Hong Kong Biotechnology Graduates Combat Climate Change With AlGreen

Thursday - November 30 2023, 11:24 UTC - 11 months ago

A group of biotechnology graduates started a venture called AlGreen to combat climate change with their microalgae-based products. The products, such as the "liquid plant" can absorb a staggering 6.3 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per week, surpassing traditional houseplants by a factor of 15. AlGreen plans to implement their carbon capture and air purification systems for companies as well as public institutions in 2024, by implementing a 1,000-liter scale bioreactor powered by solar energy.

A group of biotechnology graduates from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have vowed to combat climate change with their company. The origins of their start-up venture, AlGreen, can be traced back to a pivotal moment during a class in 2021 when the founders stumbled upon the remarkable microalgae carbon capture storage properties.

The power of microalgae .

"We have worked hard to design and manufacture scalable products from our laboratory in Hong Kong Science Park," co-founder and chief technology officer Rehaan Lulla told South China Morning Post. "Now we're looking at what we can do with the algae itself and how we can use algae to make commercial products." .

AlGreen's flagship product, the 750 millileters (ml) biocapture system, or what the team fondly calls the "liquid plant," serves as an algae photobioreactor for air purification. According to Lulla, it can absorb a staggering 6.3 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per week, surpassing traditional houseplants by a factor of 15.

However, this innovation is not without its challenges. The "liquid plant" requires electricity for internal lighting and an air pump. Undeterred, the team is pushing forward, aiming to commercialize their products, turning microalgae into a decorative and functional solution for both homes and offices.

"A secondary benefit in a home would actually be air purification," said Tasin Khan, a senior research analyst at AlGreen and a University of Hong Kong graduate. "Our [liquid plant] product enables us to purify the air as well, along with releasing oxygen." A prototype is available for purchase on their website at HK$49, with the final version slated for release next year.

Expanding microalgae to create an impact .

AlGreen's journey began with a microalgae science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education (STEM) kit. Although initially targeted at students and families, the equipment is now available in bulk.

Collaborations with education companies for summer camps and school events have further expanded the reach of AlGreen's STEM kit. The STEM microalgae growth carbon capture kit is priced at HK$349. A simplified microalgae growth kit retails for HK$299.

AlGreen's ambitions, however, extend beyond selling kits. "The bigger plan is not to just sell the kit alone. AlGreen plans to implement their carbon capture and air purification systems for companies as well as public institutions in 2024," Lulla revealed.

The start-up seeks to implement a 1,000-liter scale bioreactor powered solely by solar energy in the coming year. With plans to reach out to public institutions and companies for the implementation of their carbon capture systems, AlGreen aims to make a significant impact on carbon reduction.

"Six 1,000-liter microalgae bioreactors can absorb a tonne of carbon dioxide per year," Lulla added, highlighting the stability of the company's approach. The start-up's primary objective is to generate a steady stream of revenue, integrate in-house technology, and commercialize products.

AlGreen is in tandam with their vision to create meaningful commercial products that can benefit society by reducing the effect of climate change.