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We know it has been a while since you have heard from us in newsletter form, but ABO has been hard at work behind the scenes. As we move through 2026, there is a lot to be excited about. This year marks a major milestone as ABO and the Algae Biomass Summit celebrate 20 years of algae excellence, innovation, collaboration, and industry progress. At the same time, ABO is strengthening its role as the voice of the algae industry through continued involvement with the Congressional Algae Caucus, federal policy education, refreshed programs and committees, new memberships, and growing partnerships with individuals and organizations working to move the algae industry forward.
Summit season is officially underway, and the 20th Algae Biomass Summit will take place October 12–15, 2026, at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. ABO is planning exciting programming this year, including technical sessions, policy updates, industry connection, special events, and opportunities to engage across the algae community. ABO Chair Dylan Franks, PhD, recently represented ABO at the Plant Based Products Council’s Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit, helping highlight algae’s role as a renewable feedstock and reinforcing the importance of education, collaboration, and advocacy. The abstract submission portal has been extended through June 1st, registration is open, and we look forward to building momentum together as we celebrate this milestone year.
Looking for something specific? Use the links below to jump into Summit opportunities, policy updates, member benefits, and ways to engage with ABO.
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As 2026 began, so did a wave of federal uncertainty, policy activity, and funding conversations that directly affect every sector of the algae industry. In moments like these, the importance of a unified voice becomes clear. As the longest-standing algae trade association in the world, the Algae Biomass Organization continues to return to one of its foundational priorities: educating policymakers and ensuring algae remains visible, understood, and represented on Capitol Hill.
Algae sits at the crossroads of some of the country’s most important policy conversations, including energy security, sustainable aviation fuel, rural development, clean water, biomanufacturing, carbon utilization, agricultural resilience, and environmental innovation. These conversations shape research programs, funding pathways, regulatory structures, and market opportunities that help move algae technologies from innovation to commercial reality.
Recent FY27 appropriations activity is an important reminder of why ABO’s work matters. House Energy and Water report language includes support for algae-related activities within DOE’s Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks section, as well as carbon utilization using algal systems. While these provisions are not final enacted funding, they are meaningful signals that algae remains part of the federal conversation.
The Farm Bill is another critical area of focus. For many algae producers, animal feed represents an important pathway for valorizing biomass and supporting the economics of scale, but feed markets require data, and that data depends on federally supported research and feed trials. Without dedicated support, the industry risks missing the regulatory data needed to open key markets and attract private-sector investment.
This is why ABO’s advocacy and education work is so important. Federal policy can influence whether algae is included in research priorities, whether funding lines are created or preserved, and whether algae has a seat at the table when decisions are made.
As the year progresses, ABO will continue keeping members informed on policy developments, funding opportunities, agency changes, and federal activity that may impact our industry. At this year’s Algae Biomass Summit, speakers from DOE and BETO will provide important updates on the evolving structure of both divisions, along with insight into future funding and grant opportunities.
ABO remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing and strengthening the algae industry. Together, we will continue building momentum, educating decision-makers, and ensuring algae is recognized as a practical solution for agriculture, energy, water, carbon utilization, and future bioeconomy.
| | The 2026 ABS is headed to Arizona State University, October 12–15, 2026, bringing together algae industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, innovators, students, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners for four days of education, networking, technical programming, and industry connection. As we celebrate 20 years of algae excellence, this milestone Summit will highlight the people, science, technologies, and collaborations shaping the future of algae. Explore the opportunities below to submit an abstract, register, sponsor, exhibit, attend special events, and connect with the ABS 2026 team. The full Summit agenda is currently in development and is expected to be released in late June or early July. Programming will include technical sessions, policy updates, industry panels, networking opportunities, poster presentations, special events, and updates from key federal and industry leaders. | | The Algae Biomass Summit is the longest-running algae-focused conference and a key gathering place for the people advancing algae research, commercialization, policy, and market development. Attendees will gain insight into emerging technologies, federal activity, funding opportunities, industry trends, and real-world applications across fuels, feed, food, agriculture, water, carbon utilization, and bioproducts. | | | | |
