Algae-tech from 1953

Plus climate-tech in 2021 and seaweed plasterboard

G’day everyone!

Today is Wednesday, January 26th and welcome back to our weekly round-up!

In this week’s issue, we summarise ancient microalgal literature, review developments in climate-tech in 2021, and investigate the creation of seaweed plasterboard.

As promised, here are 3 memes, 2 algae-tech articles, and 1 climate-tech 2021 review to consider this week...

Into the climate-tech archives

Burlew’s back

Widely considered to be the bible of microalgal research, the book "Algal Culture: From Laboratory to Pilot Plant" was first published in 1953. In this pioneering book edited by John S. Burlew, we are introduced to some of the earliest known breakthroughs in microalgal technology.

The book begins with an overview of the space, which outlines the findings of the technical papers found in later chapters. Notably, Burlew takes this opportunity to present microalgae as an edible protein alternative for humans thanks to its high protein content, suitable amino acid composition, and nutritional benefits.

As we dive deeper into the book, we encounter numerous studies from tropical locations as far-flung as Japan and Venezuela. These investigations outline protocols for the cultivation of microalgae, oftentimes underlining the importance of changing growth media, using urea as a nitrogen source, sterilising equipment, and overcoming light saturation using intermittent light exposure and turbulation.

The final chapters describe algal products, and the author marvels at the lack of side-effects observed when microalgae are fed to a combination of lepers, rats, and chicks.

Soon enough, without fail, we find ourselves sharing the author’s grandiose visions of the future: picturing remote island tribes snacking on dried Chlorella, and astronauts using oxygen produced by microalgal cultures to explore the universe.

All in all, the book provides a solid foundation for anybody interested in microalgae research, and it’s fascinating to see how the industry has changed over the last 70 years.

Climate-tech 2021 reviewed and predictions

2020 and 2021 were massive years for climate-tech. This week, we spent some time reviewing 2021 developments and making predictions about the future.

2021 in review

What impressed us most in 2021?

Firstly, we enjoyed seeing a massive increase in size and number of funds targeting climate-tech. Interestingly, many of these funds now offer venture debt to deep-tech teams and it's great to see more capital available in the space.

Secondly, we loved seeing an increase in corporate commitments to climate. For example, big companies like Amazon and Apple started to take things like emission analysis more seriously. Corporate climate commitments are starting to look more like a market, and not just marketing.

Thirdly, it was fascinating to see the speed at which investors moved into direct carbon capture start-ups. 2021 was a breakout year for this investment trend and we hope it continues in the future.

Finally, we paid close attention to the role SPACs played in 2021 for climate-tech companies. Almost all the climate-tech companies which went public in 2021 did so through SPACs. Of these, very few are worth more than when they first came onto the market. It will be interesting to note how these will fare as pre-revenue companies over the coming years.

Predictions

Following the launch of these big climate funds, where do we think all the money will go?

At this rate, it's hard to imagine start-ups in mobility, transport and batteries receiving any less funding. Furthermore, we expect most of this capital will be allocated to later-stage companies, and not to the early-stage teams we often focus on at Paxtier. It's also doubtful whether this recent increase in hard-tech investment can be sustained over the long-term as investors grapple with the concept of patient capital.

What are your predictions? Let us know!

Seaweed plasterboard

This week in seaweed innovation news, let’s travel to Aotearoa New Zealand, where University of Canterbury Bachelor of Product Design student Andy (Minhong) Park has developed a revolutionary new building material that incorporates seaweed.

As part of his university degree, Andy has created a plasterboard alternative which is low-cost, fireproof and has moisture control features. His goal? To reduce the building industry’s carbon footprint.

After realising that the construction industry creates 11% of carbon emissions globally, Andy set about developing a sustainable building material. He stumbled upon seaweed after taking note of its boron content, which helps reduce ignition risks, increase flame retardancy, and promote auto-extinguishing behaviour. Interestingly, seaweed also appears to strengthen cement when it is combined.

Not bad Andy!

More algae-tech in the news

-Seed money: USDA commits $500,000 for Alaska kelp production

-Sealaska's investment in kelp foods part of its focus on ocean health

-Leading Vegan Foods Manufacturer, Purple Sprout, Announces Revolutionary Functional Nutrition Product using Fucus

-The seaweed derivatives market was valued at US$ 2,210.35 Mn in 2018 and is projected to reach US$ 3,903.91 Mn by 2027

-Entrepreneurs demand that government lifts prohibition on new kelp farms off California’s coast

Thanks again for joining us this week! Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Best,

Peter

Paxtier