CarbonWorks was founded on the observation that industrial technologies for photosynthetic production of microalgal biomass are either lacking or face significant limitations. Since 2015, Fermentalg and Suez have combined their expertise to explore how microalgae can be used to treat air and water. In 2021, after extensive experimentation in urban and industrial environments, the two companies decided to create a dedicated entity whose mission is to industrialize large‑scale photosynthetic cultivation, capture CO₂, and develop the sustainable production of unique molecules that only these microorganisms can synthesize.
Fermentalg, a specialist in producing microalgae‑derived actives via fermentation, brings CarbonWorks its know‑how in developing industrial strains as well as its commercial strength in the nutrition and cosmetics markets. Suez, for its part, explores new water‑treatment solutions and contributes its recognized expertise in process industrialization.
The most widely used photosynthetic microalgae on the market today mainly serve nutraceutical, cosmetic, and food‑colorant applications. They include Spirulina (Arthrospira or Limnospira), valued for its high protein content and phycocyanin, a blue pigment with antioxidant properties; Haematococcus pluvialis for astaxanthin; Chlorella for its proteins and chlorophyll; and Dunaliella salina for beta‑carotene.
The richness and uniqueness of the molecules produced by microalgae also opens up opportunities in other sectors, particularly agriculture and health. Many microalgal-derived molecules act as biocides and biostimulants and offer promising solutions to support the agroecological transition and reduce the use of synthetic crop‑protection products. In addition, microalgae are emerging as innovative platforms for heterologous production, providing a sustainable route for manufacturing target molecules and recombinant proteins, especially in the health sector.
The development of these new markets will be driven by industrial partners, experts in their respective fields, who are committed to sustainable production based on precision photosynthesis.
Trained as a biotechnology engineer, Philippe has over 8 years’ experience in the field of microalgae.
He brings solid expertise in the production of microalgae by autotrophy and fermentation, which has resulted in several patents.
As head of technology portfolio development for applications and technological opportunities, Philippe coordinates the team of R&D scientists and technicians.
François has over 15 years’ experience in the study of microalgae, from characterization to the selection and optimization of strains of interest to industry.
Trained as a cellular and molecular biologist, he has worked in several start-ups in the field of heterologous production in bacteria and microalgae. In charge of Fermentalg’s microbiology platform for 8 years, he also managed numerous collaborative projects and industrial partnerships.
Since the creation of CarbonWorks in 2021, François has been Market Manager, bringing his expertise in microalgae and projects to the development of industrial applications.
With more than 30 years of international experience in the composite materials and life sciences industries (agriculture, food, environment, cosmetics, etc.), Pierre has worked for multinational corporations, agro-industrial cooperative groups, family-owned businesses, a company listed on Euronext Growth, and, finally, private equity firms.
