MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Algae is the focus of a four-day commercial trade show in the Twin Cities, billed as the largest of its type in the nation.

About 800 people from 20 countries are expected to attend the Algal Biomass Organization Summit, which began Monday. Scientists say algae is a possible substitute for petroleum.

Those attending the summit will tour the University of Minnesota’s algae research projects at its lab in St. Anthony Falls. Entrepreneurs will also be making their pitch for funding to members of the investment community. They’re hoping to duplicate the success of Solazyme. The St. Paul Pioneer Press says the South San Francisco company uses genetically-modified algae to make everything from fuel to pharmaceuticals.

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