Technology Validation &
Trial Preparation.

AENON's core technology — SeaTrace™ SC-1 — is a solid-state fermented (SSF) seaweed feed additive designed for daily oral administration to ruminant livestock. The product is formulated to suppress enteric methane formation via two complementary mechanisms: direct inhibition of methane-producing archaea in the rumen, and metabolic hydrogen rerouting toward propionate synthesis.

In August 2026, our laboratory team completed a series of preliminary in-vitro rumen fermentation assays under controlled conditions. Across replicated assay runs, SeaTrace™ SC-1 consistently demonstrated approximately 50% reduction in CH₄ production versus vehicle control at the target inclusion rate, with no detectable bromoform in the product.

Feed efficiency indicators (VFA ratios, dry matter digestibility) remained within normal physiological ranges across all assay conditions, suggesting that methane suppression is achieved without compromising rumen fermentation capacity.

AENON has finalized the design for our first in-vivo animal trial, planned at Seoul National University Pyeongchang campus in Q4 2026. The trial uses a 6-head crossover design with Korean Hanwoo cattle, directly measuring enteric methane output using the SF₆ tracer gas technique alongside feed conversion ratio (FCR) and rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles.

Trial outcomes will be submitted for peer review and will form the primary evidence base for regulatory submissions under Korea's animal feed additive approval process (Rural Development Administration framework).

This trial represents the transition from in-vitro proof-of-concept to in-vivo validation — a critical step toward commercial readiness and government subsidy eligibility (₩55,000 per head per year for certified methane reduction products under current Korean policy).

In parallel with the university-based in-vivo trial, AENON is identifying pilot farm partners in the Korean dairy sector for early adoption evaluation following in-vivo validation. Target farms are HACCP-certified operations with 50–200 head of Holstein dairy cattle in Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces.

Farm-level pilots are expected to begin in Q2 2027, conditional on successful in-vivo trial outcomes and regulatory clearance. No commercial agreements have been signed at this stage.

We are also monitoring Korea's national livestock GHG monitoring program rollout, which will define the measurement and reporting infrastructure that certified methane reduction products must comply with for subsidy eligibility.

AENON has initiated exploratory conversations with three Korean compound feed manufacturers regarding future integration of SeaTrace™ SC-1 as a functional additive in their livestock feed lines. No commercial agreements or letters of intent have been signed at this stage. Conversations are focused on understanding formulation compatibility, inclusion rate requirements, and supply chain considerations.

We are also in early dialogue with domestic seaweed processing companies to evaluate raw material sourcing pathways that meet our SSF input quality standards — a key requirement for product consistency and eventual GMP-level manufacturing.

On the research side, AENON presented preliminary in-vitro data at a closed academic workshop in August 2026. Feedback from participating researchers has informed refinements to our in-vivo trial measurement protocol.

The following milestones are planned for the remainder of 2026:

• Q3 2026: Complete SNU Pyeongchang trial animal onboarding and baseline measurement period. Finalize seaweed raw material sourcing MOU with at least one domestic supplier.
• Q4 2026: Run in-vivo crossover trial (6 head, 8-week protocol). Prepare regulatory pre-consultation submission to Rural Development Administration.
• Q4 2026: Publish preliminary in-vitro data summary on AENON website for partner and investor review.
• Q1 2027: Complete feed manufacturer feasibility discussions. Begin farm pilot design with selected dairy operation partners.

We will report on progress in the September 2026 monthly update, expected in mid-September.