Algae are one of the most diverse groups of organisms on the planet. Ranging from unicellular forms to giant multicellular ones, these organisms usually occupy aquatic habitats and are also largely photosynthetic. Although they do possess complex plant structures, most algae do contain chlorophyll, allowing them to synthesize their own food, with little other than sunlight, water, and air.

In the last decade, many startups made a run for biofuels made out of algae. However, as fossil fuel prices fell, it became even more difficult for a new industry to achieve cost parity and the experiment failed. After the Paris Agreement, as countries actively look for methods to reduce their carbon emissions and live in more sustainable ways on the planet, these photosynthetic eukaryotes are primed for a comeback.

With a world looking for sustainable development and technology that can support it, the time for algae might just be right, this time around.