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 Technologies
In 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
Special thanks to our field day sponsor: Iowa Economic Development Authority
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.