The National Algae Association (NAA) continues to foster collaboration between academia and the algae industry through its Algae Production Incubator Program. The initiative aims to lower risks for algae startup companies while providing valuable training opportunities for microbiology students.
The incubator program supports the development of algae cultivation, harvesting, and extraction as part of efforts to expand commercial algae production in the United States and internationally. It’s designed to connect algae startups with academic institutions that offer lab testing services, land, greenhouses, or equipment.
Startups benefit from reduced up-front expenses during their first 12 to 18 months as they scale up production. These companies remain responsible for utilities such as water and electricity, while students from local universities and colleges assist with lab and field testing.
Matching needs and resources
One key feature of the program is its matching process, where the needs of new algae startups are paired with available resources from participating academic institutions, known as “hosts.” After submitting an application, algae companies are matched with facilities that can support their growth, including access to land, labs, and greenhouse space. Negotiations follow to determine terms such as rent reduction and potential equity arrangements, helping new companies manage early-stage costs.
The NAA recently announced the availability of a new facility in Florida, which features 14 raceway ponds, a four-story warehouse, and a utility shed. This location will host new algae startups alongside Florida-based academic institutions, further expanding research and development capabilities for algae companies in the region.
The incubator program is mutually beneficial. Startup companies enjoy reduced real estate costs and access to specialized equipment without long-term leases. Meanwhile, academic institutions benefit from job training opportunities for their microbiology students and make use of underutilized resources such as labs and land.
Nurturing a growing industry
NAA’s mission is to support and nurture the commercial algae industry, particularly in producing nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fertilizers, and food. The association’s efforts aim to build a robust algae production ecosystem in the US and beyond, which includes facilitating its Algae Biomass Exchange, a marketplace for commercial algae producers and potential customers.
With the global algae protein market projected to reach $709 million by 2028, the algae industry is gaining momentum, particularly within the plant-based and vegan sectors. Startups in the US are exploring various applications, such as using algae for cooking oil and bio-based plastics, while global innovations include microalgae-based milk, whey, protein, and seafood alternatives.
Those interested in further information can contact Executive Director Barry Cohen at Barry@nationalalgaeassociation.org.
