Egyptian Biotech Startup Tests Duckweed Protein Production in the Desert
An Egyptian biotechnology startup is exploring whether a tiny aquatic plant can help address food security challenges in arid regions. AlProtein is testing a system that combines hydroponic duckweed cultivation with artificial intelligence and sensor technology to produce protein-rich ingredients in desert environments.
The company’s Orion system is currently operating in a greenhouse in Wadi Al-Natroun, northwest of Cairo. There, engineers monitor duckweed, also known as water lentils, growing in brackish water under carefully controlled conditions.
Orion System Combines AI and Hydroponics
At the facility, engineer Ismail Tarek oversees sensors installed in hydroponic growing beds. According to Tarek, the Orion Pro platform consists of two key components: an Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring and control system and a suite of AI-powered Orion models.
The technology tracks factors such as water quality and greenhouse conditions. Meanwhile, the AI models help identify contamination, determine the best harvest time and predict environmental conditions within the greenhouse.
Tarek said the contamination detection function is designed to lower operational costs by around 40%. In addition, the harvesting model aims to increase production yields by approximately 20%.
Startup Inspired by Global Food Supply Concerns
AlProtein co-founder and chief commercial officer Mohamed Almoatasem said the project emerged from concerns about disruptions to global food supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He explained that the conflict affected agricultural supply chains worldwide and had a significant impact on Egypt, a country heavily dependent on imported wheat. The resulting uncertainty in crop supplies and rising commodity prices highlighted the need for alternative food production methods.
Egypt has faced challenges linked to global food market disruptions in recent years. Furthermore, international organisations have warned that ongoing conflicts and instability across the Middle East continue to increase food insecurity and drive up the costs of food, fuel and transportation.
Duckweed Offers Rapid Growth Potential
AlProtein is using cultivated duckweed to create protein ingredients for a range of food applications. These include plant-based protein products and dairy alternatives designed for growing consumer demand in alternative nutrition markets.
Operations and production manager Abanoub Haroun described duckweed as a highly productive crop with exceptional growth characteristics.
According to Haroun, the plant can double in size within 24 hours. Moreover, it grows in brackish water and requires significantly fewer resources than many conventional crops.
The company believes these characteristics make duckweed particularly suitable for regions with limited arable land and scarce freshwater resources.
Vision for Desert-Based Protein Production
AlProtein says its long-term goal is to establish decentralised protein production hubs in desert regions. The company aims to create a localised food production model that can operate closer to consumers while reducing dependence on traditional agricultural land.
Almoatasem described the concept as building protein production systems directly in non-arable areas. By cultivating protein-rich crops in desert environments, the company hopes to contribute to food security in regions where conventional farming is difficult.
The startup also reported that its Orion system received a silver medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, providing recognition for its approach to sustainable food production.
As demand for alternative protein sources continues to grow, AlProtein is betting that a small aquatic plant and advanced technology could help transform food production in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
With inputs from Reuters