Membership in the Algae Biomass Organization is the best way to support a community that is committed to making algae and seaweed part of the world's sustainable future. Sign into our member portal to keep your involvement up to date. In 2024 we will be introducing new affinity programs, discounts and more benefits that will only be available to members.

ABS will be held October 20-22, 2024, at The Royal Sonesta Galleria in Houston, Texas. Registration is now open!

Register for the Summit *Please note, ABO members will have to login to their membership portal in Wild Apricot in order to register for the summit. Only active and current members will receive the discounted ticket price. If your membership is past due, you will have to pay prior to registration. If your membership allows for a complimentary ticket to the ABS, please contact Carrie at ccox@algaebiomass.org.

EABA Members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Carrie Cox at ccox@algaebiomass.org for registration code. 

Hotel Information

Submit your Abstracts

If anyone has ideas on programming (sessions, keynotes, topics) or interest in sponsorships and or exhibiting please reach out to Jon Kallen at jkallen@algaebiomass.org.

Introducing ConnectifyHR – ABO’s Preferred HR/Professional Employer Organization

Managing human resources (“HR”) is overwhelming for companies and organizations of all sizes. As the nation’s compliance and regulatory landscape grows increasingly complex, more entrepreneurs and business owners are choosing to outsource their HR tasks to professional employer organizations to save valuable time and resources.

Connectify HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (“PEO”) that values customer service first and provides a complete solution to human resources, cost control, and compliance. National studies show that PEO clients experience higher rates of both employee growth and business revenue growth. On average, companies grow 7-9% faster, reduce turnover by 10-14%, and are 50% less likely to go out of business!

Connectify takes HR off your plate so you can focus on what you do best – growing your business. From automated payroll processing and tax administration to accessing premium employee benefits and retirement options, they specialize in tailored and simplified solutions to streamline your business and provide unwavering support where you and your employees need it the most.

Connectify is proud to partner with ABO and provide members across the country with priority pricing and exclusive discounts on turnkey HR solutions. All ABO members who work with Connectify will receive a dedicated HR specialist from our award-winning customer service team. Their team works closely with your company to gain an in-depth understanding of your business, your goals, and your people. To learn more please contact them today.

Overview of Company

GW Nutrition (GWN) is working to make alterative protein easier to incorporate into food formulations using their patent-pending CleanSense™ technology. Founded in 2020, GWN set out to further develop the CleanSense™ technology with an initial goal to reduce the color and flavor profile of sustainably grown algae. 

By the middle of the century, we will need over 250 million additional tons of protein annually to feed the world’s population. This growth is driving the alternative protein market to over $190 billion dollars by 2028. GWN’s mission is to address the global shortage of protein by utilizing their CleanSense™ technology to make alternative proteins more usable. 

 Key Company Developments

With patent applications filed and a US regulatory path defined, GWN’s focus is now on scaling the CleanSense™ technology and quantifying the sensory improvements. They have scaled the CleanSense™ output 10X from the initial design and are targeting another 4X improvement to their first commercial scale. 

GWN has successfully raised over $2.5M dollars, received funding from Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) fund, and in February won the Iowa Biotech Pitch Competition. Starting in April, GWN will launch an additional round to fund the continued scale-up of the technology. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to President Anita Norian (anita@cleansense.com).

Biggest benefit of membership in ABO?

The biggest benefit of our membership with the ABO is the ability to connect with the large network of members. We have received wonderful support from members in our effort to scale our technology as well as understand more about algae. We have attended an ABO Summit where we focused on learning from the algae community and the advances in the field.

In the future GWN plans to utilize the ABO membership by networking with fellow members, attending more summits, and utilizing resources and discounts to support our continued business development.

Member Project Overview - Waste 2 Jet! -

Transforming Algae into Sustainable Aviation Fuel:

A Carbon-Negative Pathway

The Waste to Jet (W2J) Consortium is a unique collaboration led by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) that includes partners such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) Colorado State University (CSU), and New Mexico State University (NMSU) as well as two industrial partners - Gross Wen Technologies (GWT) and Chevron Renewable Energy Group (CREG).

The W2J Consortium aims to create a carbon-negative pathway to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by leveraging multiple waste nutrient streams to cultivate algae. This three-year project (2023-2026) is not just about fuel production; it is an endeavor to significantly reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals. By focusing on algae, a resource that does not compete with food crops for land, the project offers a scalable, sustainable solution to one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize.

Primary Research Tasks:

Task 1 Techno-economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment: CSU

The proposal uses sustainability assessments to guide experimental work for economic and environmental goals. This will evaluate multiple production pathways using existing infrastructure and models such as engineering & economic process modeling, life cycle assessment, sensitivity, and stochastic modeling.

Task 2 Cultivation and Field Testing: GWT, SNL and NMSU

We are exploring innovative systems for cultivating algae more efficiently in wastewater environments. This task involves identifying optimal conditions that promote rapid growth and optimal biomass composition, essential for fuel production.

Task 3 Biomass Improvement: NREL, LANL and GWT

The success of algal biofuel hinges on finding high-performance algal strains. Our research delves into strain selection and optimization to enhance yield, resilience, and lipid content, laying the groundwork for a commercially viable fuel source.

Task 4 Conversion and Upgrading: PNNL, ORNL, NREL

Advancing the technology for converting algal biomass into jet fuel is a cornerstone of the project. We are developing and optimizing processes that maximize fuel quality and yield, ensuring the product meets industry standards.

Opportunities for Industry Partners:

The W2J Consortium offers a unique opportunity for industry partners to be at the forefront of sustainable aviation fuel development. Collaboration can range from contributing expertise and resources to pilot demonstrations to being part of the algal cultivation or fuel distribution supply chain. Partners will benefit from early access to cutting-edge technology and play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for aviation.

Join Us in Pioneering Green Aviation:

As we embark on this ambitious project, we invite industry leaders to join us in pioneering a sustainable future for aviation. Together, we can overcome the challenges of decarbonizing the aviation sector, creating fuel and a legacy of innovation and environmental stewardship.

For partnership inquiries and more information, please contact Lou Brown at lrbrown@lanl.gov