How a Saudi startup is pioneering the cultivation of algae in the desert

1 / 2
For Saudi chemist and Green Desert Tech founder Abdulmajeed Hashem, algae is nothing short of revolutionary. (Green Desert photo)
2 / 2
Chlorella, in powder and or tablet form, are among the products of Green Desert Tech. Chlorella is a type of algae known to have medicinal value. (Green Desert photo)
Short Url
Updated 21 September 2024
Follow

How a Saudi startup is pioneering the cultivation of algae in the desert

  • From reducing carbon emissions to providing alternative food sources, algae represents a cornerstone of sustainability
  • Green Desert Tech uses innovative sensor technology to grow the crop at scale in the water-scarce Kingdom

RIYADH: If you have ever brushed against slimy green algae while swimming in the sea, you might not realize that this humble organism holds the key to some of the most promising innovations in food, energy and sustainability.

For Abdulmajeed Hashem, a Saudi chemist and founder of Green Desert Tech, algae is nothing short of revolutionary.

“Algae is the most water-efficient, land-efficient and protein-productive crop to exist in the world,” he told Arab News.

Hashem’s Jeddah-based startup is pioneering new methods to grow algae in the desert, using innovative outdoor cultivation systems that rely on advanced monitoring technology to overcome the environmental challenges of Saudi Arabia’s arid climate.

His journey began in Boston, where he earned a degree in chemical science before pursuing a master’s in organic chemistry at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.

Hashem’s initial focus was on macromolecule synthesis, but his passion for groundbreaking technologies led him to abandon his PhD to explore something that had “a bit more impact.”




Spirulina, a high-protein and nutrient-dense superfood, has been consumed by humans for centuries. (Greentech photo)

The turning point came from a conversation with his PhD adviser, Basem Moosa, who emphasized the untapped potential of algae as a renewable resource.

The notion fascinated Hashem, and after gaining hands-on experience in greenhouse technology at Red Sea Farms, another KAUST startup, he decided to launch Green Desert Tech.

Hashem’s choice to focus on algae was strategic. “If you look at the protein productivity per meter squared of algae, it’s higher than anything else that exists,” he said.

Algae’s water use is another major advantage. It can be grown using a fraction of the water required by traditional crops — about one-10th to one-15th — and the water it does consume can be fully recycled.




Diagram showing the Green Desert tech's pond.

In a water-scarce region like the Arabian Peninsula, where many essential crops are imported, algae’s water efficiency is a game changer. Moreover, algae thrives in high temperatures and abundant sunlight — two resources that Saudi Arabia has in spades.

The challenge, however, lies in the need for high humidity, something less common in the region. Despite this, Hashem is confident that with the right technology, algae cultivation can flourish.

Green Desert Tech’s primary innovation lies in its sensor technology, which monitors and controls environmental variables in algae pools.

DID YOU KNOW?

• From reducing emissions to providing alternative food sources, algae represents sustainability.

• Algae can grow using a fraction of the water needed for traditional crops.

• Green Desert Tech’s sensor box monitors real-time environmental variables, improving productivity.

Hashem said current methods for cultivating algae are outdated and inefficient.

Open pool systems, while simple and cost-effective, are not optimized for maximum productivity. On the other hand, photobioreactors — closed systems with controlled lighting — are highly efficient but expensive to scale.

“If you think of a future where algae is our main source of biofuel, food and feed, it can’t be done through bioreactors,” Hashem said. “Scaling algae production will have to happen through open pools.”




Open pool systems, left, are simple and cost-effective but not optimized for maximum productivity. Photobioreactors (right) are highly efficient but expensive to scale. (Green Desert & Shutterstock photos)

The company’s first step toward optimization is better monitoring. If you are to optimize a system, “you have to know what’s going on,” Hashem said.

Green Desert Tech has developed a sensor box that provides real-time data on the pool’s conditions, from temperature to algae density, with readings every 10 seconds. 

“All of these sensors already exist,” Hashem said. “This is not something very novel. The way we integrate it into our system is.”

The sensor technology uses optics and transmittance to monitor algae growth. As algae grows, it absorbs more light, blocking signals from reaching a detector. By tracking the changes in these signals, the system can determine growth rates over time.




Green Tech's sensor technology uses optics and transmittance to monitor algae growth. (Green Desert photo)

In the future, Hashem hopes to implement microscopy for even more accurate monitoring. It will not just provide a quantitative sense of the algae growth rate but also qualitative information, he said.

With microscopy, Green Desert Tech could track cell health, detect contaminants, and even observe potential damage to algae cells in real time.

Once the system gathers data, it uses control mechanisms to adjust conditions in the pool, ensuring optimal growth. For example, when pH levels fluctuate, the system automatically dispenses sodium bicarbonate to stabilize the environment.

For Hashem, the significance of algae extends far beyond its agricultural potential. He believes it offers a viable solution to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

One of the most exciting aspects of algae cultivation is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide at rates far higher than traditional plant life. 

A hectare of algae is 10 to 20 times more efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide than a hectare of trees, Hashem said. This makes algae a powerful tool in the global effort to combat climate change.




Algae could offer a nutritious and eco-friendly substitute to fish being used as animal feed. (Green Desert photo)

Algae also has potential as an alternative animal feed. Currently, about 70 percent of fish produced globally are used to make fish feed, which is unsustainable in the long run. Hashem believes algae could offer a nutritious and eco-friendly substitute.

“You have a process that essentially takes nothing from the Earth and even gives back,” he said. Algae not only cleans the air by absorbing carbon dioxide but also produces a high-value biomass that can replace traditional feed or energy sources.

Green Desert Tech is now moving from the prototype stage to a larger production scale. Having successfully tested its technology in a 50-square-meter prototype facility in Tahlia, Jeddah, the company is expanding to a new 10,000-square-meter facility in Huda Al-Sham.

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

This new site will serve as a production center and a research and development hub, where the team can continue refining their technology while producing algae for commercial purposes.

Hashem envisions a future where several industries can benefit from algae. The goal is to make it easy and economically feasible for producers to grow algae, he said. 

Green Desert Tech has already started selling sensor boxes to algae pool owners, sharing its cutting-edge technology with the broader industry. Hashem hopes that as more algae pools adopt these sensors, they can collectively build a vast data bank on algae cultivation.




Green Desert Tech founder Abdulmajeed Hashem. (Supplied)

“With AI (artificial intelligence) and generative AI models becoming more prevalent, the data is one of the most valuable commodities we will produce,” he said. As more data flows into the system, AI could help refine algae production methods, driving further efficiencies.

For Hashem, algae represents a cornerstone of sustainability. From reducing carbon emissions to providing alternative food sources, he believes it has the potential to reshape industries and ecosystems worldwide.

Green Desert Tech’s mission is to unlock that potential, making algae cultivation more efficient, scalable and accessible.


 


Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Updated 14 November 2024
Follow

Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

  • The organization, which nurtures the talents of gifted students, says event is a ‘global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future’
  • It is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries

RIYADH: Mawhiba, an organization that works to nurture the talents of gifted students in scientific fields, will hold its third international conference this month with the theme “Beyond Creative Minds.”

Its Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity will take place from Nov. 24 to 26 at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh. Khalid Al-Sharif, the organization’s acting secretary-general, described the event as a “global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future through the exchange of ideas and expertise.”

He told the Saudi Press Agency: “The event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting and empowering talent and promoting a culture of innovation to address future global challenges.”

The conference is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries, many of whom will give keynote speeches, take part in panel discussions and lead workshops.

Al-Sharif said the event will include a “‘creathon’ aimed at finding creative solutions to contemporary challenges. Attendees will also have access to exhibitions and various cultural visits scheduled alongside the conference.”

He added that Mawhiba, more formally known as the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, will continue to develop talent, support creativity and provide resources to nurture the potential of gifted individuals. He thanked Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan for the substantial support he provides for the biennial conference.


Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Updated 14 November 2024
Follow

Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

  • Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Rachida Dati discussed cultural exchanges and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, held talks in Paris on Wednesday on cultural cooperation.

They discussed cultural exchanges between their countries and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production.

Riyadh and Paris are looking to strengthen partnerships, nurture talent through training programs for workers in cultural sectors, and exchange expertise, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom’s assistant culture minister, Rakan Al-Touq, also took part in the meeting.


Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Updated 13 November 2024
Follow

Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Albania to the Kingdom Saimir Bala in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko in Dammam on Wednesday.

Prince Saud welcomed the ambassador to the Eastern Province. During the meeting, the two exchanged friendly talks and discussed a number of topics.
 


Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Updated 13 November 2024
Follow

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

  • The Kingdom and MENA region represent an emerging market for organic food, says organizing official

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf Cooperation Council nations taking significant steps to invest in developing its organic food and beverage sector, which has experienced a growth surge in recent years.

The three-day Biofach Saudi Arabia, which was held alongside Saudi Organic Food Day and concluded on Wednesday, is a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its agricultural future.

Biofach was organized by 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences in collaboration with NurnbergMesse, with support from the Saudi Ministry for Energy, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Organic Farming Association.

Christian Beyer, manager of international events at NurnbergMesse, highlighted the potential of the Middle East and North Africa region: “The MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, represents an emerging market for organic food that was estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022 and can expect ongoing growth.”

Recognizing the importance of organic farming for food security and environmental sustainability, Saudi authorities are focusing on enhancing rural production and improving supply chains to ensure organic products reach consumers efficiently.

The exhibition’s knowledge-exchange platform addressed local challenges, including effective water and fertilizer management, which are crucial for the region’s arid climate.

Among the exhibitors was the Saudi company Aamal Al-Andalus, which provides organic fertilizers to address soil degradation and declining fertility. Their products are said to help treat and reduce environmental stress, increase agricultural production, and improve the quality of crops to enhance export opportunities.

Youssif Abdulqader, sales manager and engineer at Aamal Al-Andalus, told Arab News: “Food around the world is increasingly going organic, particularly when all inputs in the plants come from organic and safe sources.”

He noted that this shift is largely driven by the health issues linked to consuming fruits and vegetables produced through conventional farming methods, which are often less beneficial or even harmful to human well-being.

Abdulqader explained: “Conventional farming practices are generally well-structured and effective; however, they face challenges such as the excessive use of pesticides and their persistence in the soil.”

Farmers often encounter bacterial issues within their crops that need to be addressed cost-effectively to maximize profitability.

“This is where organic alternatives can be prohibitively expensive, prompting conventional farmers to seek cheaper, often internationally banned options,” he added.

He added that the use of pesticides results in chemical residues that can remain in the plant’s environment.

These residues pose significant health risks when consumers ingest vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

“There is a concern that these chemicals may contain heavy metals that the human body cannot process, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney failure, and liver diseases, which are frequently associated with traditional farming practices,” he explained.


Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Updated 13 November 2024
Follow

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

  • More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views

RIYADH: The imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, took part in a peace conference themed “Islam is the Religion of Humanity and Peace” during his recent visit to India

More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

As guest of honor, Al-Baijan delivered a speech in which he said that Islam was a religion of security and peace. He warned against divisions among Muslims and said that such discord threatened national unity, led to chaos and could incite wars.

Minister for Wakf and Haj in the government of Kerala Shri. V. Abdurahiman also spoke at the event, praising Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting Islam, peace and moderation.

Al-Baijan also joined the 35th All India Ahle Hadith Conference in New Delhi, where he commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by its leadership, to promote security, peace, stability and the safeguarding of human dignity globally.