Efficient photobioreactor for the production of algae-based chemical resources

Project Information

LAURA

Grant agreement ID: 729773

DOI

10.3030/729773

Project closed

EC signature date 4 May 2016

Start date 1 May 2016

End date 31 October 2016

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

CLEANTECH INNOVATIONS BV
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LAURA (Efficient photobioreactor for the production of algae-based chemical resources)

Reporting period: 2016-05-01 to 2016-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The overall goal of this project was to research the economic upscaling of an innovative photobioreactor (a reactor to grow algae), that exceeds current alternatives on both efficiency and cost of operation, providing a competitive alternative to produce high-end bio-based components for the food industry. By optimizing the light exposure and liquid flow rate, the technology’s efficiency is expected to double compared to current solutions. The photo-bioreactor based on LAURA technology will be able to produce algae at a commercially viable rate, delivering a sustainable alternative for resource provision.

Specific objectives in this H2020-SMEINST Phase 1 study for the Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bio-economy program were:
- Making a quick scan of 3 EU geographical regions based on their technical, economical and legal opportunities and risks for algae food niches;
- Select and validate 3 or 4 most promising sustainable food applications;
- Elaborate a business plan for the European expansion of LAURA.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The activities conducted for the 6 months during H2020 SME Instrument phase 1 study, consist of the following:
− Making a quick scan of 3 different EU regions based on their technical, economical and legal opportunities and risks for algae food niches;
− Select and validate 3 or 4 most promising sustainable food segments;
− Elaborate a business plan for the European expansion of LAURA, including the determination of technical, economical and legal opportunities and risks for algae food niches.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Cleantech Innovation's revolutionary LAURA platform has proven a solution to the technical and operational disadvantages that are encountered in current production setups, whilst focussing on high value, high margin output products, i.e. for the food and pharma industries. The LAURA process features significant key advantages over current algae processes, providing evident USP’s and Value for Money reasons to buy the LAURA-application. The revenue model of LAURA is based on the sales of LAURA-reactors to existing algae producers or companies that want to explore new, alternative and sustainable sources.

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