BioE Graduate Seminars

Event Introduction

Navigating the maze: Delivering an algae biotechnology success story

About the speaker

A successful academic career in applied molecular biology, mammalian developmental biology and genetics, transitioning in 2009 to accepting a broad challenge to build a UK-based algae biotechnology company from the ground up. A passionate business director, innovative scientist and leader who now has over 10 years business experience with a focus on disruptive innovation, growth, vision and strategy as well as all essential people management. A thought leader and catalyst within the algal industry driving creative microalgae and algal-based commercial solutions to market to satisfy global drivers and high-priority market needs. Key steering roles in EABA (European Algae Biomass Association) and CCAP (Culture Collection of Protozoa and Algae) and industry standards setting underpinning algae in foods and beverage markets are also held.

Abstract

The algae biotechnology industry has delivered few big winners over the past 10-15 years – the most notable being 'algae'-based omega-3 oils transitioning to gradually replace oils produced through our over-reliance on farmed or wild-caught fish. Otherwise, the algae biotechnology industry is largely distributed within smaller companies, many struggling to make ends meet and some claiming to have technologies that are future-directed and that will, perhaps, deliver lasting impact. I will present a perspective of the Algenuity journey, which has now reached a critical transition point as we shift from R&D and pilot scale to full manufacturing scale at multiple manufacturing sites globally to deliver Chlorella-based ingredients into food and beverage markets in the first instance. Decision points made along the journey, analogous to forks in a maze, specific directions taken and, as importantly, not taken, will be highlighted in an effort to give an overall perspective of successful delivery.