Microsoft founder Bill Gates invests in Viridos, a California startup focusing on algae-derived biofuel, to transform aviation and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional polluting fuels
California-based startup Viridos, established in 2011, aims to address aviation pollution by converting microalgae into biofuel. Recently securing a substantial investment from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Viridos focuses on developing an alternative to conventional, polluting aviation fuels.
The company employs a proprietary process that utilises sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce microalgae, which is then converted into biofuel. This approach sets Viridos apart from other biofuel manufacturers relying on ethanol (corn) and soy biodiesel (soy). The startup aims to make its products dense and energy-intensive enough to power aeroplanes and ocean frigates.
By avoiding competition for food crops, Viridos can generate its own material with minimal freshwater requirements and without the need for farmland. The urgency to revolutionise the air travel industry is evident, given that aviation contributes 2.5 percent to global planet-heating pollution, and passenger air travel represents the highest pollution per individual user across industries.
Bill Gates, who owns multiple private planes and has faced criticism for his significant carbon footprint, recently invested in Viridos as part of his commitment to clean energy. Gates, who took 392 private jet flights in 2022, justifies his carbon emissions by supporting clean energy initiatives like Viridos and employing carbon offset practices. The start-up’s innovative approach aligns with the broader goal of reducing the environmental impact of air travel.