The methane emissions of livestock are a key battleground in the global fight against climate change.
Livestock methane emissions make up about 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and efforts to reduce this emitting force are a significant climate change mitigation strategy.
A Queensland-based tech firm has developed a novel approach to solve this major problem using algae-based feed for livestock that has been found to drastically reduce the methane produced by livestock.
Provectus Algae has developed a unique biomanufacturing process creating cheap and effective stockfeeds which have been found to reduce methane emissions by up to 95 per cent in ruminant livestock.
Its flagship product, Surf ‘n’ Turf, is a seaweed-based food for livestock which can improve digestion and reduce methane production.
This livestock food contains Asparagopsis, a red seaweed or macroalgae that when added to the feed can significantly reduce enteric methane production nearly entirely.
Provectus Algae is a finalist in the InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence in the Manufacturing Innovation category. The InnovationAus Awards for Excellence winners and finalists will be celebrated at a black-tie gala dinner at The Venue Alexandria in Sydney on Wednesday October 30. You can book your tickets here.
Provectus Algae was founded in April 2018 in a small one-person laboratory in Queensland.
The technology allowing for precision-control over algae growth conditions helps to optimise yields and product quality, along with the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The company has now expanded to have a team of 16 people, and is looking towards the large-scale commercialisation of the product domestically and overseas.
Provectus Algae founder Nusque Spanton collaborated with the University of the Sunshine Coast Genecology Research Centre to develop and validate the initial product for commercial applications.
The company has landed funding from the federal government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to help it develop and scale up the manufacture of its algae.
This project will see the company stump up a fully-automated, commercial scale algae biologics manufacturing facility.
Early last year, Provectus Algae landed a strategic investment from CJ Bio, a division of a South Korean food and bio company.
Looking for brand exposure in front of Australia’s tech ecosystem? Purchase a table of 10 for the InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence and have your logo displayed on screens across the venue and in the event programme as a ‘Table Sponsor’.
The InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence are supported by: Australian Computer Society, Investment NSW, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Technology Council of Australia, TechnologyOne, National Artificial Intelligence Centre, CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program, Reason Group, Q-CTRL, University of New South Wales, South by South West Sydney and IP Australia.
Protecting your great ideas with intellectual property (IP) rights can lead to lasting benefits for your growing business. IP refers to creations of the mind, such as a brand, logo, invention, design or artistic work. Head to the IP Australia website to find out more about IP, and how it might help your business.
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