At first glance, algae farming seems simple: just grow algae in a tank of water. But behind that green promise lies a technological marvel. At Campus Groningen, the startup Algy Cultivator is developing a unique solution at Innolab Engineering to grow microalgae year-round, day and night, under controlled conditions. “We create equipment that uses LED light to grow algae 24/7. No more, no less,” says co-founder Joep de Vries.

Algy Cultivator is part of the overarching Algy Group and focuses on one mission: developing and selling equipment that enables microalgae cultivation 24/7, independent of sunlight. “Instead of relying on natural sunlight hours, which the Netherlands simply lacks, we use LED light combined with smart light recipes. This way, we create ideal growth conditions all year round,” Joep explains.

Microalgae with Mega Potential

Microalgae are microscopic, single-celled organisms with an enormous range of applications—from cosmetics and dietary supplements to pharmaceuticals and even the energy sector. Despite their potential, large-scale, controlled cultivation remains challenging.
“The biggest challenge is scaling up,” Joep says. “There is a lot of algae research worldwide. But if you need consistent quality at larger volumes, especially in Northern Europe, we are one of the few companies offering a serious solution.”

That solution lies in so-called reactors: specially designed, stainless steel cultivation devices where algae grow under controlled conditions. “We develop light recipes tailored for specific algae and applications. We test these in our own mini-reactors at Innolab Engineering. If all goes well, we’ll deliver to our first customer by the end of this year.”

Campus as a Launchpad

Choosing Campus Groningen and Innolab Engineering was strategic, according to Joep: “Here, R&D, collaboration, and scaling converge. We test our mini-reactors at Innolab. For larger systems, ranging from 10 to 15 cubic meters, we partner with Avebe or ZAP, the Zernike Advanced Processing facility at Hanze University. Scaling is essential because that’s when it becomes commercially viable for customers.”

The campus also offers ample opportunities for collaboration with companies, knowledge institutions, and students. “We’re already in talks with the Technical Business Administration program at Hanze University to involve interns and graduates. There’s so much to explore, and it’s a unique chance for students to work in a cutting-edge startup.”

Smart Light, Smart Business

What makes Algy Cultivator unique isn’t just the hardware, but especially the light control. “Our expertise lies in managing the LED tubes and the specific light recipes,” Joep explains. “We build all of that ourselves, which makes us flexible and scalable.”

The startup currently consists of a team of four: two founders, Filips Jager and Jarno Stel, and two co-founders, Joep de Vries and Kasper Falke Jensen. Together, they’re building a solid foundation. “Filips is our algae specialist, Jarno focuses on light and ICT, and Kasper and I handle business and financing.”

Growing in Phases

Algy Cultivator has clear ambitions for the coming years. “We want to grow into a place where we can build our own lighting systems and produce small quantities of biomass. Customers need a starter volume to continue from themselves. Ultimately, we want to offer algae tailored to exact needs: just the right quality, in the right amount, at the right time.”

And their ambitions extend beyond Groningen. “We’re also looking at partnerships across Europe. Norway, for example, has even less sunlight than here. That’s exactly where our added value lies.”

An ecosystem that Works

For Joep, the strength of Campus Groningen lies in its ecosystem. “You can start small here as a startup but still have access to professional facilities. You’re close to knowledge, technology, students, and other companies that can help you grow. Innolab Engineering is a real link between idea and realization.” Or as Joep sums it up: “Innovation isn’t about starting big but scaling smart. Campus Groningen is the perfect place for that.”

Source text: Campus Groningen
Photo header: Jarno Stel. Photo's by Algy Cultivator

Read the story of Algy Cultivator also in English at the Northern Times and in Dutch at the Groninger Internet Courant (GIC).