Category: News

Having trouble keeping up with all things algae? Check out some of the most interesting developments from the world of algae research, products and technology over the past few weeks!

Event showcases breakthrough algae innovations in human health, agriculture, wastewater and fuel

HOUSTON (October 11, 2018)–Texas-based companies and universities are working with the Algae Biomass Organization to bring the 2018 Algae Biomass Summit, an annual conference of investors, scientists and entrepreneurs to The Woodlands, October 14-17. It is the first time in its 12-year history that the largest algae conference in the world has been held in Texas.

Texas is becoming a natural focal point for a new generation of algae farmers and product developers that are using advanced cultivation technologies to develop markets for agriculture, human nutrition, energy and more. New algae-based products include nutritional supplements, cooking oils, aquaculture feeds and even plastics.

“Today we see more commercial algae cultivation operations than ever, but we also see more room to grow than ever,” said Matt Carr, Executive Director of the Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the industry and host of the annual conference. “The favorable business climate in Texas, land availability and a solid resource base is attracting the eyes of those looking to build this industry into a new category of American agriculture.”

Some of the new leaders in the algae industry believe Texas is well positioned to become a home for thousands of acres of algae farming operations and the jobs that would come with them. A Texas A&M regional impact analysis estimates that for every 1,000 acre feet of algae ponds, Texas will see 245 new jobs created and $12.8 million of added value.

Texas is also home to many of the resources that algae farming needs: inexpensive land, saline water, sun and CO2.  A 2016 study by the Department of Energy determined that Texas consistently ranked near the top of states where algae can be produced cheaply and efficiently with the local resources available.

The resource base has not gone unnoticed by state officials, who have made Texas one of the few states that have prioritized algae farming regulations. The state recently brought algae farming into the state’s aquaculture farming regulations, allowing for an easy permitting process for companies that want to begin cultivation or processing operations.

“Texas has an unprecedented opportunity to harness waste carbon dioxide, wastewater and underutilized land as resources that can build an entirely new industry and economic base,” said Rebecca White, Vice President Operations at Texas-based Qualitas Health, and co-chair of the Summit’s Local Host Committee. “We wanted to bring algae farmers from around the world to Texas to see how they can do business here.”

Several companies and Universities in Texas are playing leading roles in the emerging algae industry:

• iWi
• ExxonMobil
• Acclergy
• AlgEternal Technologies
• Texas A&M Algae Research and Development Facility
• UTEX Culture Collection of Algae at the University of Texas at Austin
• Midland College

More information about the Algae Biomass Summit can be viewed at: https://www.algaebiomasssummit.org.

About the Algae Biomass Organization

The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies, and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits, and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algaebiomass.org.

With the Algae Biomass Summit around the corner, now is the time to solidify your travel plans if you want to take advantage of the Summit’s incredible discounts. Summit attendees can still get special room rates at the Grand America Hotel — but act soon, this rate will expire on October 6!

We also have separate discounts for government and student attendees.

You can also qualify for a special flight discount with Delta Airlines. Please visit our Venue and Travel Information page for more information, and see you in Salt Lake City!

Event to showcase innovation across algae industry as more products enter dozens of markets

SALT LAKE CITY (June 15, 2017) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, today announced the preliminary agenda for the 11^th Annual Algae Biomass Summit, being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 29-November 1, 2017. The sessions unveiled on the agenda promise a wide range of discussions about the impact that the latest advances in algae commercialization and research are having on agriculture, food and nutrition markets, carbon and water management, advanced materials, energy and more. Registration and agenda details can be viewed at: http://www.algaebiomasssummit.org.

Utah has become a unique focus for innovative algae research and commercial opportunities, making Salt Lake City an ideal location for the world’s largest algae conference. Advanced research on algae cultivation and harvesting techniques are underway at Utah universities and labs, and several companies in Utah are using algae in everything from wastewater treatment, to consumer products and more.

 “We’re looking forward to bringing the Algae Biomass Summit to Salt Lake City to showcase how this new form of agriculture can impact dozens of markets,” said Matt Carr, executive director of ABO. “Utah is the perfect place to host this year’s Algae Biomass Summit. It is home to a growing wave of innovation in nutrient management, nutraceuticals and natural products, and other technologies in human, animal and planetary health. This year’s Summit will bring together top scientists and innovative companies to discuss how the latest advances in algae are creating new market opportunities, addressing sustainability challenges, and driving new investments in rural and urban economies alike.”

The 2017 Summit comes as a number of ABO member companies have accelerated the pace of product commercialization in the past year, introducing new and more sustainable aquaculture feeds, nutritional supplements, algae-derived plastics and foams, food ingredients, and more.

In addition to plenary sessions featuring leading keynotes and panels on the most pressing topics facing the industry, the conference will feature dozens of presentations in breakout sessions organized into four tracks: Biology, Engineering & Analysis, Commercialization and a new Industry Focus track on major trends the industry. More than 100 posters will be on display showcasing groundbreaking new technologies and research. More information about the Summit can be found at www.algaebiomasssummit.org.

Products made from algae are the natural solution to the energy, food, economic and climate challenges facing the world today. This tiny but powerful organism has the ability to simultaneously put fuels in vehicles, reuse CO2, provide nutrition for animals and people, and create jobs for millions of Americans.

About the Algae Biomass Organization


The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algaebiomass.org