Blending business and science to change the future of algae: an interview with Ashley and Robert Roulston

Have a business idea? Not sure how to get it off the ground? In this episode, Emma and Kate speak with Ashley and Robert Roulston, co-founders of Industrial Plankton, a company that makes equipment to grow live algae cultures that are used to stabilize the aquaculture food chain. Fourteen years into their business, they share tips on:How to form a partnership that combines different degrees and skill setsWhat it’s like to build a business from scratchWhy they hire UVic co-op students …and much more!  Resources from this episodeIndustrial PlanktonThe UVic Co-op ProgramCoast Capital Innovation CentreAccessing career support Connect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (00:00) - Intro music (00:32) - Welcome and introductions (02:45) - The algae of it all: how is algae used in aquaculture and biotechnology? (04:20) - What technology does Industrial Plankton make and how does this help the world? (05:08) - How did Ashley and Robert come up with the idea for their business, Industrial Plankton? (06:35) - How to set yourself up for success when partnering in your own business (07:57) - How to start an entrepreneurial business as a student (11:05) - How have things changed 14 years into your business? What have you learned? (12:32) - What skills do you look for in an employee? (13:53) - Ashley and Robert share what they learned through the co-op program (15:42) - What do co-op students do at Industrial Plankton? (17:24) - What does a day-in-the-life look like as business owners? (20:12) - What are some of the most exciting problems that Industrial Plankton helps solve? (21:41) - How Industrial Plankton is tackling climate change and ecological restoration (23:46) - Rapid fire questions with Ashley and Robert about their time at UVic (29:10) - Episode credits