Cerberus Seaweed Systems

reinventing maritime algae cultivation

Germany

About Us
Ony Yan (B.A.) Co-CEO:
With her many years of experience in product development with a focus on user experience (UX) and industrial design, Ony Yan is responsible for concept design and corporate design. The quality of her previous work is also reflected by several international awards the project has already won.
With her experience in communication work for companies and science communication for research projects, she develops the corporate identity and corporate design as well as the marketing strategy of Cerberus Seaweed Systems. She is largely responsible for the development of our corporate vision.

Alexander Lempp (B.Sc.) Co-CEO:
As an experienced mechanical engineer, Alexander Lempp is responsible for the development and design of the system. This includes the calculation and CAD design of the system as well as the creation of production drawings and the coordination of suppliers. Due to his studies in the field of shipbuilding and marine technology at Kiel University of Applied Sciences and his work as a project engineer in a project for the development of offshore algae breeding systems, he has the know-how for development in this field.
As a project manager in medical technology for many years (6 years design change manager, 4 years technical project manager), he also brings the knowledge for the coordination of complex projects and interdisciplinary teams, as well as the business fundamentals.

Marion Zenthoefer (Dr.-Ing.) Co-CSO
Dr. Marion Zenthoefer (PhD in Engineering, Department of Biotechnology (TU Berlin, CRM Kiel, UKSH Kiel) is the team's expert for the cultivation of macroalgae. Her many years of experience in the fields of algae taxonomy and distribution, algae harvesting, extract production, preservation and active ingredient studies as well as her in-depth knowledge of the Baltic Sea bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosus (dissertation) make her indispensable for the start-up project of Cerberus Seaweed Systems. She is responsible for substrate development and validation. In addition, she supports the start-up project with her several years of professional experience as an innovation manager in technology transfer and the networking of science and industry.

Problem we are solving
The market for raw materials derived from algae is growing steadily. This is also related, for example, to the change in our diet to vegan substitutes, which require large quantities of hydrocolloids, which in turn are derived from algae. Current research also shows that adding red algae to feed can reduce methane emissions from cows by 50-80%. This would require about 20,000 tons per day.
However, economic algae cultivation only works for a few varieties in very limited areas, with low labor costs. The existing techniques and possibilities make large-scale cultivation economically for many species impossible in Europe. The quantities produced in Asia only cover the needs of the Asian market, and even there they are limited to a few species. These species are mainly suitable as food. For the red algae, for example, there is as yet no method of cultivation.
On the other hand, algae have the ability to convert large amounts of CO2 and nitrate. In highly eutrophic waters, this can have ecologically positive effects in addition to raw material production.

Sustainable Impact on Blue Ecconomy
With our vision we want to create the possibility to cultivate algae as a valuable resource economically and ecologically compatible in Europe. With our innovative and patented cultivation system, new varieties can be grown and harvested economically. With cultivation on substrate elements, space is optimally utilized compared to longline systems. At the same time, our process relies on reuse of materials. The simple scalability allows easy integration into existing systems and also offers small, local players an entry into algae cultivation.

Financial NeedsFor our Project we estimate
Minimal Value Prototype: 30 000€
Laboratory Time: 20.000€

Fully three year operation: 1,1 ml €