Sector Portrait: Energy
Algae Contenders
Who's in the Algae Business?
AGRISYS
CEO: Nick VandenBrekel
FOUNDED: In 2010 in Orlando
M.O.: Fast-grows algae using a proprietary food mix, then processes it into a pure vegetable oil that can be refined, via another proprietary process, into fuel and omega-3 “fish oil.”
ALGAE AVIATION FUEL
CEO: Victor Garlington
FOUNDED: In 2010 in Sarasota
M.O.: Dries algae into a powder that can be used to fuel jet engines.
ALGENOL
CEO: Paul Woods
FOUNDED: In 2006 in Bonita Springs
M.O.: Photo-biorectors generate ethanol from algae, CO2 and seawater.
AQUAFIBER
CEO: G. Thomas Bland Jr.
FOUNDED: In 2000 in Orlando
M.O.: Generates biomass, including algae, as it removes phosphorus, nitrogen and other pollutants from surface waters with a patented biological process.
PETROALGAE
CEO: John S. Scott
FOUNDED: In 2006 in Melbourne
M.O.: Grows specially bred species of algae in tubes and ponds; converts algae to fuel by drying, fermenting and refining it.
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