by 
International Symposium on Algal Biomass brings together industry leaders from US, Japan and around the globe
TOKYO (September 4, 2013) –The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, and the Algae Industry Incubation Consortium, Japan (AIIC), a group working to commercialize algae biofuels in Japan, announced today a cooperative effort to share algae industry best practices and expertise that is commencing at the International Symposium on Algal Biomass being held September 5-6 at the Nomura Conference Plaza Nihonbashi in Tokyo, Japan.
The AIIC contacted ABO for assistance in bringing together global algae expertise as part of the government of Japan’s efforts to diversify the country’s energy base. ABO’s membership includes some of the most sophisticated algae companies in the world, and the US has become the global leader in the industry thanks to the cooperative efforts of entrepreneurs, scientists and several successful public-private partnerships that are making commercial algae production a reality.
“ABO and its members are honored to help the AIIC assemble an international community of experts to share knowledge about algae’s potential as a renewable source of energy,” said Mary Rosenthal, ABO’s executive director. “The high yields of algae and the ability to grow in saltwater with minimal impacts on agricultural land make algae-derived biofuels and other products attractive for any nation interested in sustainable sources of energy.”
ABO assisted the AIIC by facilitating contacts with global algae industry leaders, federal agencies and the research community. Some of the US-based algae industry experts that will be presenting at the symposium include:
- Mark Allen, VP of Integrated Carbon Solutions at Accelergy Corporation
- Craig Behnke, Senior Director of Cultivation, Sapphire Energy, Inc.
- Christopher Cassidy of the US Department of Agriculture
- Daniel Fishman of the Bioenergy Technologies Office at the US Department of Energy
- Stephen Mayfield, Director of the San Diego Center for Algae Biotechnology at the University of California, San Diego
- Philip Pienkos, Applied Science Principal Group Manager at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Joelle Simonpietri of the US Pacific Command
- Emilie Slaby, Market Manager of Natural and Organic Protein Products at The Scoular Company
- Fred Tennant, Director of Business Development at Heliae Development, LLC
- Joseph Zwillinger, Manager of Business Development at Solazyme, Inc.
“The AIIC is grateful for the cooperation of the Algae Biomass Organization and the international algae community,” said Isao Inouye of the University of Tsukuba and Board Chairman of AIIC. “Japan’s energy goals and technical expertise can play a positive role in accelerating the commercialization of algae cultivation technologies that can provide sustainable fuels, chemicals and other products. We are looking forward to a productive partnership.”
A full description of the event and current agenda can be found at: https://algae-consortium.jp/isab2013/
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.
