Given her rich experience in the cultivation and processing of spirulina, Dinh Nguyen Hoang Thu, the owner of the Spidana algae farm based in Son Tra District, Da Nang, has successfully applied solar energy into spirulina farming and processing models. 

Thu (1st, right) introducing her spirulina products to visitors at a trade fair

Boasting its high applicability, this idea won the first prize at the 2019 ‘Startup Ideas’ contest recently organsied by the municipal Women’s Union.

Unlike conventional algae farming methods, Thu’s farming and processing spirulina model features completely new technologies.

It is a closed model for large biomass, combined with clean farming techniques. Spirulina grows naturally in enameled artificial raceway ponds in which nutrients, algae, and water are regulated along a circular path, equipped with cover sheets to protect them from rain, dust and insects.

In reality, algae farming models currently applied by domestic farms often either use open concrete tanks that can generate large algal biomass but they are easily polluted, or follow an acrylic tube model which facilitates the algal growth but it is unable to produce large biomass.

Mulling over these facts, Thu decided to cultivate algae in closed ponds with clean farming methods in order to ensure good quality algae.

In particular, freeze drying, a low temperature dehydration process that involves freezing the product, lowering pressure, then removing the ice by sublimation, is now used at the Spidana farms to retain the best nutrition for algae, instead of relying on the mist spraying technology and open sun drying commonly used by other farming facilities nationwide.

Thu affirmed that the above-mentioned spirulina farming and processing methods were created by herself, and especially, they are totally different from others currently applied nationwide.

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that people can take as a dietary supplement. People consider spirulina a superfood due to its excellent nutritional content and health benefits. This species of algae has a high protein and vitamin content, which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for people on vegetarian or vegan diets.

Research suggests that spirulina has antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties, as well as the ability to help regulate the immune system.

Born in a family boasting more than 30 years of experience in food processing, Thu has gained valuable business experience in this aspect.

Thu has always longed to create new products that are both environmentally friendly and healthy. “If we follow in others’ old footsteps, we can never keep up with them. So, we must be creative to make something different, and that’s the key to business success”, said Thu.

Founded in 2016, the Spidana algae farming establishment has developed a wide range of spirulina products, in addition to fresh and dried algae. Notably, butter biscuits, chocolate and hydrating face masks made from spirulina have been much preferred by consumers nationwide.

Thu is planning to develop more products in the field of cosmetics, food and drink. Besides, she is now cherishing her intention to launch tours for both local and visitors during which they can learn about how spirulina is cultivated and choose favourite products.