Algae Technology Educational Consortium

The Algae Technology Educational Consortium

Our Vision

The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office’s Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC) project recognizes that algal production will provide a sustainable source of biomass for bio-based products, feed, fuel and foods, thereby creating an educated workforce for high quality jobs.

Who We Are

The Algae Foundation, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), launched
the Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC) project in 2016. We work closely with academic institutions, national research laboratories, and industry leaders to develop novel educational programs to strengthen industry workforce capabilities by focusing on the skills needed to support the commercialization of algal products.

View our 2024-2025 Partner Institutions.

Our Mission

Through algal education, students learn practical applications of farming and biotechnology, developing the skills for the next generation of algal-based jobs. We aim to produce novel K-12 and community college courses, labs, microcredentialing digital badges, certificates and degrees in algae cultivation and algae biotechnology.

In the current 2023–2024 fiscal year, we have reached over 12,500 students through our ATEC collegiate-level curriculum programs.

MOOC Students

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ACES Students

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Algal Biotechnology Students

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Algal Cultivation Students

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What We Do

Workforce Development

The Consortium is committed to strengthening industry workforce capabilities by providing students with the necessary skills, applications, and connections for employment in algal-based biotechnology.

K-12 and Collegiate Algal Curriculum & Educational Outreach

The Consortium offers innovative educational programs both in-person, hybrid, and online for students worldwide at no-cost, including collegiate level certification and badging and K-12 programs.

Training Workshops & Community Relations

By participating as an ATEC partner institution, academic leaders receive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities through both in-person and virtual meetings and workshops.

Stories to Inspire

Jeremiah Star, an ATEC graduate with a Certificate in Algae Cultivation, shares his experience with the program, discusses the importance of algae in education, and reflects on the positive impact of his degree.

Abey Torrez, a veteran and ATEC graduate with a Certificate in Algae Cultivation, shares his experience with the program, how it has shaped his career path, and offers advice on how to succeed in this degree.

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