Ben Gurion University, Primafuel join on algae biorefinery

The university's Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory has one of the world's largest photobioreactors.

19 January 09 19:16, Batya Feldman

Ben Gurion University of the Negev and California-based low-carbon fuel developer Primafuel are partnering on an international algae biorefinery program.

The multi-year development deal, between Primafuel and Ben Gurion University's Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory (MBL)is estimated to be worth several million dollars.

The MBL has three decade of experience in producing commercial quantities of algae for the food and nutraceutical markets. That venture includes one of the largest photobioreactors in the world.

According to Primafuel chief marketing officer Rahul Iyer, Primafuel holds an exclusive licensing agreement with the MBL on its photobioreactor work and strain selection, as well as any biofuels and coproducts technology developed in the future.

The MBL is led by Dr. Sammy Boussiba, who is currently the president of the International Society of Applied Phycology(ISAP).

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 19, 2009

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