Rhiannon Parker from Loop Bioproducts

Who knew cactus could be the future of clean energy and sustainable farming? Rhiannon Parker, the brains behind Loop Bioproducts, is flipping the script by turning prickly pear into biofuels, eco-friendly products, and a lifeline for dry, worn-out land. We get into her wild ride from neuroscience to oil and gas to renewable energy, why she bootstrapped her company instead of chasing VC money, and how she’s weaving regenerative agriculture and indigenous knowledge into the heart of everything she builds. Plus, a peek into her passion project, the Loop Institute, where she’s sparking a new wave of STEM innovation.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus00:15 - Intro01:29 - What is Loop Bioproducts06:12 - Skills from Previous Experiences09:34 - Value of Diverse Experience12:57 - Importance of Cactus in Sustainability17:34 - Cactus Photosynthesis Process20:40 - Mechanical Harvesting Techniques21:36 - Loop Bioproducts Business Model23:26 - Sourcing Cactus for Production26:40 - Acquiring Land for Agriculture31:41 - Regenerative Agriculture Practices36:26 - Importance of Timing in Agriculture39:34 - Current Consumer Trends43:40 - Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainability49:00 - Understanding Biopiracy Issues50:00 - Reasons for Avoiding Venture Capital55:10 - Statistical Behavior in Business57:55 - Expertise in Emerging Industries01:03:05 - Contacting Loop Bioproducts and The Loop Institutehttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters