Marc Strous

Dr. Marc Strous’ research focusses on the development of an economically feasible bioprocess for large scale CO2 conversion. To achieve this, Dr. Strous combined four innovations: use of high alkalinity, use of a microbial community instead of pure strains, use of biofilms instead of suspended cells and integration of organic solar cells, a form of printed electronics. A panel of experts at a Mission Innovation workshop on bioconversion of CO2 has recommended these innovations as some of the most promising.

As a Campus Alberta Innovation Chair, he assembled a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of >30, that included members from four different faculties, as well as SAIT staff, Innovate Calgary and external consultants, around this idea. The research led to successful grant applications to Western Economic Diversification and Alberta Innovates and became a highlight of the University of Calgary’s successful CFREF proposal and research program. The research was scaled up to pilot plant scale within four years and the group is currently drafting its second patent application. Dr. Strous has mentored trainees to think as entrepreneurs, take training around entrepreneurship at Innovate Calgary, and participate in pitches. His team has created five startup companies.

Dr. Strous’ innovation activities will lean toward entrepreneurship to help Alberta diversify its economy. He plans to use the Innovation Fellowship to continue his innovative program started under his Campus Alberta Innovation Chair and spend additional time supervising as his team moves toward a critical point in commercializing its energy biotechnology.