happen in the future.
Potential Partners
Factory Constructor
As we want to build our own factories, we need to find a
reliable constructor to help us build our factories.
Equipment Partners
We also need to buy that equipment needed for large-scale
industrial production. Thus, we have to find reliable
collaborators to get high-quality equipment.
Raw Material Suppliers
As we start mass production, we need a large amount of raw
materials. Thus, we have to find reliable raw material suppliers
and build long-term cooperative relationships with them to make
sure that we could always get raw materials at a relatively low
price, ensuring we could produce our products stably for a long
time at a relatively low cost.
Testing and Quality Control Laboratories
We need to collaborate with third-party laboratories to test our
products’ stability, safety, and enzyme activity.
Milestone
Based on this plan, the following milestone chart
outlines our estimated time for us to achieve each achievement.
Figure 34. The milestone of ArMOLDgeddon
Beyond establishing a comprehensive development plan,
defining a clear and sustainable revenue stream is equally crucial for
GreatBay-SCIE’s long-term success. Below is our revenue stream, which could
ensure the financial feasibility of our project and contribute to our final
success.
Revenue Stream
GreatBay-SCIE is actively seeking capital to support
our future initiatives. According to the characteristics of each stage,
GreatBay-SCIE outlines a realistic and achievable revenue stream, analyzing
the investment and earnings in each of those stages, including the source of
investment and the usage of investing funds.
Figure 35. An overview of our revenue stream
The following analysis gives further details on
investment and earnings respectively, including the source of investment, the
investment activities planning to launch, and the source of earnings.
Detailed analysis
Investment
Technological Development
iGEM
Source of Investment
Investing in us at the invention stage would be relatively
risky. Therefore, we need to find a team specializing in venture
capital to showcase our potential and attract investment.
Prototype production and bench-scale formulation testing.
Filing of patents for microbial strains, enzyme blends, and
terpene-based anti-mold composition.
Small-scale laboratory production
Source of Investment
Given the elevated risk profile characteristic of the invention
stage, we will primarily target early-stage biotechnology venture
capital firms and angel investor networks with a focus on
sustainable industrial solutions. Additionally, we plan to apply
for translational research grants from municipal innovation funds
and university technology transfer programs to establish
non-dilutive funding channels.
Investment Activities
Procurement of specialized raw materials, enzyme substrates, and
consumables for microbial cultivation and stability testing
Acquisition of small-scale fermentation and purification
equipment to enable reproducible prototype development
Third-party laboratory validation and preliminary safety
assessment to establish technical credibility and regulatory
alignment
Pilot production
Source of Investment
We will seek early-stage venture capital and create
collaborative partnerships with industrial enzyme producers for
trial production facility development.
Investment Activities
Scale-up equipment and material acquisition
Establish trial production lines meeting manufacturing standards
Complete regulatory approvals and safety verification
Conduct customer testing and product validation
Large-scale OEM production
Source of Investment
We will secure growth-stage financing from venture capital firms
and establish manufacturing partnerships with established
producers in the cleaning products industry.
Investment Activities
Establish full-scale manufacturing facilities
Implement automated production and quality management systems
Develop reliable raw material supply networks
Complete international product certifications for major markets
Large-scale self-industrial production
Source of Investment
We will secure corporate-round financing from private equity
firms and strategic investors specializing in industrial
biotechnology and green manufacturing.
Investment Activities
Construct proprietary production facilities with fermentation
capabilities
Develop automated in-house production and quality control
systems
Establish direct raw material supply chains and logistics
networks
Obtain international product certifications including EPA, EU
and Chinese market approvals
Build dedicated research and development center for product
optimization
Marketing and Expansion
Establishment
Source of Investment
We will secure seed funding from angel investors and early-stage
venture capital firms specializing in biotechnology startups,
supplemented by small business innovation grants.
Investment Activities
Establish core marketing and sales team structure
Develop brand identity and digital marketing infrastructure
Create product demonstration materials and educational content
Implement customer relationship management systems
Conduct initial market testing and user feedback collection
Pilot sales
Source of Investment
We will secure Series A funding from venture capital firms
specializing in market expansion, complemented by strategic
partnerships with regional distributors.
Investment Activities
Build specialized sales team and distribution networks
Launch trial programs and promotional campaigns
Develop multi-channel sales platforms
Conduct regional market validation and user feedback collection
Establish initial supply chain and logistics partnerships
Regional launch
Source of Investment
We will secure Series B funding from growth-stage venture
capital firms and establish strategic alliances with regional
market leaders in the home maintenance and property management
sectors.
Investment Activities
Establish regional offices and local sales teams
Launch multi-channel marketing campaigns tailored to regional
characteristics
Develop localized product formulations and promotional materials
Optimize regional logistics networks and distribution
partnerships
Implement regional performance tracking and customer feedback
systems
National rollout
Source of Investment
We will secure Series C funding from private equity firms and
corporate investors, while establishing strategic alliances with
national retail chains and property management groups.
Investment Activities
Establish a national sales team and management system
Launch nationwide brand marketing campaign
Develop nationwide supply chain and distribution network
Create standardized training programs for regional teams
Implement national customer service and technical support
platform
Expansion
Source of Investment We will secure growth-stage financing from
global private equity firms and strategic corporate investors, while
establishing joint ventures with international distributors and
industry leaders.
Investment Activities
Establish overseas subsidiaries and local operations teams
Develop market-specific product formulations and compliance
strategies
Execute global brand building and cross-cultural marketing
campaigns
Build international supply chain networks and distribution
partnerships
Establish global customer service systems and technical support
platforms
Obtain international product certifications and intellectual
property protection across key markets
Earning
Establishment
Where the earnings are gained
Licensing fees for proprietary enzyme formulations to industrial
partners
Pilot sales
Where the Earnings are Gained
Direct sales to pilot customers including households and
commercial clients
Contract revenue from partnership projects with property
management firms
Sales through selected retail partners and distribution channels
Initial product subscriptions for regular maintenance services
Regional launch
Where the Earnings are Gained
Bulk sales to regional distributors and retail chains
Contract revenue from enterprise clients in property management
and hospitality sectors
Service fees from regional maintenance and mold prevention
programs
Sales through established e-commerce platforms and regional
online marketplaces
Revenue from customized product formulations for specific
regional needs
Licensing fees for regional manufacturing partners and
technology transfer agreements
National rollout
Where the Earnings are Gained
National account contracts with major retail chains and property
management groups
Bulk government procurement projects for public facilities and
institutions
Nationwide e-commerce platform sales and digital marketing
revenue
Service contracts for enterprise-level mold prevention and
maintenance programs
Licensing royalties from manufacturing partners across different
regions
Cross-industry collaboration revenue with construction and home
appliance sectors
Expansion
Where the Earnings are Gained
Global distributor networks and international retail
partnerships
Multinational contracts with hospitality chains and property
management groups
Cross-border e-commerce platforms and localized online
marketplaces
Licensing agreements with international manufacturers and
regional partners
Government environmental subsidies and green technology
incentives in target countries
Enterprise solutions for agricultural and industrial
applications
Technical consulting services for international mold prevention
standards
Intellectual property licensing and patent royalties worldwide
Customized product development for specific regional market
needs
As we are just high school students and lack experience
in the development track of real entrepreneurship, we decided to get advice
from experts. Thus, to make our project more practical, we interviewed several
experts to clarify the laws and regulations we need to follow and the path of
development, both for industrial development and commercial development.
Additionally, we also make a mock roadshow to simulate the real condition and
help us accumulate experience for the real roadshow in the future.
Our Actions
Roadshow
Figure 36. Picture of our roadshow process
Why did we do it?
This roadshow represents a strategic opportunity to
demonstrate the commercial potential of bio-manufactured solutions to a
forward-thinking audience. By presenting our vision, we aim to assess market
reception and investor appetite for biological alternatives to conventional
products. This process serves as a crucial bridge between scientific
innovation and real-world application, allowing us to gauge the market’s
receptivity towards a new standard in sustainable technology.
What we did
We engaged with two venture capitalists from a leading
Chinese investment bank, presenting our project and requesting a professional
valuation for ArMOLDgeddon to guide its commercial implementation. During the
roadshow, we demonstrated professionalism by clearly outlining our objectives
and highlighting our proprietary biological formula. We also presented a
thorough analysis of the market and target customers, emphasizing the
product’s unique selling points. This reinforced that ArMOLDgeddon not only
addresses a substantial customer base but is also well-positioned to capture a
competitive edge in this expanding market—strengthening its attractiveness to
investors and enhancing its fundraising potential.
Resources
Our PPT
What we gain（how does this action help us）
This mock roadshow provided valuable practical
experience that simulates the real fundraising process, offering crucial
insights for our future financing efforts. The two experts drew comparisons
between ArMOLDgeddon and another innovative biotech company they had
previously invested in, providing a preliminary project valuation in the range
of tens of millions of RMB. While, our estimated initial equity financing
round is projected to be around one million RMB.
Figure 37. Project valuation and initial equity
financing scale estimate provided by the two experts
Additionally, the experts advised that beyond product
safety, we should develop more compelling unique selling points to attract
customers. In response, we have decided to place greater emphasis on our other
competitive advantages, such as effectiveness, and develop more desirable
product forms in subsequent product development stages.
Capital Markets Expert
Figure 38. The picture of the interview with the capital
market expert
Why we do this
To ensure our team can achieve stable growth and
business expansion, we consulted two experts from a leading investment bank in
China, seeking their professional advice on financing and listing-related
development. In particular, we reached out to a capital markets expert to gain
a clearer understanding of the requirements and challenges that biotechnology
startups often encounter when entering the capital market, helping to ensure
that our entrepreneurship pathway is realistic, fundable, and competitive in
both domestic and international contexts.
What we gain and analysis
Through this interview, we gained a clear understanding
of the financing process and the role of capital markets in supporting
enterprise growth. The experts emphasized that financing and listing are not
mandatory steps but rather tools to secure sufficient funds for development.
They introduced the different segments of the A-share market and suggested
that the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) or the Beijing Stock Exchange would be
the most suitable listing platforms for our future company. In addition, they
explained key investor concerns and shared strategies to manage post-listing
development effectively.
At the same time, we learned that entering
the capital markets presents significant challenges, especially for biotech
companies that require large amounts of capital to cover R&D,
infrastructure, and certification costs. Strong application scenarios and
customer recognition are essential to demonstrate long-term demand and attract
investment. Moreover, we realized that listing requirements extend beyond
financial performance: regulators and investors also pay close attention to
safety systems, compliance mechanisms, and sustainable growth strategies.
How does this impact us
After the consultation, we refined our roadshow based
on the discussion and further improved our long-term development plan,
ensuring our planning is both realistic and practical.
Legal Expert
Figure 39. The picture of the interview with the legal
expert
Why we do this
Entering the biotech market requires strict adherence
to regulatory standards—without proper certification, even promising products
cannot reach consumers. To navigate this complex legal landscape, we
proactively consulted an experienced legal expert from a leading Chinese
investment bank specializing in biologics, aiming to identify essential
certifications and regulatory pathways early in our development process.
What we gain and analysis
The consultation clarified two mandatory
certifications: Disinfectant Product Filing and a Hygiene Safety Permit.
Additionally, we learned that upstream suppliers must provide formal
documentation verifying that all microbial strains used are properly
engineered and compliant. The expert further emphasized the importance of
establishing robust financial compliance protocols and a clear accountability
framework to prevent future legal or operational challenges.
How does this impact us
This guidance directly shapes our operational roadmap.
To ensure compliance, we will implement a professional financial management
system such as Kingdee K/3 and appoint a qualified financial manager. On the
production side, we are establishing a traceability system involving batch
numbering, sample retention, and regular facility audits. These measures not
only guarantee product quality but also enable rapid response to potential
issues, minimizing risk while building a foundation for sustainable market
entry.
Experienced Manufacurer
Figure 40. Our team members visiting an experienced
biological manufacturer
Why did we do it?
As we advanced into entrepreneurship planning, critical
gaps emerged in our understanding of production scaling, cost estimation,
facility location selection, and the strategic choice between OEM and in-house
production. Lacking real-world industrial insight, we recognized the risk of
building plans on impractical assumptions. To bridge this gap, we arranged an
on-site visit to an industrial park and conducted an in-depth interview with
an expert in large-scale bioproduction.
What we gain
The discussion provided actionable intelligence across
multiple fronts. On the technical side, we learned that High-Cell-Density
Cultivation (HCDC) could elevate enzyme yield by up to tenfold compared to
lab-scale protocols. While high purity of enzymes increases our
competitiveness, only moderate purification would be necessary. Mr. Zhong also
guided us through a virtual cost breakdown, highlighting waste treatment as a
major expense—especially in cities like Shenzhen—and pointing to Northwestern
China as a competitive location due to lower energy and cooling costs.
Additionally, he outlined the trade-offs of OEM collaboration, emphasizing
both efficiency gains and intellectual property risks.
How does this action impact us
These insights directly informed our scaling roadmap.
We now prioritize HCDC to drive down unit costs and are evaluating
Northwestern China for production site selection. While OEM partnership offers
a viable acceleration path, we will also implement safeguards to mitigate
technology leakage.
The expert’s timeline—one year to transition
from lab to factory, two for small-scale stability, and three for mega
production—gives us a phased, risk-aware framework for growth. This end-to-end
perspective enables us to pursue scalable production with clearer priorities,
realistic timelines, and stronger risk management.
Product Design：
Aiming to be suitable for all using circumstances, we
design variable product types, including spray, gel, sticker, coating,
titration device, and filter.
After surviving in the market and gradually expanding
our influence, GreatBay-SCIE will begin to create broader impacts on the
world. Below, we analyze the potential positive and negative impacts our
project may bring, along with solutions to mitigate the possible negative
effects.
Long Term Impact
Figure 41. Long-term impact of ArMOLDgeddon. The color
gradient of negative impact represents the severity of each impact: green
indicates a low level of negative impact, yellow indicates a moderate level,
and red indicates a severe level
Detailed analysis
Positive
Environmental Sustainability & Global
Impact
Environmental friendly
All components, including the enzymes and plant-derived terpenes,
degrade swiftly in natural environments, minimizing ecological
disruption.
ArMOLDgeddon avoids persistent chemical residues in waterways or
soil, unlike conventional quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats) or
bleach-based sprays.
The formulation avoids long-term toxicity to pets, humans, or
aquatic life, preserving ecological harmony in homes and beyond.
Global impact and long-term
sustainability
As mold prevalence grows with rising humidity and temperatures,
mold-related diseases continue to worsen throughout the world.
To address this global issue, ArMOLDgeddon scales as a globally
deployable solution — a biotech innovation adaptable to changing
climates.
As environmental-friendly products are becoming both more popular
among consumers and are encouraged by different governments,
ArMOLDgeddon, a product that has no harm to the environment during
both use and production, will potentially reach a larger market.
Industrial implementation in developing countries could create local
employment opportunities and contribute to regional economic activity.
Our use of biodegradable enzymes and plant terpenes supports a
circular economy and drives the cleaning industry toward sustainable
innovation.
HealthProtection &
Biological Effectiveness
Low resistance risk
By combining glucanase, chitinase, and lysozyme, the spray attacks
several essential fungal cell wall structures simultaneously, making
it biologically improbable for molds to develop resistance—an urgent
global concern in antimicrobial development.
Human and material safety
Unlike sodium hypochlorite and Quats—which can cause burns,
respiratory irritation, and even chronic health issues—ArMOLDgeddon
offers a safe, skin-friendly solution.
It is non-corrosive to metals, tiles, plastic, and paint, preserving
infrastructure and reducing renovation costs in homes, schools, and
public facilities.
Mold outbreaks have recently disrupted classrooms, libraries, and
clinics. Our solution ensures a clean, safe, and non-disruptive
environment for students, educators, and the public.
Our product also reduces mold-induced asthma and allergic reactions,
especially in vulnerable groups like children.
Economic Value, Education & Innovation
Potential
Economic and societal benefits
Enzyme thermal stability and the controlled release of geraniol via
γ-cyclodextrin encapsulation allow for long-term mold inhibition.
Users can clean less often while achieving superior results.
By eliminating mold without damaging grout, walls, or HVAC systems,
it drastically cuts long-term repair and maintenance costs.
By enabling consumers to be able to remediate harmful effects of
mold present on them by themselves, our product alleviates strain on
public healthcare systems.
Educational and societal value
ArMOLDgeddon is a prime example of synthetic biology in daily life,
and can be used as a teaching tool to foster awareness about
environmental health and non-toxic technologies.
Because it poses minimal risk and doesn’t require special equipment
or training, it democratizes access to mold remediation—empowering
low-income communities and schools that suffer disproportionately from
mold exposure.
Technological inspiration to related
market
The idea of using AI-modified enzymes may provide a precedent for
other people who are seeking innovative methods in the cleaning
industry.
The success of ArMOLDgeddon will encourage the use of synthetic
biological methods to develop safer, more effective, and
environmentally friendly cleaning solutions across the industry. e.g.,
Bio-enzymatic mold cleaners (that break down fungal cell walls)
could replace harsh chemicals.
Smart mold detectors (IoT sensors that alert users to mold
growth) could create a subscription-based market for mold
prevention.
Negative
Environmental Sustainability & Global
Impact
Harm to non-targets
Chitinase and geraniol can affect insect cuticles and nervous
systems respectively, potentially harming beneficial insects.
Our response
The risk is greatly reduced indoors, where insect presence is
minimal.
The product is not to be used in gardens or apiaries.
The controlled release of geraniol via γ-cyclodextrin
encapsulation limits airborne dispersion; future formulations may
include enzyme localization to minimize undesired dissemination.
Health Protection & Biological Effectiveness
Safetyrisks
Enzyme and terpene components, though very unlikely, have minor
risks of causing irritation and allergies.
Our response
Labels advise on proper ventilation and glove use for sensitive
users. We provide a kit of product in the real application of the
product, such as gloves and masks.
We could also produce geraniol-free variations of the product,
considering some users may be allergic to such terpenes.
Economic Value, Education & Innovation
Potential
Shelf-life stability
Enzymes and volatile terpenes are generally less shelf-stable than
synthetic chemicals.
ArMOLDgeddon has a shelf life ~1 year, while that of synthetic
chemicals can range from 2-4 years
[82].
Our response:
Terpenes are encapsulated in γ-cyclodextrin for controlled
release and oxidation resistance.
Enzymes are properly modified to enhance thermal stability.
ArMoldgeddon’s shelf life will be even longer with the help of
cold chain logistics, cooler storage, and UV-blocking bottles.
Decreasing demand by off-target from
genetic mutation
Fungi may mutate and evolve new cell wall structures that differ
from the original target sites, allowing “escaper” strains to survive
enzyme treatment.
Aspergillus strains often carry enzyme FKS1 (a subunit
of β-1,3-glucan synthase), the target of echinocandin antifungals
[83][84].
Mutations in FKS1 may potentially lead to resistance by
altering the enzyme’s binding site, though fungi’s mutation
frequency is generally low under non-drug selective pressure
[83][84].
Our response:
Use three different enzymes targeting separate fungal cell wall
components to minimize the chance of resistant “escaper” strains
emerging.
Zhang, Xin, et al. “Dampness and Mold in Homes Across China: Associations
With Rhinitis, Ocular, Throat and Dermal Symptoms, Headache and Fatigue
Among Adults.” Indoor Air, vol. 29, no. 1, Oct. 2018, pp. 30–42,
doi:10.1111/ina.12517.
Silano, Vittorio, et al. “Safety Evaluation of the Food Enzyme Chitinase
From Streptomyces Violaceoruber (Strain pChi).” EFSA Journal, vol.
17, no. 7, July 2019, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5767.
Pitson, S. M., et al. (1993). Purification and characterization of an
endo-1,3-β-glucanase from Aspergillus niger. Journal of General
Microbiology, 139(12), 2927-2936.
Woods, Charmaine M et al. “Human lysozyme has fungicidal activity against
nasal fungi.” American journal of rhinology & allergy vol. 25,4 (2011):
236-40.
Mączka, Wanda, et al. “One Hundred Faces of Geraniol.” Molecules, vol. 25,
no. 14, July 2020, p. 3303.
De Lira, Maria Helena Pereira, et al. “Antimicrobial Activity of Geraniol:
An Integrative Review.” Journal of Essential Oil Research, vol. 32, no. 3,
Apr. 2020, pp. 187–97.
Ding, Xiaowei, et al. “Covalent Modification of γ-Cyclodextrin with
Geraniol: An Antibacterial Agent with Good Thermal Stability, Solubility and
Biocompatibility.” Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, vol. 237, May
2024, p. 113841.
Aytac, Zeynep, et al. “Electrospinning of Polymer-Free
Cyclodextrin/Geraniol–Inclusion Complex Nanofibers: Enhanced Shelf-Life of
Geraniol with Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties.” RSC Advances, vol.
6, no. 52, 2016, pp. 46089–99.
Ming, Yongfan et al. “A review of enzyme design in catalytic stability by
artificial intelligence.” Briefings in bioinformatics vol. 24,3 (2023):
bbad065.
Khan, Muhammad Fahad, and Ummad-Ud-Din Umar. “Application of a Robust
Microplate Assay to Determine Induced Β-1,3-glucanase and Chitinase Activity
in the Cotton Plant.” BioTechniques, vol. 70, no. 4, Jan. 2021, pp.
202–08, doi:10.2144/btn-2020-0015.
Mahmoud, A. L. “Antifungal Action and Antiaflatoxigenic Properties of Some
Essential Oil Constituents.” Letters in Applied Microbiology, vol.
19, no. 2, Aug. 1994, pp. 110–13, doi:10.1111/j.1472-765x.1994.tb00918.x.
