What if the carbon dioxide coming out of a factory could go straight into growing protein? That is the logic behind Arborea's BioSolar Leaf technology, and it is attracting serious interest from some of the world's largest food companies.

Dominic Shales speaks with Dr Kaly Chatakondu, Global Commercial Director at Arborea, about the London-based startup that has spent a decade industrialising photosynthesis to cultivate microalgae at commercial scale. Kaly brings more than 30 years of senior food industry experience and a chemistry doctorate from the University of Oxford.

He explains how the BioSolar Leaf system works, why its economics and contamination profile solve problems that have held back the microalgae sector for decades, and how Arborea is building its first full commercial factory in Portugal while quietly assembling a portfolio of offtake agreements with major multinationals.

The conversation covers the AB InBev collaboration in Mexico, the regulatory landscape for novel food ingredients, and what a global rollout via joint ventures and technology licensing could look like.

Takeaways

• The food system accounts for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Arborea's BioSolar Leaf technology industrializes photosynthesis.
• Microalgae can be cultivated on non-fertile land.
• The process is carbon negative and environmentally friendly.
• Spirulina is a key product due to its high protein content.
• Arborea collaborates with major food companies for product development.
• The technology can utilize CO2 from various industrial processes.
• Regulatory hurdles exist but are manageable for approved microalgae.
• Arborea's approach overcomes limitations of previous microalgae production methods.
• Global expansion plans include partnerships and licensing opportunities.

Sound Bites

00:00 "What if protein could be grown from CO2?"

03:27 "It's photosynthesis on steroids."

09:49 "Microalgae are superfoods."

15:26 "This is completely unique technology."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Climate Solutions and Protein Production

01:09 Transitioning to Arborea and BioSolar Leaf Technology

03:56 Understanding BioSolar Leaf: The Process of Industrial Photosynthesis

05:30 Environmental Benefits and Carbon Negative Process

06:41 Product Focus: Spirulina and Its Versatility

08:13 Collaborations with Major Food Companies

10:03 Industrial Partnerships and Future Plans

12:07 Navigating Food Regulations in Europe

14:21 The Importance of Regulation in Food Safety

15:04 Arborea's Unique Approach to Microalgae Production

17:13 Global Expansion Plans and Market Strategies

19:06 Funding and Investment Strategies

20:51 Conclusion and Future Outlook

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