The sign-up form also captures the COUNTRY from which the email was sent.   The data in the table below shows that interest is worldwide and very widely distributed.   The US is the largest player with 39% of the entries.   India follows with 18%, and the remainder is spread over the world.

Country of origin of people who accessed the algae biofuel technology landscape

Biofuels Primer – Challenges to Development,

that may prove interesting.

Based on the analysis, it is really interesting to see some real movement in the direction of algae biofuel reactor design.   See the following workshop invitation on Linked In.

PHOTOBIOREACTOR DESIGNS — WORKSHOP PROGRAM 

Workshop on “Structured Designing of Photobioreactors” is scheduled for January 2012, such that attendees should shorten the learning curve for such design. The Workshop program is scheduled to be held in the New York Area. Below is the workshop program that has been developed based on my posts to various Algae-related Groups.

It is time for algae biofuels to emerge and the technology is increasingly ready.

When I think about cultivating or culturing algae, I think almost immediately of bioreactors or photobioreactor and of ponds, but there is more to it than that.  You need not only the physical location of growth, but also sun or light, nutrients, temperature, mixing, carbon dioxide and process controls.   In our technology landscape, we created a bare bones model of the cultivation category.  To explore this critical area more completely, ETI expanded the cultivation category to a special cultivation category model containing 38 segments using  the 11,934 patents in our algae biofuel database and a combination of information from key literature sources AND from text clustering.

You can access the algae biofuel special cultivation category model without cost by clicking on the link above and registering with your name and email address.  From the Control Panel in the main technology landscape click the link titled “Special Cultivation Category Landscape” to enter this new model dedicated to cultivation only.

To explore relationships among the 38 segments in the special cultivation category, ETI built a network model in which we show the most important relationships among the segments.

Network diagram of the Segments in the Special Cultivation Category

In a network picture, the close physical proximity of one segment to another indicates the existence of a relationship.  The size of the circle is a measure of the size of the segment.  Lines indicated the most important relationships among segments from a similarity matrix (based on patents common to both segments) and the color is the computer’s idea of groupings based on the relationship network.

Behind each circle is more information in the Visual Index for that segment.  You can explore the segments themselves through the Visual Indexes in the Special Cultivation Technology Landscape Model at your leisure by signing into the model as described above.  Alternatively, you can view a short movie of the segment Visual Indexes by clicking on the link.

We will explore the data and draw some inferences from the data in subsequent posts

IF genetic engineering of algae for biofuel is a key step in the development of biofuel or biodiesel, we should see a heavy focus on algae genetic engineering reflected in the algae biofuel technology landscape that Emerging Tech Insights has made freely available.  To examine the database, click the link.  Register with your name and email.  Then, bookmark the Control Panel page and browse at your leisure. 

To see what is happening in genetic engineering in the commercialization literature (patents) for algae biofuel, we categorized and segmented the 11,934 patents in our 2011 algae biofuel technology landscape database into 20 categories and 236 segments.   One category was “genetics” and it contained 10 segments that represented some of the main genetic methods we know from working in other areas.  With categorization and segmentation complete, we then counted the number of patents that appear in the genetics category.  The graph of our results is shown below.

Algae Biofuel technology landscape categories and counts of patents in each category.

 In the picture above, the sequence of categories is our version of a technology stack for algae biofuel and other algae related products.  It starts at the bottom with the organisms needed to start – biomass or other organisms or algae – and proceeds to the top with materials, processes and products for algae biofuel and other algae products.  Note that the algae and genetics or genetic engineering category is highlighted in green. 

Note.  In ETI’s analysis system, a patent can occur in more than one segment and therefore it can exist in more than one category.  This makes sense since a patent is typically a collection of ideas.  That means that the total of all categories will exceed the number of patents.

So, what does this picture mean?   Well, it clearly shows that genetic techniques are connected to the algae biofuel database.   That’s not much of a surprise.  Today, anything remotely biological is being explored with genetic techniques.  The surprise is that genetics is NOT a dominating activity in the algae biofuel and algae products area.  

In medicine for example, claims to sequences that are useful for detection or treatment of diseases is often the first point of competition among biomed players.  This competition is typically so fierce and I’ve often called it the first bloody war in biomed/pharma development.  It is not so in the algae biofuel area. 

In the  algae biofuel technology landscape, we can see that DNA or gene sequences (Visual Index 181, also see below) are being determined, claimed or at least references actively.

Gene or DNA sequence referenced or claimed in the algae biofuel technology landscape.

Yes, the picture is hard to read.  However for us at this point, it is pattern of patenting activity that really matters.  A larger, more easily read version is available in the free algae biofuel technology landscape provided by Emerging Tech Insights. 

The Visual Index shows that there has been long-term, wide-ranging interest in algae genetic sequences.  Sequencing activity is led by BASF, Martek, DSM IP, DuPont, Monsanto, Crop Design, Michigan State University and Verenium.  Some of the “leaders” in algae biofuel oil (Solazyme, Sapphine Energy and Alginol) also participate in this segment.  In fact, a total of 265 organizations and individuals are represented in the genetic sequence map area. 

While interest in DNA or algae gene sequences is wide spread, the number of patents claiming some of the newest genetic methods such as high-throughput or RNAi (RNA interference) is suprisingly small.  Apparently, the existing methods are good enough and need little development for algae sequencing or the newer methods have not yet penetrated the algae gene or DNA sequencing space.

An Author’s Worry.  I’m a technologist by training and nobody favors genetically engineered products more than me.   At the same time, to make algae biofuel in meaningful volumes, algae growth must occur on a very large scale.  I cannot quite imagine that large of a production system being in a P2 or P3 containment system.  I also can’t imagine the disaster and damage that might occur if a genetically-modified biofuel (gasoline for example) producing organism got loose in the world’s oceans.  

So if I were forming my venture team to produce algae biofuel, I think I would focus the work on wild-type organisms and concentrate on manipulating cultivation conditions to optimize oil production for algae biofuel.   What are your thoughts?

The very first step in an algae biofuel production scenario is to choose the algae.  The National Algae Biofuel Technology Roadmap and the A Look Back at the US. DOE’s Aquatic Species Program report provide a well documented list of candidate species for algae biofuel.

To see how our algae biofuel technology landscape (patent) database views algae – biofuel product connections, we constructed a special model using algae species segments and likely fuel end-product segments.  Then, we built a network analysis picture to help see what algae species is connected to which product.  The result is below.

Network analysis of algae segments and biofuel or fuel products segments.

Each circle is a segment in our database.  The size of the circle is a measure of the size of the segment.  The colors are clusters of similar segments found by the computer after the network was entered.  In the original software package, one can view the links from a chosen segment by clicking on the circle.  To see some selected segments highlighted, click on this link.   The proximity of one segment to another is a measure of “relatedness” according to the computer.

The network picture does clearly show that oil and fat is the key intermediate product between any algae species and the final product whether it is biofuel, biodiesel, gasoline etc.  OK.  That’s not much of a surprise, but it is a test.  Had the picture not shown these relationships, nothing else would have been believable.

In the network picture above, notice that Dunaliella, Shewamella, Cyanophyta, Bryopyta and cyanobacteria are all closely enough related (according the the computer) to biofuel that they are in the green cluster.  Oddly, microalgae including chlorella seem to be more distantly related to biofuel by network analysis.

The advantage of network pictures is that they clearly show relationships among a variety of segments.  The disadvantage is that the relationships discovered are dependent on the data provided AND there is no temporal picture of the how a segment or group of segments has evolved over time.   To see the temporal picture, I use the Visual Index(TM).

Before we view a Visual Index (TM) (VI), let me spend a moment on the organization of a VI.

• On a Visual Index,each diamond represents a patent (or document) and it is plotted vs. the patent filing date or the publication date for other documents.
• Each line is collection of patents or documents in this segment from one parent company.
• The company at the top has the most patents in the segment.
• Other companies, organizations and individuals are rank ordered by the number of patent or documents.
• The group at the bottom (labeled Explorers) is the collection of all organizations and individuals with only one patent in the segment.

So, now let’s look at the Visual Index for some selected algae segments starting with the Chlorella algae segment.

Visual Index (temporal picture) for chlorella in the algae biofuel database

It is the pattern of activity that is important in the Chlorella Visual Index.

• Notice the large collection of of companies along the right axis indicating a recent and strong interest in applications of Chlorella algae in the biofuel database.
• The largest players (at the top) have come and gone.  These patents represent potential prior art issues for newer players.
• Along the bottom line (the Explorers) and obscured a little by the label, notice that there is a collection of organizations and individuals with only one on the right.
• All in all, this pattern indicated significant focus on Chlorella in algae biofuel developments.
• For groups that are not already working in the this area, the pattern show it is not YET too late to participate, but delays are probably not advisable as later entrants will have more intellectual property to navigate.

The labels are hard to read.  I have reduced the size of the picture to fit the blog.  However, you can see this picture and all the others below more clearly in the technology landscape if desired.  Click the link. Click the arrow. Register. Bookmark the control panel page.  Browse.

Next, let’s examine the cyanobacteria Visual Index.

Cyanobacteria Visual Index in the algae biofuel database.

Again, it is the pattern of activity that is of interest to us in the cyanobacteria Visual Index.

• In this Visual Index, we can easily see that this is a very new area for algae biofuel as all of the activity is on the right!
• No company, group or individual has a commanding position in the use of cyanobacteria in biofuels.
• On the lowest line (Explorers), there is a burst of activity recently after a pattern of steady, slow activity.
• This is an emerging technology pattern.  Interest is clearly fairly wide spread as a number of groups are participating.  This area is new and hot, but it is not yet too late for new players.  At the same time, the pace is significant and later entrants will face a stronger intellectual patent thicket than current players.

Now, let’s examine the Visual Index for Dunaliella, an algae known for living in brine or sea salt fields.

Dunaliella Visual Index in the algae biofuel database.

Again, it is the pattern of activity on which we focus for the Dunaliella Visual Index. Dunaliella has been known for its high concentration of beta carotene and glycerol.

• In this Visual Index, we see a pattern of exploration going back decades.
• Only a few players are currently active in this VI.  Many have laid down patents and then disappeared.
• There are few new participants.  See the right side of the Explorers line (bottom).
• This pattern indicates that there are problems to solve with Dunaliella in biofuels.  The pattern does not say what the issues is, but it hints that SOMETHING is holding this algae back from being the dominant player in algae biofuel futures.

Now, let’s look at a broader phase, microalgae.  This term encompasses multiple species that thrive in freshwater and salt water.  From a patent writing perspective, claiming a broader term such as microalgae would be advantageous.

Visual Index for microalgae in algae biofuel.

In this post, we focus on the pattern of activity in microalgae in the algae biofuel database.

•  It is clear from this Visual Index that microalgae is a common term in the algae biofuel database.
• Many companies have explored microalgae over the years.  Some have come and gone.  Those on the left.  Many more are newly entering the field.  Those on the right.
• The company at the top (most active) of the microalgae VI is Solarzyme.  Yes, it is hard to read in this picture, but it is easier in the technology landscape.
• A look at the Explorer line (bottom line) shows that MANY new groups are entering the area and claiming microalgae.
• The overall pattern is one of intense, long-term interest.  There is already a strong and old patenting base which could cause “problems” for new entrants.  As we have explored the technology landscape, it is clear that microalgae is THE focus in algae biofuels.

Other patterns of activity are available for viewing in the technology landscape.  The green algae Visual Index is about as active as the microalgae VI, indicating that this term too is widely used in patenting.  Interestingly, there is less cross-over among companies in the green algae and microalgae Visual Indexes than might have been expected.  The Visual Index is shown below.

Visual Index for "green algae" in algae biofuel database.

• The term “green algae” is widely used in patents presumably because it is broadly encompassing.
• The most active player, Global Research Tech, at the top is also one of the new entrants to the algae biofuel area.  See the yellow diamonds at the top of the picture.
• The very active Explorer line (at the bottom) hints at the broad interest that is present and that those groups still sitting on the sidelines of algae biofuel technology should not wait too much longer or risk exclusion or higher costs for acquisitions.

So, what does all this mean?   For me and if I were starting a venture group today, it is rather clear that I would initially focus my product development efforts on chlorella, a green microalgae.  It is well understood.  There is substantial – even excellent – starting point data on growth conditions to produce oils in the DOE’s Aquatic Species Program report.  It is easy to grow and grows quickly.  I would also not wait too long to lay down placeholder patent applications that cover my venture’s likely uses for chlorella, a green microalgae.

In our algae biofuel strategic technology landscape (patents) database, we have 3645 companies, organizations, universities and and inventors.  We have already described the ideas behind a Vitality Plot (measures acceleration) (1, 2) for segments.  Now, we apply the same ideas to companies to find the newly entering or exiting companies,.  Below is a picture of the Company Vitality Plot for the 3645 groups in our algae biofuels strategic technology landscape.

Company Vitality Plot measures the acceleration of company activity in the algae biofuel area.

On a Company Vitality Plot, a diamond represents a company patent portfolio in the strategic technology assessment database.

• Companies (diamonds) on the right (red) are rapidly accelerating (investing more recently) when compared to the database as a whole.  A +1 rating (red, right) means that the company has only very recently entered the algae biofuel space.
• Companies (diamonds) on the left (blue) are investing more slowing.     A -1 (blue, left) rating means that the company has stopped investing in the algae biofuel area.
• The y-axis measures (non-linearly) the size of the patent portfolio for a company.
• Since we know there are 3600+ groups and inventors, it is clear that some groups have the same rating and same sized portfolio.

I have defined (somewhat arbitrarily) the newest entrants as those groups with a company vitality measurement greater than or equal to 0.9.  This is Group A on the right side of the picture above.  ASSUMING that a credible threat has a portfolio of 5 or more patents, we can create an algae biofuel hot-new-player watch list (below).

ADVANCED LAB
ALGAEWHEEL, INC.
ALPHA J RES
AQUATECH BIOENERGY
BP_PLC
CAVITATION_TECH
DEVELOPMENTAL_TECH
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RES CT FOUNDATION
GLOBAL RESEARCH_TECH
H R D
IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
JOULE UNLIMITED
MCALISTER_TECH
OVSHINSKY INNOVATION
PALMER LABS
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS
SYNTHETIC GENOMICS
TARGETED GROWTH
TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
U GEORGIA
WACKER CHEMIE
ZWERN A

We will review some selected “high flyers” in subsequent posts, but would you have expected these as hot new entrants in the algae biofuel area?

Similarly, we can identify those groups that seem to have gone silent, cold or exited the algae biofuel area for some reason.  These players have a vitality measurement of -0.85 or less and are labeled as Group B on the picture above.   The list of players who seem to have gone cold or silent on algae biofuel investment is below and is (for me) surprisingly large.

3M_COMPANY
A2BE CARBON CAPTURE
ACCELEGROW_TECH
ACOUSTIC CYTOMETRY SYSTEMS
ADJUVANTS PLUS
ADVANCED WATER_TECH
AGENCY OF IND SCIENCE & TECHNOL
AKZO_NOBEL
ALCON
ALGAELINK
ALGEPOWER
ALLAINCE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
AMERICAN CYANAMID
AMWAY
AMYRIS BIOTECHNOLOGIES
AQUANOVA GERMAN SOLUBILISATE_TECH
AQUASEARCH
AQUATIC BIOENHANCEMENT SYSTEMS
AQUATIC ENGINEERS
ARCH CHEMICALS
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE
ASHLAND
ASHNI NATURACEUTICALS
ASTACAROTENE AB
ASTRAZENECA_PLC
AUBURN_U
AUTOMATED SHRIMP
AVECIA
BAY CHEMICAL & SUPPLY
BEECH NUT NUTRITION
BIO FUEL SYSTEMS SL
BIO POLYMERS
BIO TECHNICAL RESOURCES
BIONAVITAS
BIOTECHNA
BOSTON_SCIENTIFIC
BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
BRIDGESTONE
BRIGHT SOURCE ENERGY
BRISTOL_MEYERS_SQUIBB
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF_TECH
CAN_TECH
CERAMOPTEC
CERES
CHANDRA JHAWAR RAMESH
CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
CHLORELLA INDUSTRY
CIBA GEIGY
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
COCA COLA
COLORADO STATEUNIVERSITY
COMPAGNIE GERVAIS DANONE
CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
CSIR
CUREVAC
CYANOTECH
DAIICHI SEIMO
DAINIPPON_INK_&_CHEM
DCV
DEGUSSA
DHARMA LIVING SYSTEMS
DIVERSA
DODD J
DOW CORNING
DOW_CHEMICAL
DUDLEY MILLS
DUNLOP E
EBARA
ECOFUEL LABS
EFAMOL HOLDINGS
ELI_LILLY
ENGELHARD
ENOL ENERGY
EPAX AS
ESPERION THERAPEUTICS
EWERS R
EXSYMOLM
EZAKI GLICO
FISHERIES RESEARCHENCY
FLORIGENE
FOXBORO
FUJI ELECTRIC
GAF
GARNETT
GEOBIOTICS
GEORGIA PACIFIC CHEMICALS
GEORGIA_TECH
GEVO
GILLETTE
GIST BROCADE
GLOBAL BIOSCIENCES
GOVT_CANADA
GREEN EARTH INDUSTRIES
GREENFUEL_TECH
GREENOVATION PFLANZENBIOTECHNOLOGIE
GS INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
HAGIWARA YOSHIHIDE
HALLIBURTON
HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
HELGELAND HOLDING AS
HELIOSYNTHESE
HELSINKI UNIVERSITY OF_TECH
HILL’S PET NUTRITION
HITACHI
HOECHST
HOFFMANN LA ROCHE
HOKKAIDO UNIV
HOLLAND H
HSU K
IBR ISRAELI BIOTECH
IHARA CHEM IND
INDEPENDENT NATURAL RESOURCES
INDUSTRIAL_TECH
INSTITUT FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L’EXPLOITATION DE LA MER
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL ENTERPRISES
INTERNATIONAL_TECH
INT’L_SPECIALTY_PROD
INVITROGEN
ISHIKAWAJIMA HARIMA HEAVY IND
JEACLE
JEONGSOO ENGINERRING
JFE_HOLDINGS
JOHNSON_&_JOHNSON
JP_SCI_&_TECH
JUICE BEAUTY
KABUSHIKI KAISHA YAKULT HONSHA
KANEBO
KAO
KATAYAMA CHEMICAL
KAWASAKI STEEL
KERNFORSCHUNGSANLAGE JULICH
KIBUN FOOD CHEMIFA
KIRIN BEER
KOBE_STEEL
KUMIAI CHEM IND
KURORERA KOGYO
KYOWA HAKKO CHEMICAL
KYOWA HAKKO KOGYO
LA MORELLA NUTS
LABO COSPROPHAR
LABORATOIRES GOEMAR
LANCASTER
LAVIPHARM
LION
LIVING PROOF
LODERS CROKLAAN
LONZA
LOS ANGELES ADVISORY SERVICES
LOUISIANA STATE UNIV
MARATHON_OIL
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
MARKELS M
MATS
MAXYGEN
MCCALL J
MCCLUNG J
MCLEAN HOSPITAL
MEDESTEA
MERCK_&_CO
MICAP
MICRO GAIA
MICROBIO RESOURCES
MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
MITSUBISHI
MITSUI ENG & SHIPBUILD
MITSUI_CHEM
MIURA Y
MOLECULAR MACHINES
MORI K
MORINDA
MSIKA P
NALCO
NANOENTECH
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
NATURAL ASA
NCH
NEW EARTH SYSTEMS
NICONOVUM AB
NIPPON OIL
NIPPON SHEET GLASS
NIPPON SUISAN KAISHA
NIPPON_PAINT
NISSHIN OIL MILLS
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
NOVEON IP HOLDINGS
NOVO_NORDISK
OMEGATECH
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
ORGANO
OTV
PBM PHARMA
PENN STATE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
PENTEL
PETROLITE
PFIZER
PHYCOTRANSGENICS
PLAYTEX_PRODUCTS
PROCTER_&_GAMBLE
PROPULSION LOGIC
PYRO PHARMACEUTICALS
QUALILIFE PHARMACEUTICALS
R3 PUMP_TECH
RAINDANCE_TECH
RENEWABLE ALGAL ENERGY
ROHM & HAAS
SANYO ELECTRIC
SARTEC
SATO G
SCIENCE APPLICATIONS
SCOTIA HOLDINGS
SEAMBIOTIC
SEAWEED BIO TECHNOLOGIES
SEKINE MICHIE
SEKISUI KAGAKU
SEMBIOSYS GENETICS
SHARP
SHELL
SHIONOGI
SIRTON PHARMACEUTICALS
SMG BRANDS
SQUIRES M
STAMETS P
STAUFFER CHEMICAL
SUMITOMO_GRP
SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIONS
TAIYO KAGAKU
TAKARA BIO
TAKARA SHUZO
TAKEDA
TETRA_GRP
TIMACRO ESPAÑA
TOAGOSEI
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
TORAY INDUSTRIES
TORO
TOSHIBA
TOWA
U_NEBRASKA
U_QUEENSLAND
UNILEVER
UNION OIL OF CALIFORNIA
UPM KYMMENE
UT BATTELLE
VIRENT ENERGY SYSTEMS
VIRGINIA_TECH
VIRUN
WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY
WAKO PURE CHEMICAL
WATER RESEARCH COMMISSION
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
WISE LANDFILL RECYCLING MINING
WORRELL WATER_TECH
YAMAHA MOTOR
YAMAMOTO
YISSUM_R&D
ZEN U BIOTECHNOLOGY

Would you have expected this many groups to have gone silent so early in the development of algae biofuel?

We explored the overall technology landscape database for algae biofuel using the Vitality Plot (TM) measurement from the previous post.  There, we made a “transformation” to let us SEE which where the newest, hottest segments or the oldest, coldest segments that were located at the edges of the plot.  Now let’s explore the edges in algae biofuel in just a little more detail before we move on to other questions.

Algae biofuel segments in that are slowing (A) and segments that are expanding (B) more rapidly than the database as a whole.

Let’s start with Figure B.

Most active segments in the algae biofuel techology landscape

Don’t forget that a segment is represented by a diamond.  In this case, we are viewing the lower right corner – the unusually (vs the whole database) active segments in the algae biofuel landscape. It is expanded so that we can easily read the labels.  There are some features that interest me.

• Many of the most active segments are related to end products or end-game processes such as biomass catalysts, gasification, solar etc.
• Photobioreactor or bioreactor is an active new segment.
• Perhaps surprisingly, only the microalgae segment is unusually active.  As we will see below many of the algae segments are much less active hinting that research choices have already been made.
• What do you see that you find surprising?

Figure A represents the LEAST active segments in the algae biofuel technology landscape.

The LEAST active segments in the algae biofuel technology landscape

Figure A represents segments that are growing slower that than expected relative to the entire algae biofuel technology landscape.  We are viewing the lower left portion of the whole Vitality Plot in order to more easily see the labels.  Several feature interest me here.

• Many algae “type” segments (green highlights) are growing slower than the whole database.  This indicates that the R&D decisions about which algae is useful in which market segment has already been made.   At first I found this surprising, but realizing that the US government had explored algae very thoroughly in the past, it is less surprising.
• Also surprising is that several separation steps (pink highlights) are growing slower than expected.  Since separation of algae is alleged to be one of THE barriers, I had expected significant patenting activity in this area.  Some further exploration will be needed to better understand this apparent anomaly.
• What do you see?

We can answer the growth rate questions using a Vitality Plot (TM) measurement.  Here’s how it works.

Measuring the relative growth rate of segments for alge biofuel

We start with our validated database and our segmentation model (see previous posts).  In A, we divide the database into two parts (Group 1 and Group 2) where Group 1 represents the newest 15% of the patents.  Then for each segment, we ask what fraction of the the patents in the segment belong to Groups 1 and 2, essentially giving us a “composition” measurement for each segment.

In B above, you can see that distribution of ‘compositions’ for the segments in the algae biofuel database.

• Segments along the diagonal in B are growing at the same rate as the database as a whole.
• Segments below the diagonal are growing faster than the database as a whole.  The fraction of Group 1 patents is greater than 15%.
• Segments above the diagonal are growing slower than the database as a whole.  The fraction of Group 2 patents is less than 15%.
• The interesting small signals for all the things that are new and unique and growing fast or slow appear near the origin of the picture in B where they are hard to spot.

To make the small signals more visible, we transform “B” into “C” using linear scaling and a bit of high school trigonometry.    In Figure C, the geometric transformation yields a rating of -1 to +1 for each segment in our technology landscape model.

• -1 means segment contains only patents from Group 2, the past, Older Years.
• 0 means the age composition of the patents in a segment are equivalent in composition age to the whole database.
• +1 means the segment is totally new and all from Group 1.  It is growing rapidly and much faster than the database as a whole!.  Watch for these.  It’s an early warning signal for new things coming.
• Y-axis measures the size of the segment in the database.  We use this to spread out the data for easier viewing.

The format in Figure C clearly highlights segments that are growing unusually fast (red) or unusually slowly (blue).  Later, we can highlight the segments in which a company, organization or inventor participates and MEASURE the quality of their R&D program.

SO…… What is new and growing rapidly (or slowing) in algae biofuel?  We can find out from our algae biofuel segment Vitality Plot (below).  Necessarily, this picture is a bit smaller than the original, but you can access (free) the original algae biofuel Vitality Plot starting from this link.  Click to Access (FREE).

Algae biofuel Vitality Plot MEASURES acceleration for each segment in algae biofuel technology landscape.

The green highlights in the figure above are segments that (in my opinion) are key to the question of whether algae biofuel is ready for prime time product development.

If we are interested in coming events (things that could surprise you in your R&D program or next areas for investment) in algae biofuel, take a look in the low right corner.  Interestingly, one of the newer and smaller segments is electrolytic filter for separations.   Another emerging area is the text cluster for biomass/growth/lipids.

Equally interesting are those segments in the blue.  These are areas that are slowing, suggesting that the problem they represent has been abandoned or solved and where further investment may not be warranted.

Another way to use the Vitality Plot(TM) is to use it to see if a company’s investments are are in growth areas.    In figure below, the segments in which Solarzyme has invested (holds one or more patents) are highlighted in pink.

Investments for Solarzime in algae biofuel

Solarzyme’s investments are concentrated in some of the newest and most active of the segments in the algae biofuel technology landscape.   We will later use this type of data to compare company investment portfolios in the algae biofuel area.