How Algy Cultivator are scaling-up algae farming, despite the TopDutch weather 

In the Northern Netherlands, a region known for translating cutting-edge science into practical solutions, one start-up is reshaping the future of sustainable agriculture. 

Based at Innolab Engineering on Campus Groningen, Algy Cultivator is developing modular systems that enable microalgae to grow continuously, without relying on sunlight. With tailored LED lighting and a scalable system design, the company is working to unlock the full potential of algae as a resource for food, pharma, cosmetics, and bio-based materials. 

Developing scalable systems for a global challenge 

Microalgae offer a promising alternative to traditional feedstock, but their cultivation still largely depends on favorable climate conditions. In areas like Northern Europe, where sunlight varies and consistency can't be assured, year-round production is challenging. Algy Cultivator tackles this issue by substituting natural sunlight with controlled LED lighting, ensuring a steady and reliable growth cycle. 

We create equipment that uses LED light to grow algae 24/7. No more, no less.

Joep de Vries Co-founder at Algy Cultivator

“The biggest challenge is scaling up,” Joep continues. “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.” 

This scale-up is being supported through collaborations with regional partners such as the agricultural cooperative Avebe and Zernike Advanced Processing, a semi-industrial shared testing ground where entrepreneurs and local knowledge institutions can work together on new solutions.  

Benefiting from the Campus ecosystem

Campus Groningen offers a unique environment where scientific research, business, and education converge. For Algy Cultivator, this means rapid access to technical support, applied research facilities, and a network of innovation-driven partners.  

The Innolab concept aims to support researchers and R&D-intensive businesses a space to share facilities and knowledge. Algy Cultivator’s choice to locate in Innolab Engineering provides them with access to flexible lab facilities, shared analytical capabilities and technical support from day.  

Additionally, being located on the Campus means they have short lines to leading knowledge institutions in the region, including the University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences. “We’re already in talks with the Technical Business Administration program at Hanze University to involve interns and graduates,” explains Joep.

There’s so much to explore, and it’s a unique chance for students to work in a cutting-edge startup.

Joep de Vries Co-founder at Algy Cultivator

A multidisciplinary team with a focused mission 

A team of four specialists founded Algy Cultivator, each bringing a distinct perspective: algae cultivation, ICT and LED control systems, business development, and finance. This interdisciplinary foundation has enabled the company to develop its cultivation hardware while creating in-house light recipes that optimize algae growth for specific end uses.

Next steps: from regional pilot to international market 

By maintaining full control over both the hardware and the cultivation parameters, the company hope to be able to deliver highly customized solutions to its partners in the future. This includes not only the type and quality of algae, but also the timing and volume of delivery. 

At the moment, their focus is on pilot production and co-development with launch customers. Shortly, Algy Cultivate aim to provide both cultivation systems and small quantities of algae biomassas a starter volume for customers.  

The scalability and modularity of their system also make it suitable for export to other regions with limited natural light, such as Scandinavia. “We’re also looking at partnerships across Europe”, says Joep. “Norway, for example, has even less sunlight than here. That’s exactly where our added value lies.” A TopDutch example of applied innovation 

Algy Cultivator exemplifies the TopDutch region’s strength in turning scientific knowledge into real-world sustainable solutions. With cutting-edge technology, strong local partnerships, and international ambition, the start-up is helping to lead the global transition towards a more sustainable agricultural sector. 

This interview was originally performed by Marlies Schipperheijn, and published on the Campus Goningen website.