Entrepreneur Field Days: Gross-Wen Technologies, Revolutionizing Water Treatment Using Algae
Join us for the 2024 Entrepreneur Field Days series hosted across Greater Des Moines
It all started with the idea that entrepreneurs learn best from entrepreneurs. Take someone's hard-earned lessons and shared skills to jump-start business success. Seed the next generation of entrepreneurs. Cover a broad range of industries and subject knowledge expertise. Grow your perspective and see new areas across the community.
Revolutionizing Water Treatment Using Algae
Speakers: Martin Gross, co-founder, and Max Gangestad, COO of Gross-Wen TechnologiesIn 2014, Dr. Martin Gross and Dr. Zhiyou Wen founded Gross-Wen Technologies at Iowa State University while developing GWT's technology using a revolving algae biofilm (RAB) system. Working with global and local municipalities as clients, the RAB system uses algae to clean wastewater and recover nitrogen and phosphorus cost-effectively. The vertical conveyor belt systems are 6 feet tall and move in a continual loop, cycling through wastewater using algae.
Not only has GWT become a trusted source for environmentally friendly wastewater treatment, but they later harvest their algae like a crop. First, they dry and pelletize the biomass, then sell it as a slow-release fertilizer for golf courses. Soon, they plan to work with refineries to make sustainable aviation fuel to help cut greenhouse gas emissions within the air transportation industry.
Learn & Discuss:
- Taking university innovation to commercialization
- How to navigate sales and procurement with government buyers with the long game in mind
- Using algae to improve water treatment while recovering nutrients for additional value-added products
- Navigating environmental regulations
- Investing in research and development to solve big challenges facing the environment and climate
Open to Everyone! All Entrepreneur Field Days are free and open to the public, with registration required. Not an entrepreneur? No problem – you're invited too! If you’re a creative, mentor, educator, corporate leader, economic developer, investor, or simply curious about how things work – all play a role in building a strong community of support for entrepreneurs across Iowa.
Champion a Spirit of Curiosity! Entrepreneur Field Days is a space to learn from each other first and foremost! Bring a spirit of curiosity, shared respect, a notepad to capture your next idea, and the mindset to make new connections.
