In 2022 the Algae Biomass Organization, just like the rest of the world, saw an evolution from the disruptions of the pandemic into a new era of adjustment and opportunity. It was inspiring to see our members keep the ball moving forward, and it was equally inspiring to be part of an organization committed to helping its members get through a global disruption and emerge in a position to keep up the pace of accomplishment.
Our organization’s achievements this past year include progress on policy, technology development, network building and commercialization:
First, ABO’s policy achievements continue to provide unparalleled support for algae innovators. ABO’s contacts with Congress allowed for the continuation of invaluable R&D support. This funding is already being allocated to public/private partnerships, academic consortia, and other commercialization efforts. It includes:
$8 million allocated to DOE’s Fossil Energy Office for algae R&D related to carbon capture and use.
Millions more are devoted from other agencies like U.S. Department of Agriculture the Department of Commerce, the. Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Science Foundation.
In 2022 we also brought together leaders for workshops and webinars to plan for algae’s role in everything from food & feed, to carbon credits.
For example, our algae in aquafeed workshop brought together more than 60 people from all over the world. They heard presentations from industry leaders like Corbion, Global Algae Innovations, UC Santa Cruz, MicroBio Engineering, the University of Connecticut, and Algae4All.
ABO worked closely in 2022 with a broad coalition to make policy gains in the Inflation Reduction Act for algae-based fuels, especially sustainable aviation fuels. These fuels are an important pathway for algae commercialization, as the aviation industry is badly in need of decarbonization solutions, especially energy-dense fuels like those our industry can provide.
In 2022 we continued the tradition of gathering our industry at the Algae Biomass Summit. Once again, the event was virtual, and saw investors, researchers and business leaders join to discuss the latest achievements in all aspects of our industry, and to make plans for the future.
ABO also worked to provide new opportunities for a wider audience to engage with the algae and seaweed industries:
We opened an online auction that allowed the public to bid on a variety of algae-based and algae-inspired products.
We developed a new campaign called “Algae Everyday” that will be offering new avenues to inspire the use of algae and seaweed across multiple market sectors.
And we are in the process of opening an online store that will give ABO the ability to provide the public with more algae education, promotion, and other inspiration.
Finally, ABO worked on several expanded membership benefits in 2022, and we have big plans for more in 2023.
We welcomed members in our new membership categories: Bronze for algae startups that are innovating new technology or products. And two new University level categories to meet the needs of the academic community that is so critical to advancing this industry’s technology and workforce development.
These successes would not have been possible without the Algae Biomass Organization and its membership. All of us at ABO want to extend our thanks and congratulations to everyone that supported our efforts this year. We look forward to more success and cooperation in 2023.
Another successful virtual Algae Biomass Summit concluded last month, with hundreds of algae and seaweed professionals gathering from around the world to share insights and discover what’s next for the world’s most sustainable crops.
We heard from leaders in algae and seaweed-based products, investors, and researchers leading the way in developing new methods for everything from algae cultivation to advanced downstream processing. We discussed the potential of algae in direct air capture for carbon mitigation, how investors are looking to support algae and seaweed startups, as well as government and academic accelerators for R&D.
All Summit sessions were recorded, so if you were an attendee you can go back and view anything you missed. Simply log in to Whova, the event’s app, and navigate to the session you’d like to view. The recordings should be available for at least 60 days after the event.
If you didn’t register for the Summit you can still view the proceedings. Simply reach out to ABO for information on how to register.
Young Researcher Poster Winners
We also want to congratulate the winners of the 2022 Young Researcher Poster Competition. These young innovators brought to the Summit some of the most compelling and relevant research to our virtual poster display:
1st place: Nádia Correia, PhD student at the Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) of University of Algarve and Allmicroalgae Natural Products S.A., Portugal
Title: High-value biomass composition from heterotrophic and autotrophic cultivation of novel Chlorococcum amblystomatis
2nd place: Inês Guerra, PhD student at the Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) of University of Algarve and Allmicroalgae Natural Products S.A., Portugal
Title: Optimization of an organic medium for industrial production of a protein-rich Arthrospira platensis
3rd place: Ugbad Farah, PhD student at Department of Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, University of California, San Diego, USA
Title: The evolution of the adaptive landscape in Nannochloropsis sp.
In-Person for 2023?
We are absolutely interested in planning an in-person Summit for 2023. The ABO is currently considering venues and schedules the 2023 Summit. Watch for the announcements coming early next year!
Upgrades for ABO Members
In the coming months we have some exciting plans to upgrade the ABO member experience. These include a new web design, new membership login experience, and new members-only content.
So be sure to renew your membership before we close out the year, join an ABO committee, and get involved! Everything we learned at the Summit shows this industry can accomplish when we stick together.
Thank you, and see you at the next Algae Biomass Summit!
Just in time for the holidays the Algae Biomass Organization is running an online auction of algae-related items that are sure to please anybody on your gift list.
ABO is conducting this online auction as part of its fall member drive, but anyone is welcome to bid. All funds will be used to support ABO operations and our mission to advance algae and seaweed as a global sustainability solution.
The auction is open now on BetterWorld, and all items have been donated by ABO members.
Bidding will be open for the next three weeks, but you’ll want to check out what is available now!
Outstanding leaders, companies and innovations recognized by ABO
The Algae Biomass Organization’s (ABO) is pleased to recognize the winners of the 2022 Algae Industry Awards. During ABO’s Annual Algae Biomass Summit, Executive Director, Dr. Rebecca White, announced outstanding leaders, companies and innovations that are at the forefront of efforts to develop new technologies and commercial markets for renewable and sustainable products derived from algae
The Algae Industry Awards recognize excellence in several categories that contribute to the advancement of algae technology and commercialization. The 2022 winners include:
Pinnacle Award – In recognition of exceptional dedication and service, beyond the call of duty, to advance the algae industry
Tom Byrne, Tax Manager, CarlsonSV Tom Byrne is a tax manager at CarlsonSV and is one of the biomass industry’s most experienced project consultants. He is a founding member of ABO and has supported the organization tirelessly since 2007; Byrne & Co. co-hosted the inaugural Summit in November 2007, and the 2008 Summit as well, which were the foundation for establishing the ABO in 2008. Tom is one of the smartest, kindest, and funniest people you will ever have the fortune to meet. He has served on the Board, as the treasurer and secretary, for many years, and has guided ABO in the best and the roughest of times. He is an eminent subject matter expert, providing service to the industry at many levels – from his Board membership to representing ABO in Washington, DC to serving as a speaker and moderator at the Summit and at stand-alone events such as the recent Carbon Capture Credits webinar. Without Tom, there would be no ABO.
Early-Career Excellence Award – For excellence in scholarly achievements and a record of productive, independent, and impactful peer-reviewed research and creative scholarship activities
Évellin do Santo Espirito Although Évellin do Santo Espirito is in the early stages of her career, she has already developed two patents, filed in her home country of Brazil – one for obtaining microalgae extract for the substitution of an animal protein source to produce vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, and one for a bacterial extract used as a growth promoter to obtain a higher concentration of microalgal biomass. She is currently seeking funding to pursue her PhD in the Mayfield lab at UCSD, working with CRISPR in microalgae to increase the production of biomolecules of industrial interest.
Mid-Career Excellence Award – For excellence in scholarly achievements and a record of productive, independent, and impactful peer-reviewed research and creative scholarship activities
Kevin Shurtleff, Utah Valley University Kevin Shurtleff is an associate professor at Utah Valley University and has spent over 15 years growing, harvesting, and researching algae. His research focuses on developing algae harvesting technology to prevent harmful algal blooms, clean water, and produce renewable energy. He has founded multiple startups, including Mountain West Energy, where he currently serves as President and Manager. He has numerous publications and patents and is hailed as a generous teacher and mentor.
Unsung Hero Award – For unheralded dedication and career contributions to the growth of the algae industry
The Gross-Wen Technologies Operations Team The GWT Operations Team is the backbone of GWT’s project execution core and is critical to the success of the company’s work. The team is lead by Paul Simpson and is made up of an excellent team of operators, technicians and field engineers. (Luke Anderson, Mike Gross, Mark Rogers, AJ Arnold, and Graham Bradbury). This team is frequently on the road headed to numerous pilot and demonstration scale projects across the nation. They put in long hours during crunch time to get projects over the finish line. The work it takes to build reliable systems that can be deployed in the field is often unnoticed and does not get the recognition it deserves. Without the operations team, GWT would not be able to execute its projects successfully and deploy a new algae-based water treatment technology.
Outstanding Contributions to the Industry
Orri Björnsson, CEO, Algalif Orri Bjornsson, the CEO of Algalif. Algalif Iceland is a world leader in the production of high quality sustainable natural astaxanthin from micro algae using high tech photobioreactor systems and 100% green geothermal energy. The company is a green leader and a role model for biotech and algae companies around the world. Orri has been working in the pharma and nutraceutical industries for nearly 25 years and was selected by CIO Look at one of the ten most inspiring CEOs to watch in December 2021. He has been the Algalif company leader from early days and is the main influencer and the real force behind the creation of this sustainable algae company. His vision for Algalif has helped push the industry forward as a whole.
Lifetime Achievement Award – For contributions to the algae industry over the whole of a career in academia and/or industry, including commercial success, significant research contributions, policy activities, outreach, workforce development/educational activities, and/or mentoring activities.
Paul Roessler, Biotechnology Consultant Paul has over 35 years of research experience involving algal, plant, and microbial physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. He has extensive knowledge, publications, and patents in a number of subject areas involving the physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of plants and algae, and has experience with leadership of internal, external, and collaborative research programs. He has worked with premier organizations such as Dow Chemical Company, Monsanto (now Bayer), Synthetic Genomics (now Viridos), Algenol and the Aquatic Species Program at NREL, among others. He has contributed significantly to ABO, and specifically the Summit over the years, speaking, moderating sessions, participating in the program committee, and serving as Program Chair.
Leadership Through Service Award – For exceptional contributions to the growth of the algae industry through volunteerism and service
Jesse Traller, Senior Phycologist, Global Algae Innovations Jesse Traller is a senior phycologist at Global Algae Innovations. Jesse’s leadership on ABO’s Food and Feed committee has been phenomenal – from helping drive and plan the inaugural Future of Algae for Food and Feed gathering, to putting together the annual Committee meeting, which includes multiple panels on timely topics, to organizing the recent Algae in Aquafeed workshop, her dedication to the industry and the mission of ABO is evident. She is always graceful, supportive, and friendly while pushing many things forward with numerous stakeholders and participants.
Champion of Algae Award – For exceptional contributions to growing the algae industry through professional service
Robert Andersen, Pravasoli-Guillard National Center for Marine Algae & Microbiota Robert A. Andersen has remained a Champion of Algae thorough all his impressive algae-focused career. Bob is Emeritus Director, Pravasoli-Guillard National Center for Marine Algae & Microbiota, Senior Research Scientist University of Washington, and Adjunct Professor Biological Sciences Michigan Tech. He has worked on all phases of algae development from concept to creation, from developing ideas with universities to advancing research topics to help commercial businesses like Heliae turn an algae idea into a commercial product. However, beyond the many awards, various titles, published articles, and conferences, what sets Bob apart is his continuous appreciation and love of algae. If you ever talk with him about algae, it will take but a few minutes for his Champion of Algae spirit to come through.
About the Algae Biomass Organization The Algae Biomass Organization is the non-profit trade association and unified voice of the algae industry. Working on behalf of all sectors, the ABO advocates for algae-advancing policy and funding, serves as a hub for innovation and networking, and drives demand for “made with algae” products and services.
The annual Algae Biomass Summit, ABO’s signature event, is the largest global gathering of algae producers, researchers, investors, suppliers, policy makers, and other stakeholders. Founded in 2008, the ABO is led by a Board of Directors representative of the industry’s value chain. Together, with the broader membership, they strive to deliver on the shared mission to promote and accelerate the power of algae to create a step-change in the health and well-being of humanity and the environment. More information is at: www.algaebiomass.org.
The Algae Biomass Organization’s annual Algae Biomass Summit each fall is an opportunity to highlight the work and progress in the algae industry. This year, the Summit will be fully virtual, and the Main Stage programming will be held October 3-4. The award recipient will be announced as part of the Main Stage program on October 4th.
The ABO is now accepting nominations for our annual Algae Industry Awards. ABO members are at the forefront of efforts to develop technologies, products, and commercial markets for renewable and sustainable products derived from algae, and to move the industry forward, and the ABO is dedicated to recognizing exceptional efforts in these areas. The 2021 Awards Recipients can be found on the ABO website.
The Algae Industry Awards recognize excellence in the following areas:
Breakthrough Product – For groundbreaking innovation using algae as part of novel solutions for global problems
Product of the Year Award – In recognition of a high impact algae product that made significant contributions to the visibility of the algae industry within the last year
Innovation Collaboration of the Year Award – In recognition of a partner collaboration that raises the visibility and impact of algae products globally
Mid-Career Excellence Award – For excellence in scholarly achievements and a record of productive, independent, and impactful peer-reviewed research and creative scholarship activities
Unsung Hero Award – For unheralded dedication and career contributions to the growth of the algae industry
Lifetime Achievement Award – For contributions to the algae industry over the whole of a career in academia and/or industry, including commercial success, significant research contributions, policy activities, outreach, workforce development/educational activities, and/or mentoring activities.
Champion of Algae Award – For exceptional contributions to growing the algae industry through professional service
Leadership Through Service Award – For exceptional contributions to the growth of the algae industry through volunteerism and service
For each nomination: The online nomination form must be for single nominees only; do not combine nominations for more than one nominee or more than one award.
Nominations are reviewed by the ABO Board of Directors Executive Committee, who select a proposed winner for each award, and award selections are ratified by the Board of Directors.
DEADLINE: For consideration, please submit the nomination form no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2022.
