Checkerspot

Checkerspot Designed Materials Innovation Bringing new high performance sustainable materials to the world with breakthrough molecular biology, chemistry, and fabrication

The Checkerspot x Autodesk x Purdue competition has begun!In collaboration with the Pollinator Kit and Autodesk’s Fusion...
03/06/2023

The Checkerspot x Autodesk x Purdue competition has begun!

In collaboration with the Pollinator Kit and Autodesk’s Fusion 360®software, Purdue ASME is hosting a toy making competition. After creating CAD designs with Autodesk software, students are sent a Pollinator Kit to begin casting their toy with our algae polyurethane.

The Pollinator Kit is bringing renewable material to the next generation of makers. We make it real by giving students the opportunity to create with biomaterials which are otherwise deemed inaccessible at this scale.

Thank you to those who have made this competition happen, we can't wait to see what is created!

Comment below what toy you would make with the Pollinator Kit 🦕

We’re going to Austin! 🤠The Pollinator Kit is a top 5 finalist in the Design Category of the SXSW Innovation Awards! Thi...
02/28/2023

We’re going to Austin! 🤠

The Pollinator Kit is a top 5 finalist in the Design Category of the SXSW Innovation Awards! This recognition is a proof point that the Pollinator Kit is democratizing renewable materials in the design world. It is an honor to be a finalist amongst other amazing products and designs.

See y’all at our booth on Saturday, March 11th, in Austin, TX!

Get ready - the bioeconomy is coming to your doorstep! We're excited to announce we've raised $55M Series C funding to m...
02/14/2023

Get ready - the bioeconomy is coming to your doorstep! We're excited to announce we've raised $55M Series C funding to meet growing demand for renewable and biobased products and materials.

Click the link in our bio to read the full press release.

Given what we know about algae’s diversity in form and function, it’s no surprise that algae also delivers a variety of ...
02/09/2023

Given what we know about algae’s diversity in form and function, it’s no surprise that algae also delivers a variety of incredible benefits to the skin—from SPF to hydration and elasticity and more.

All algae are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients, yet each type has a unique offer when it comes to skincare:
-Red algae is the most useful as a UV protectant, containing mycosporine-line amino acids or MAAs that absorb solar energy. Pro tip: It’s also the highest in carotenoids that help smooth the skin and hide wrinkles.
-Brown algae (kelp, seaweed) are known to be fantastic for hydrating, revitalizing, toning and even helping with acne, wrinkles and elasticity. What’s not to love?
-Used less frequently in skincare than its colorful cousins, green algae is antioxidant-rich and promotes smooth, firm skin and is used as a thickening agent in skincare products.
-And last but not least, blue algae or spirulina is also rich in antioxidants (and thus a common ingredient in smoothies), and promotes overall skin health and wellness.

With so many amazing benefits and products, shouldn't we all put algae to work in our skincare routines? Give it a try.

Why are large swaths of white snow high in the mountains marked by pink ribbons and streaks? Well, it's not a high-altit...
02/03/2023

Why are large swaths of white snow high in the mountains marked by pink ribbons and streaks? Well, it's not a high-altitude snow-cone stand or a mysterious prank.⁠
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It turns out that this rosy-pink snow—also called watermelon snow or glacier blood—isn’t artificial or left by humans. Rather, it’s caused by a bloom of green algae called Chlamydomonas nivalis, and has been observed and studied for over 100 years❄️

Fun fact, the three-toed sloth is so slow that algae actually grows on its fur! ⁠⁠The two have a symbiotic relationship:...
02/01/2023

Fun fact, the three-toed sloth is so slow that algae actually grows on its fur! ⁠
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The two have a symbiotic relationship: the sloth provides algae shelter and water while the algae helps the sloth to camouflage and supplies nutrients via their skin. ⁠
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This is yet another example of the collaborative power of nature with algae in the lead role. What can't algae do?

Consumers are demanding better performing, safer and more sustainable products.⁠⁠Brands and companies are searching for ...
01/27/2023

Consumers are demanding better performing, safer and more sustainable products.⁠
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Brands and companies are searching for materials that differentiate themselves.⁠
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We are showing that biomanufacturing is the answer and biomaterials are the solution.⁠
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Algae In. Petroleum Out.

It’s estimated there are between 30,000 and more than 1 million species of algae— and new sub-species are still discover...
01/17/2023

It’s estimated there are between 30,000 and more than 1 million species of algae— and new sub-species are still discovered each year. ⁠
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Diverse algae species span blue, green, kelp, Marimo moss, orange, red, sea moss and others —all with unique characteristics and functionality. Algae can be microscopic (phytoplankton) or as big as trees (giant kelp).⁠
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One major distinction between the many types of algae, is whether they are autotrophic and use energy from sunlight and photosynthesis or are heterotrophic, like the type we use at Checkerspot, and can grow in the dark using organic compounds like carbon and alternative energy sources.⁠
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There’s so much to learn and celebrate about ancient algae, the Mother of All Plants.

Algae is known as the Mother of All Plants. What does that mean? Basically, it means that all the land plants you know –...
01/12/2023

Algae is known as the Mother of All Plants. What does that mean? Basically, it means that all the land plants you know – from grasses to towering redwoods - evolved from a group of aquatic algae.⁠
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There is way more to algae than meets the eye! This month, we’re taking the time to celebrate the Mother of All Plants and give her the credit she deserves. We invite you to take a deep dive with us and appreciate the power of algae!

Checkerspot is proud to have made it on the 2023 Global Cleantech 100 list! We have been recognized for our efforts to d...
01/12/2023

Checkerspot is proud to have made it on the 2023 Global Cleantech 100 list! We have been recognized for our efforts to deliver innovative solutions that can change the future of sustainability and the planet. We are honored to be listed among many others who are doing their part to put us back on a climate-positive path. Read the full list and report using the link in our bio!⁠
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