The USDA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D), has opened a new opportunity that could support algae production systems.
The SBIR Aquaculture topic area funds research projects that can improve the production efficiency and competitiveness of private sector, commercial aquaculture in the United States. Under the topic area, algae is listed as a qualifying technology.
Novel or innovative approaches to improve the efficiency of algal production and feedstock logistics including: identification of new (or improved) species with improved nutritional profile for use in aquaculture feed, human food, or food supplements; development of improved bioreactor technology; and development of new methods for harvesting algal biomass.