Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Co-sponsors
Third Annual Algae Biomass Summit

On October 7-9, 2009, the firm co-sponsored the third annual Algae Biomass Summit, a popular event at which technologists, producers, scientists, investors, and policymakers explored the emerging use of algae as feedstock for biofuels and other sustainable commodities. Nearly 700 CEOs, start-up executives, scientists, educators, and investors from more than 20 countries attended the summit, which was held in San Diego, California.

The program was comprised of 13 sessions and more than 70 speakers. The first day of the event featured a keynote address from Dr. Paul Roessler of Synthetic Genomics, who spoke about the application of genomics to algal biofuel production. In addition, a series of plenary talks addressed the science and technology of algae biomass production, and a panel of experts paid tribute to Ralph Lewin, a leading authority in marine biology and the father of green algae genetics, while another panel explored the use of modeling and analysis in the commercialization of algal biofuel technologies. At the conclusion of the day's events, an evening networking reception was held at the site of the summit, the San Diego Marriott and Marina.

The second day of the summit featured a presentation by Jacques Beaudry-Losique, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which addressed the Energy Department's grant and loan guarantee programs and potential future offerings for algal biomass. Other highlights included breakout sessions discussing such topics as non-fuel-based products made from algae, relevant international projects and activities, and intellectual property and legal/regulatory activities within the market, as well as panel sessions exploring U.S. government algal biomass programs and end-users' views about algae technology, among other themes.

Finally, the third day of the event included breakout sessions addressing general topics in science and technology, as well as financing and investment opportunities. The summit concluded with a plenary session examining what the algae industry must do to reach economic, environmental, and social sustainability and move effectively forward.

In addition, an informal trade show and poster session was held throughout the event at which more than 70 researchers and company representatives had the opportunity to discuss their relevant programs, data, and product and service offerings.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Byrne & Company are founding sponsors of the Algae Biomass Summit, which was hosted this year by the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO). The event also served as the official conference of the ABO.

Please click here to view the complete summit agenda. To learn more about the Algal Biomass Organization, please click here.

Please contact John Pierce or Andrew Braff for more information about the summit.