3 phases towards an industrial land-based seaweed cultivation
3 phases towards an industrial land-based seaweed cultivation
Esben Rimi Christiansen, Founder, Leader, Pure Algae, Denmark
Speaker
Speaker
Seagriculture EU
21 - 22 June 2023
Trondheim, Norway
About the speaker:
Esben Christiansen is an engineer in biotechnology leading a blue-tech startup, Pure Algae. Pure Algae is a technology supplier of a unique cultivation system for seaweed.
A pull for high quality seaweed has led Pure Algae to industrialise land-based cultivation systems for seaweed, enabling controlled and stable productions while at the same time capturing nutrients and CO2.
Esben is passionate about bioremediation and Pure Algae makes his heart sing because of its huge potential in turning emission streams of nitrogen, phosphorous and CO2 into seaweed as ne revenue stream.
Company info:
Pure Algae Denmark was founded in 2018 by Esben Christiansen. The idea behind founding of the company stemmed from a mission to help the oceans’ natural resources.
In 2018, Esben published his thesis on seaweed, where he showed the potential of sea lettuce in public health and sustainability. It became the first sod for Pure Algae.
The demand for seaweed worldwide is on the rise and Pure Algae’s vision is to become Denmark’s first supplier of a technology, that enables a stable and sustainable production of seaweed on land.
With our closed, controlled systems, you can grow high quality and allergen free seaweed, benefiting our environment and health.
Interview:
1. When was the first time you got involved with seaweeds and why?
I first became involved with seaweeds during my research studies in biotechnology. I was captivated by their regenerative properties and the wide range of applications they offered across different industries. This sparked my curiosity to delve into their ecological significance and potential contributions to sectors such as food and aquaculture. As an engineer, I felt compelled to contribute innovative solutions to support advancements in this field, which ultimately led me to found Pure Algae, a supplier of seaweed cultivation technology.
2. What is your view on the European seaweed industry in 2030?
In my view, the European seaweed industry in 2030 has immense potential for growth and development. With increasing awareness about the environmental and health benefits of seaweed, there will be a significant demand for seaweed-based products across various sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. European countries are already taking steps to support the seaweed industry through public funding, research, and policy initiatives. By 2030, I expect to see a thriving European seaweed industry with advanced cultivation technologies resilient to climate change and a diverse range of sustainable products. This industry has the potential to contribute to economic growth, job creation, and the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy in Europe.
3. What will you be talking about at Seagriculture EU 2023?
At Seagriculture EU 2023, I will be discussing the exciting topic of "3 Phases Towards an Industrial Land-Based Seaweed Cultivation." Our team and I at Pure Algae have successfully developed and implemented land-based cultivation systems for seaweed that bring innovation to the industry. These systems not only allow for controlled and stable production but also have the capability to capture nutrients and CO2, making them very relevant for the circular bioeconomy. During my presentation, I will share my personal journey of scaling a life science startup and provide valuable insights and strategies for achieving an industrial-scale seaweed cultivation.