On February 11, 2025, the Atlantic Council delegation visited CHITOSE Carbon Capture Central (C4),*1 the world’s largest microalgae production facility*2, as part of their Millennium Leadership Program study tour in Sarawak, Malaysia.

The Atlantic Council is a nonpartisan organization that serves as a platform for navigating economic and political shifts while fostering a global network of leaders. Its Millennium Leadership Program, aimed at connecting and empowering the next generation of international changemakers, brought together forty participants from diverse geographical regions and both the public and private sectors. These participants represented organizations such as Google, J.P. Morgan, the White House and others.

Active discussion following the presentation (left); samples derived from microalgae biomass (right)

The tour focused on exploring green energy opportunities in the region, and CHITOSE, specializing in large-scale microalgae cultivation technology development, offered a unique perspective on harnessing photosynthesis as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Chief BioEngineer Takanori Hoshino presented the recent advancements in microalgae cultivation and development under the MATSURI project. He highlighted microalgae’s potential beyond fuel production, including applications in food and chemical manufacturing. 

The participants were delighted to examine samples of various microalgae-derived substances, including crude and refined oils, biomass powder, dye pigments, and food products.  They expressed strong interest in further supporting MATSURI. CHITOSE hopes to further connect with various individuals and organizations to accelerate the integration of the bioeconomy into everyday life.

*1 The C4 was built by the core company of CHITOSE Group, Chitose Laboratory Corp., in a project commissioned by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization).
*2 Scalable flat-panel type photobioreactor system suitable for the efficient production of microalgal biomass    

About MATSURI
https://matsuri-partners.chitose-bio.com/en
MATSURI, MicroAlgae Towards SUstainable and Resilient Industry, is a project led by CHITOSE Group aimed at establishing an advanced microalgae-based industry in collaboration with partner enterprises and governmental agencies. Beginning in April 2025, MATSURI will expand beyond microalgae to encompass a broader range of technologies, including agriculture and resource circulation. As what MATSURI means in Japanese, CHITOSE continues to lead the festival to promote and develop a sustainable society through the use of biotechnology. We look forward to your participation in MATSURI.
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Related Information
[News] CHITOSE Launches “PET-MATSURI” Leading the World’s First Attempt to Create 100% Bio-PET Resin from Microalgae
[Press Release] CHITOSE Group Held Grand Opening of the World’s Largest Microalgae Production Facility