What are the most innovative algae production business models for vertical farming?

1 What is vertical farming?

Vertical farming is a method of growing crops in stacked layers, often in controlled environments such as greenhouses, warehouses, or shipping containers. Vertical farming can save space, water, energy, and fertilizer, while reducing the need for pesticides, herbicides, and transportation. Vertical farming can also increase crop yield, quality, and diversity, and enable year-round production. Vertical farming is especially suitable for urban areas, where land and water are scarce and expensive, and where there is a high demand for fresh and local food.

3 What are the benefits of algae vertical farming?

Algae vertical farming can offer multiple benefits for the environment, the economy, and the society. Environmentally, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, land use, and pollution, as well as sequester carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and remediate wastewater. Economically, it can generate income, create jobs, diversify the product portfolio, reduce dependence on imports, enhance food security, and add value to the supply chain. Socially, it can improve health, nutrition, and education by providing essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, it can raise awareness of environmental issues, inspire innovation in green technology solutions, and foster community engagement.

4 What are some examples of algae vertical farming business models?

There are many examples of algae vertical farming business models around the world, each with its own vision, mission, and strategy. For instance, Algiknit is a biodesign company that produces textile fibers from algae which are biodegradable, compostable, and dyeable. AlgaEnergy is another biotechnology company that produces microalgae-based products for agriculture, aquaculture, nutrition, and cosmetics; they use a vertical farming system that integrates solar energy, carbon dioxide capture, and wastewater treatment. Ecoduna is a biotechnology company that produces high-quality microalgae for food, feed, and pharma; they have a patented vertical farming system consisting of hanging glass tubes that rotate around a central light source. Lastly, Phycofood is a food company producing algae-based products for human consumption through their vertical farming system which grows algae on vertical panels in a greenhouse.

5 What are the challenges and opportunities of algae vertical farming?

Algae vertical farming comes with a variety of challenges and opportunities. Challenges include the need for advanced technology, equipment, and skills, as well as legal and regulatory hurdles, and market barriers like low consumer awareness and high competition. On the other hand, opportunities include innovation, collaboration, and education. Innovation could involve developing new strains, systems, products, and applications to improve efficiency and productivity. Collaboration could involve partnering with other stakeholders such as farmers, researchers, investors, retailers, and consumers to create networks for sharing knowledge. Education could involve creating learning materials to educate the public about the benefits of algae vertical farming.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?