Mentoring new algae startups, supporting them through upfront challenges while leveraging college/university infrastructure for R&D to support startups in early stages grow to the next stage.
The National Algae Association facilitates an Algae Production Incubator Program that provides training to microbiology and engineering students working with new algae start-ups from the private sector in the indoor or outdoor microalgae production in the US and internationally as well as create new jobs.
What is an algae production incubator?
The Algae Production Incubator Program is a collaboration between academia and the algae industry. NAA facilitates an Algae Production Incubator Programs to provide training to microbiology students working with new algae start-up companies learning lab testing protocols and assist in algae cultivation and harvesting as a development tool to nurture and provide job training and the expanding algae production industry in the US and internationally.
NAA has been a focal point, bringing together academia and new algae start-up companies that are capable of developing nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, organic fertilizer, food and feeds.
A potential win-win!
Our algae production incubator program matches the needs of new algae start-up companies (ie, lab testing services, land, greenhouse or commercial building, water, CO2 offered by colleges and universities (called a “host ”).
New algae start-ups experience the benefits of reducing upfront expenses the first 12-18 months working with academia as they scale up into algae production. (ie, paying a reduced rent for space the first 12-18 months until production benchmarks are met. Microbiology students assist new algae start-ups with lab and onsite field testing, monitoring and benchmarking.
I. Benefits to algae start-up companies.
No upfront real estate costs or long-term leases to help reduce initial upfront costs.
II. Benefits for the Host/Provider/Students:
The advantages of this type of arrangement to a host are numerous. The main advantage to the academia host is job training for microalgae students and taking advantage of underutilized land, greenhouse or building.
III. The Matching Process:
Step 1: Submission of completed Preliminary Applications to the National Algae Association.
Step 2: Review of information provided to determine needs and services of new algae start-up company with college or university equipment and facilities available.
Step 3: Once a potential match is found, the negotiations begin. Negotiable items include: the amount of reduced rent, the length of the term of the lease (12-18 months). Exact services to be offered, exact milestones to be met and small equity percentage (up to 10% in exchange for services negotiated up front).
Once all of these areas have been addressed, the appropriate legal documentation is signed, and the business incubator is hatched!
I. Benefits to Start-up Algae Companies
Start-ups have no upfront real estate costs or long-term leases to helps reduce initial up-front costs.
Extraction equipment rentals are available.
II. Benefits for the Host/Academic Provider:
The advantages of this type of arrangement are numerous. The main advantage is that the host company would be taking advantage of underutilized testing lab, land, greenhouse or building already in its possession by redeploying.
Other advantages include:
diversification
low risk and a potentially higher yielding investment
III. The Matching Process:
Step 1: Submission of completed Preliminary Applications to the NAA.
Step 2: Review of information provided to determine needs and services/facilities available.
Step 3: Once a potential match is found, the negotiations begin. Negotiable items include: the amount of rent, the length of the term of the lease, the exact services to be offered, the exact milestones to be met, if any, and the amount of equity that the incubator company will give up, if any.
Once all of these areas have been addressed, the appropriate legal documentation is signed, the algae incubator company is hatched!