Gross-Wen Technologies

Gross-Wen Technologies, based in Ames, Iowa, develops and commercializes the patented Revolving Algal Biofilm (RAB) system, an algae-based technology for treating wastewater by removing pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus. This system transforms the resulting algal biomass into a slow-release sustainable fertilizer. The company operates the world's largest algae wastewater facility in Pasco, Washington, capable of treating 1.5 billion gallons annually for municipal and industrial clients, including cities such as Slater, Iowa, and Pasco, Washington. Key personnel include co-founders Martin Gross (CEO) and Zhiyou Wen, alongside COO Max Gangestad, who was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (2025). Martin Gross was also recognized as an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Heartland Award winner. Gross-Wen Technologies was founded in 2013 by Martin Gross and Zhiyou Wen.

High-Level Overview

Gross-Wen Technologies (GWT) is a technology company founded in 2014 that develops the patented Revolving Algal Biofilm (RAB™) system, an algae-based solution for wastewater treatment.[1][3][4] It serves municipalities, industrial food and beverage sectors, agricultural facilities, and anaerobic digestate operations by recovering nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, producing a recyclable algae biomass for slow-release fertilizer, while using less than a third of the energy of conventional systems and capturing CO2 for a reduced carbon footprint.[1][2][4] This addresses nutrient pollution challenges with cost savings, sustainability, and byproduct revenue, evidenced by growth including the world's largest algae wastewater facility in Pasco, Washington, and leadership recognitions like Dr. Martin Gross as EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Heartland winner.[1]

Origin Story

GWT was founded in 2014 by Dr. Martin Gross (CEO) and Dr. Zhiyou Wen at Iowa State University, emerging from their research into algae-based wastewater solutions.[1][3] The idea stemmed from developing a more economical, reliable method to treat wastewater by harnessing algae to capture pollutants traditionally seen as waste, turning them into valuable resources.[1][3][5] Early traction included patent-pending RAB technology showcased in 2018 via Iowa SBDC support, which connected the team to partners for milestones, and steady expansion to full-scale demos and global pilots.[1][4][5] Key leadership additions like Ken Rubin as President in 2024 and Max Gangestad (COO, Forbes 30 Under 30) have propelled commercialization.[1][2][3]

Core Differentiators

• Ultra-low energy and cost efficiency: RAB™ uses <1/3 the energy of traditional nitrogen removal, offers lowest life-cycle costs, and requires no chemicals, delivering triple benefits of savings, nutrient recovery, and climate impact.[1][2][4]
• Sustainability edge: Carbon-negative process recovers nitrogen/phosphorus for fertilizer byproduct, reduces footprint, and captures atmospheric CO2, outperforming conventional tech.[1][4]
• Scalability and versatility: Deployed in diverse applications (municipal primary/tertiary/anaerobic digestate, industrial food/beverage, agriculture) with pilots, demos, and the world's largest facility in Pasco, WA.[1][4]
• Proven team and recognition: Backed by expert founders, operations leaders, and accolades (e.g., EY award, Forbes list), with strong R&D and circular economy focus.[1][3]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

GWT rides the global push for sustainable water tech amid tightening nutrient regulations, climate goals, and circular economy trends, where wastewater is reframed as a resource for fertilizers amid fertilizer shortages and emissions pressures.[1][2][5] Timing aligns with rising municipal/industrial demands for low-energy alternatives to energy-intensive activated sludge systems, amplified by events like nutrient standards enforcement.[5] Market forces favoring GWT include scalability proofs (e.g., Pasco facility), byproduct revenue, and policy incentives for green tech, positioning it to influence the water sector by enabling carbon-negative treatment and algae biotech adoption worldwide.[1][4]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

GWT is poised for accelerated global expansion with upcoming events like WEFTEC 2025 and a maturing leadership team driving commercialization beyond pilots to widespread adoption.[1] Trends like stricter ESG regulations, nutrient recovery mandates, and bioeconomy growth will amplify RAB™'s advantages, potentially evolving GWT into a water tech leader through partnerships, GW Nutrition spinouts, and larger facilities.[1][3][4] As algae solutions scale, GWT could redefine wastewater as a profit center, sustaining its revolutionizing trajectory from Iowa State origins.