See How a Saudi Startup is Pioneers Algae Cultivation in the Desert?

In a bid to address environmental and food security challenges, a Saudi startup is turning the desert into a green haven through the cultivation of algae. Green Desert Tech, a Jeddah-based company, is leading this ambitious initiative by developing innovative methods to grow algae in the harsh desert environment of Saudi Arabia.

At the helm of this groundbreaking venture is Hashem, whose journey into the world of algae cultivation began after studying chemical science in Boston and later pursuing a master’s degree in organic chemistry at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Driven by a desire to make a real-world impact, Hashem shifted his focus from academic research to applied technologies, eventually leading him to explore the potential of algae.

Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology

Green Desert Tech’s success is built on the integration of advanced sensor technology to monitor and optimize algae growth in water-scarce conditions. The startup has designed a unique sensor system that continuously tracks critical variables such as temperature and algae density in real time. “If you want to optimize a system, you first need to know exactly what’s happening,” Hashem said.

Using optical sensors and transmittance technology, the system measures how much light is absorbed by growing algae, allowing the company to monitor growth rates and environmental conditions with high precision. This data-driven approach is essential for fine-tuning the growth process and maximizing output in the desert’s challenging climate.

Hashem also envisions incorporating microscopy into the monitoring process. This addition will provide deeper insights, such as cell health and potential contaminants, which will further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of algae production.

A Sustainable Solution to Global Challenges

Beyond its innovative technology, Hashem sees algae as a powerful tool in addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. One of the most notable benefits of algae cultivation is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide at significantly higher rates than traditional plants. According to Hashem, a single hectare of algae can absorb 10 to 20 times more CO2 than the same area of trees, making it an invaluable resource in the fight against climate change.

In addition to its role in carbon capture, algae holds promise as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal feed. With the global fish farming industry heavily reliant on fish-based feed—about 70 percent of global fish production is used for this purpose—algae offers a more eco-friendly substitute. “You have a process that doesn’t deplete the Earth’s resources and even gives back,” Hashem explained, noting how algae can contribute to both environmental restoration and food security.

Scaling Up for Impact

Green Desert Tech is now moving from the prototype phase to full-scale production. After successfully testing its technology at a 50-square-meter facility in Jeddah, the company is expanding to a much larger, 10,000-square-meter site in Huda Al-Sham. This new facility will not only serve as a production center but also as a hub for research and development, where the team will continue refining their cultivation methods and exploring new applications for algae.

The company’s long-term vision is to make algae cultivation accessible and economically viable for a wide range of industries. Green Desert Tech has already begun selling its sensor technology to other algae pool operators, with the aim of creating a shared database that can accelerate advancements in the field.

Hashem believes that as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into various industries, the data collected from algae pools will be one of the most valuable resources for optimizing production. “With AI models becoming more sophisticated, the data we gather will play a crucial role in enhancing algae cultivation methods,” he said.

Algae: The Future of Sustainability

For Green Desert Tech, algae represents far more than just an agricultural product—it’s a cornerstone of global sustainability. From mitigating carbon emissions to providing alternative food sources, Hashem and his team are working to unlock algae’s full potential and reshape industries around the world.

Their mission is clear: to make algae cultivation more efficient, scalable, and accessible, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the planet. As Green Desert Tech continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in algae farming, the world watches as a Saudi startup pioneers a revolution in desert agriculture.