Algae Competition objectives are to create an open source collaboratory that expands and shares a vision for algae in our future with design ideas for algae production landscapes, sustainable and affordable algae production systems (APS) for food, feed, energy, nutrients, water remediation, carbon capture and fine medicines, and superb new algae foods.

The Competition is open to everyone, anywhere in the world: algae enthusiasts, architects, builders, designers, scientists, entrepreneurs, growers, food developers, cooks, students and teams. Registration is online at www.algaecompetition.com, the official website with all details and guidelines. Registration opens January 11 through September 11, 2011. Submission deadline is October 11, 2011. Finalists will be announced February 12, 2012. The Competition has three tracks. Entries will be judged by distinguished panels of international jurors.

Track 1: Algae Landscape Design: How will algae production be integrated into future landscapes, farms and eco-communities and what will they look like and how will they work? Design integrated APS into future landscapes, farms, coastlines, cities, infrastructure, buildings and eco-communities.

Track 2: Algae Production Systems (APS): What are the best designs, engineering and systems for algae production to work effectively and economically on a community scale or distributed model? Develop working models and designs for APS and microfarms.

Track 3: Algae Food Development: What will be the next algae foods and recipes and the future uses of algae as a food and feed ingredient that will transform our health? Create menus and new food products incorporating algae as a featured ingredient.

As an open source competition, all entries will be showcased online. Over $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to winners. Finalists will receive international media recognition and will be included in books, publications and exhibitions to be held around the world in 2012.

Algae are nature’s first life form and can create a future of abundance through affordable and locally produced food and energy. Thirty times more productive than conventional crops, algae can use cheap and abundant resources that will not run out. Algae will provide sustainable food and ecological living.
Over the past five years, a billion dollars have flowed into algae biofuel development. Even though commercial biofuel from algae may be years away, this new investment is creating innovative systems and technologies, making algae production more affordable. There is renewed interest in growing algae for many products. Algae Competition will feature and share new algae systems, encouraging anyone anywhere in the world to apply their creativity to design our future landscapes, growing systems and foods with this ancient life form, algae.