It’s time to address the pesky issue of sargassum seaweed that is piling up on South Florida shores. But fear not, four ambitious startups have hoisted their sails to find sustainable solutions to this maritime menace.
These companies were handpicked as winners of the inaugural Public Innovation Challenge by the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA). Spearheaded by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s office and launched in 2023 with support from Miami-Dade County, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and Ken Griffin of Citadel, this nonprofit aims to foster startups that tackle local challenges head-on.
“Miami has rapidly established itself as a center of gravity for sustainability innovation and climate tech in large part because of unique vehicles like MDIA that are designed to deepen cross-sector collaboration,” said Leigh-Ann Buchanan, president and CEO of MDIA.
The looming mats of sargassum emit unpleasant hydrogen sulfide gas and pose respiratory hazards when they decompose, casting a shadow over our bustling tourism scene. With tourists flocking to South Florida’s pristine beaches for relaxation, finding a solution is paramount.
So, who are the brave souls stepping up to the challenge?
- Algas Organics: Based in Doral, this enterprise plans to convert sargassum into organic fertilizer for agricultural use while repurposing by-products for animal feed and bioplastics.
- Chemergy: Hailing from Miami, Chemergy utilizes its HyBrTec technology to transform organic and plastic waste into green hydrogen, offering a clean fuel alternative to power vessels.
- Carbon Wave, PBC: This Boston-based startup sets its sights on repurposing sargassum into cosmetic emulsifiers, aiming to provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather.
- XMET Ltd.: All the way from the UK, XMET Ltd. specializes in recycling sargassum into compost and biofuels, offering a sustainable way to manage this oceanic nuisance.
These enterprising startups stand to receive a $100,000 investment each to fuel their research and development endeavors. As part of the challenge, they will embark on a voyage with the county during the 2024 sargassum season to field-test their technologies and document their progress.
MDIA is committed to steering at least $1 million annually toward ventures addressing critical issues like healthcare, housing, and sea level rise. The organization has recently cast its net wider, inviting applicants for its second innovation challenge, focusing on enhancing the passenger experience at Miami International Airport.
