Forty years experience in microalgae, bamboo and natural resources. Founder of Spirulina Source, global resource center for spirulina algae since 1999. CEO of Smart Microfarms, with scalable microalgae systems for communities, urban gardens and vertical farms to grow high value food that is local and sustainable.

For 20 years, Robert was President of Earthrise, pioneer in spirulina. Founded the first US commercial algae farm and marketed Earthrise® Spirulina and superfood products in the USA and 30 countries.

Consultant and advisor to companies, investors, entrepreneurs in US and international algae business ventures. Founded International Algae Competition in 2010 to foster new algae food and energy systems for our future.

Presents at conferences, writes for industry media and produced 50 educational videos. Member of the Algae Industry Magazine Advisory Board and contributing writer. Voted Algae Ambassador in Algae Industry Magazine 2015 International Readers Poll.

Spirulina Voices video series are conversations with the producers, pioneers and personalities on current trends and the future of spirulina. (Youtube Spirulina Source channel).

Publications: “Earth Food Spirulina” (1989) translated into 7 international editions. “Spirulina World Food” (2021). “Bamboo Architecture” (2011). “Imagine Our Algae Future” (2012) based on the Algae Competition. “Algae Microfarms” (2013).


Founder & Chairman Spirulina Source 1999-Present
A global resource center offering “Spirulina Voices”- video conversations with pioneers, producers and personalities about current trends and the future of spirulina. Building a spirulina industry global database, curated scientific health library. www.spirulinasource.com.


CEO Smart Microfarms 2011-Present.
Smart Microfarms is developing scalable microalgae systems for communities, urban gardens and vertical farms. Built and operated microfarm in Olympia WA and commercial microfarm in SF Bay Area CA. Marketed SpiruSource® products. www.smartmicrofarms.com.


Published “Spirulina World Food”. 2021. Revised and updated 2010 edition.
This definitive reference book about spirulina has been translated into 7 international editions: Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Slovenian, Macedonian, Korean, Burmese. www.spirulinasource.com.


Published “Algae Microfarms”. 2013.
Microfarms for home, school, community and urban gardens, rooftop, mobile and vertical farms and living buildings. www.smartmicrofarms.com.


Published “Imagine Our Algae Future”. 2012.
Reviews algae production, products and potential today and showcases some of the amazing visions of our future from the International Algae Competition. www.algaecompetition.com.


Founder, International Algae Competition. 2010-Present.
The 2011 International Algae Competition is a global challenge to design visionary algae food and energy systems: algae landscape designs, algae production systems, new algae foods. www.algaecompetition.com.


Founder, Algae Alliance. 2009-Present.
A network of independent algae consultants, advising algae companies, investors and law firms in business ventures. Reviewed feasibility studies and business plans and provided expert declarations and testimony in legal proceedings. www.spirulinasource.com.


CFO, Harmony Festival, Inc. 2009-2011.
Northern California’s premier music, art, ecology, camping and progressive lifestyle celebration for the past 33 years at Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa CA. www.harmonyfestival.com.


Published “Bamboo Architecture in Competition and Exhibition”. 2011.
Fascinating bamboo buildings and designs from the International Bamboo Building Design Competition and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. www.bamboocompetition.com.


Published “Spirulina World Food”. 2010.
Definitive popular reference book about spirulina algae. Translated into 7 international editions: Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Slovenian, Macedonian, Korean, Burmese. www.spirulinasource.com.


Published “Visionary Bamboo Designs for an Ecological Future”. 2008.
This book represents the best 50 bamboo building designs of the International Bamboo Building Design Competition. www.bamboocompetition.com.


Created International Bamboo Building Design Competition. 2006–2008.
An Architecture Design Competition of Structural Bamboo Buildings: “Visionary Designs for Ecological Living”. Registrants from 64 countries, 250 submitted architectural designs. www.bamboocompetition.com.


CEO, Bamboo Technologies. 2003–2008.
Bamboo Technologies is the world leader in international code certified bamboo buildings. First to build engineered, manufactured bamboo homes in the USA. Green buildings for all climates. Bamboo Living® Homes trademark. www.bambooliving.com.


Published “Folding Time and Space at Burning Man” DVD. 2002–Present.
Documentary video producer and DVD author and publisher. www.folding-time.com.
Panoramic photographer: www.panmagic.com.


Co-Owner, Hana Palms Retreat. 2001–2021.
Botanical paradise retreat at Hana Gardenland in Hana Maui. Botanical gardens, vacation retreats, agricultural and eco tourism. www.hanapalmsretreat.com.


CEO, BBrilliant.com. 2000–2002.
E-commerce technology for B2C, B2E and B2B marketing and printing: customizable personalized design and order systems for printed products, business cards, promotional materials.


Co-Owner, Wild Thyme Farm. 1988–Present.
Sustainable forestry and permaculture farming eco-community. 150 acres of farm, forest and retreat center near Olympia Washington. www.wildthymefarm.com.


President, Earthrise Company. 1981–1999. ‎Spirulina Biography.
Pioneer in cultivating and marketing spirulina algae, a green superfood. Built world’s largest spirulina farm in Califormia. Marketed Earthrise® brand in USA and 30 countries. www.earthrise.com.


Published “Earth Food Spirulina”. 1989–1999.
How this remarkable blue-green algae can transform your health and our planet”. 5 USA editions 1989-1999. Translated and published in 6 international language editions. www.spirulinasource.com.


Princeton University. BA, International Politics. 1966–1970.


contact: Robert Henrikson, cell: 808 264 8184 • email: robert@spirulinasource.com
PO Box 71024, Richmond CA 94807