2022-2023 AlgaePrize Weekend

The U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), in partnership with the Algae Foundation and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), announced the 2022-2023 AlgaePrize Competition grand champion and top four finalist teams!

Launched in January 2022, the student competition challenged 64 student teams with 307 individual competitors from high schools, colleges, and universities across the United States. The teams developed innovative solutions for algae production, processing, and new product development to lower the costs of producing algal biofuels and bioproducts.

During the AlgaePrize Competition weekend, April 14-16, 14 finalist teams from 11 states and Puerto Rico showcased their projects to a panel of judges at NREL in Golden, Colorado.

Congratulations to all the teams!

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Grand Champion Winner

Kelp! I Need Some Algae
University of Alaska Fairbanks (AK)

Kelp! I Need Some Algae is looking to reduce expense and plastic waste in commercial seaweed hatcheries by identifying an alternative fertilizer solution and natural fibers for string.

• Project title: Kelp Hatchery Innovation
• Project summary: Abstract PDF
• Video: Watch on Vimeo
• Prize: $15,000

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Winners

Algaeorithm
Los Altos High School (CA), The Paideia School (GA), Institute for Systems Biology (WA)

Algaeorithm has developed an image-analysis application that can rapidly quantify information about algae datasets. It also includes an education platform to promote bioenergy and machine learning to the next generation of scientists.

• Project title: Technology-Focused Content for Algae Experimentation and Education
• Project summary: Abstract PDF
• Video: Watch on YouTube
• Award: Best Presentation
• Prize: $10,000

PhycoSight
Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

PhycoSight has developed a low-cost and automated imaging platform that implements Artificial Intelligence to characterize phenotypic features of algae in industry and the environment.

• Project title: Developing a low-cost, real-time, and high resolution taxonomic and phenotypic characterization platform for microalgal cultivation systems
• Project summary: Abstract PDF
• Video: Watch on Vimeo
• Prize: $10,000

PUPR AlgaePrize Team
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PR)

PUPR AlgaePrize Team has collected sargassum and converted it into products that are better for the environment. The team has successfully 3D printed an iPhone case using composite pellets containing 30 percent by weight of Sargassum Biomass. The fabrication of this consumer good represents a milestone for this project, since this is the first consumer good fabricated with a high Sargassum content.

• Project title: From Brown Tides to 3D Printers: Fabrication & Characterization of Novel Sargassum-Based Polymer Composite Filaments for 3D Printing
• Project summary: Abstract PDF
• Video: Watch on YouTube
• Award: Best Video
• Prize: $10,000

UC Davis Giant Kelp Team
University of California Davis (CA)

UC Davis Giant Kelp Team is continuing to study the use of sustainable extraction and analytical techniques of macroalga compounds. The team's focus is on understanding the impacts of processing conditions on the properties of the extracts generated to produce healthier and more functional algae extracts.

• Project title: Kelping it Green: Advanced Analytical Tools for Eco-Friendly Giant Kelp Extractions
• Project summary: Abstract PDF
• Video: Watch on YouTube
• Award: Best Poster
• Prize: $10,000

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Finalists