EADS Innovation Works teams with MaRS client ProDalG Biofuels to research new biofuel technology
Toronto, June 8, 2011 – EADS Innovation Works, the research arm of aerospace and defence group EADS, is partnering with MaRS client ProDalG Biofuels Inc. to sponsor innovative, eco-efficient photobioreactor technology for the growth of algae-based biomass and renewable oils.
This teaming will support ProDalG Biofuels’ demonstration of its closed-continuous photobioreactor technology concept, which employs the highly efficient injection of industrial CO2 into water. In the process, nearly all of the CO2 is used for algae bioconversion—differing from the more common “bubbling” procedure, in which less than five percent of the gas is absorbed efficiently while the rest escapes back into the atmosphere.
“Our support of ProDalG Biofuels’ photobioreactor development is part of EADS’ global strategy to discover promising efforts that could bring a new generation of alternative fuels to market for air transport and other applications,” said Dr. Jean J. Botti, the Chief Technical Officer of EADS. “Working with this Canadian start-up, and our other Canadian partners, is a further extension of EADS Innovation Works’ eCO2avia activities, which also includes such efforts as hybrid propulsion.”
ProDalG Biofuels Inc. was co-founded by Dr. Eric Prouzet, CSO and Associate Professor of Chemistry and Nano Technology at the University of Waterloo, and Mark Sales, the company’s CEO & President. ProDalG’s headquarters is located at MaRS.
“With EADS Innovation Works’ support in the early stages of our commercialization, we now are able to complete our proof-of-concept demonstration before readying our pilot project for an eventual next phase with an industrial partner,” says Mark Sales of ProDalG.
“ProDalG’s partnership with an international company of EADS’ stature marks a significant milestone,” says Jon Dogterom, an Advisor in MaRS’ Cleantech Practice. “This relationship will enhance ProDalG’s technology development as they continue to build relationships with other partners for biofuel production.”
About EADS Innovation Works
EADS Innovation Works is the corporate network of research centres of EADS. With a highly skilled workforce of more than 700, it operates laboratories that guarantee EADS’ technical innovation potential with a focus on the long-term. The network’s structure and the teams within EADS Innovation Works are organised in seven global and transnational Technical Capability Centres covering the areas of composite technologies; metallic technologies and surface engineering; structures engineering, production and aeromechanics; engineering, physics, information, security services and simulation; sensors, electronics and systems integration; energy and propulsion; and innovative concepts and scenarios
About EADS
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2009, the Group—comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter—generated revenues of € 42.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 119,000.
About ProDalG
ProDalG develops systems that utilize industrial CO2 in the production of valuable algae-based biomass and renewable oils. CO2 injection efficiency and effective light use lie at the heart of ProDalG’s innovation. ProDalG is a Canadian company that has established important partnerships with industry and government, including relationships with the Ontario Centers of Excellence, MaRS Discovery and EADS Innovation Works.
About MaRS
MaRS Discovery District (www.marsdd.com) is a large scale, mission driven innovation centre located in Toronto and networked across Ontario, focused on building Canada’s next generation of technology companies. MaRS works closely with entrepreneurs to grow and scale their ventures into global market leaders in life sciences and health care, information, communications and entertainment technologies, cleantech, advanced materials and engineering, as well as innovative social purpose businesses.
For more information, please contact:
EADS
Gregor v. Kursell +49 89 607 34255
Rod Stone +33 1 4224 2775
ProDalG
media@prodalg.com
647-258-4479
MaRS
Vanessa Caldwell
vcaldwell@marsdd.com
416-673-8100 x 2240