Algae for Food and Green Jobs

Stanford Social Innovation Review | Spring 2018

Spirulina tanks on a rooftop in Thailand.
EnerGaia grows spirulina on rooftops in Thailand—as well as in other underused spaces—as a way to maximize land for sustainable food production. Photo credit: EnerGaia

Growing the blue-green algae spirulina, an increasingly popular “superfood,” doesn’t just yield a nutritious dietary supplement. It also combats climate change and, due to advances in the way it’s produced, can give individuals with limited resources a new way to generate income. “Spirulina is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, and can make a real impact on food security and sustainability,” says Saumil Shah, the founder of EnerGaia, a company that grows the microalgae.

This story appeared in the print edition of Stanford Social Innovation Review magazine as well as online. Continue reading the story here.