Seville-based biotech company G2G Algae Solutions is carving out a space in agriculture with an unusual proposal: producing bio-stimulants from microalgae directly on the farm.
"The idea is that growers can manage their own microalgae system and generate a living input that improves soil health and crop resilience," explains Manuel, head of the company.
From a university thesis to a viable business model
© G2G Algae Solutions
The roots of G2G go back some 30 years, when Manuel developed his thesis on the interaction between microalgae and bacteria in ecosystems. "I never gave up on the idea that this line of research could be translated into practical solutions for agriculture," he says.
The company was founded as a startup and, after going through three accelerators during the pandemic, developed its first prototypes: 300, 500, and 1,000-liter photobioreactors, with low power consumption (between 10 and 50 W), designed to produce microalgae directly on site.
"We wanted to move beyond the grower's tradition of fixed-dose bottles and instead offer a different concept: a living, adaptable ecosystem that puts control of the soil back into the farmer's hands," Manuel emphasizes.
In-field results: resilience, sugars, flowering
Trials quickly followed. In the AlgaVid project, applied to vineyards, "clear" results were recorded, with cumulative improvements year after year. In horticulture, organic growers in Málaga and Seville have also reported notable benefits.
"Thanks to the ability of microalgae to stimulate stomatal closure and improve water retention, crops showed greater drought resistance. In fruit quality, we observed an increase in Brix levels, with sugar content in tomatoes rising by more than 16%."
Applications also stimulated flowering in succulents and ornamentals, with prolonged effects beyond the initial treatment. "The farmer learns to adjust dosage according to plant demand, which empowers them, they stop being passive recipients of external inputs and become managers of their own bio-stimulant," says Manuel.
© G2G Algae Solutions
Nutritional profile: a complete bio-stimulant
Analyses of G2G's AlgaVid product show a profile of interest:
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60% proteins, 20% carbohydrates, 11% lipids
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High levels of essential amino acids such as leucine (5.08%), lysine (3.46%), valine (3.75%), threonine (2.63%)
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Minerals including potassium (885 mg/100 g), calcium (341 mg/100 g), magnesium (373 mg/100 g)
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Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid, plus antioxidant pigments like beta-carotene, xanthophyll, and chlorophyll
"Microalgae have very short life cycles and respond quickly to surface changes," Manuel adds. "They release hormones and chemical signals that help plants react just as fast to water stress or pathogens."
Democratizing biotechnology
The versatility of microalgae has also led G2G to branch out. During the pandemic, the company developed air purifiers based on microalgae columns, which later turn into fertilizer after their use cycle. Other projects have included vertical gardens and urban furniture to absorb pollutants and cool the air.
© G2G Algae Solutions
"Our approach isn't about replacing traditional inputs but about offering a complementary alternative that synergizes with bacteria and supports rooting. Microalgae don't work miracles, but they provide vital reinforcement for the soil and democratize biotechnology: small farmers can now produce their own bio-stimulant without depending on the chemical industry," Manuel concludes.
The company's next stop will be Expofare Córdoba (October 23–25), where they will present their latest developments. A chance to showcase how microalgae, from the very base of the ecosystem, are set to play a key role in the future of agriculture.
For more information:
G2G Algae Solutions
P.I. CITEC, C. Gabriel Lupiañez Gely, 32, 41120 Gelves, Seville
Tel.: +34 657 22 31 89
[email protected]
https://g2galgae.com
