Hong Kong researchers have launched AlGreen, a startup with a mission to combat climate change. The genesis of AlGreen can be traced to a crucial moment in a 2021 class when the founders unearthed the carbon capture storage capabilities of microalgae. 

(Photo : PATRICK PLEUL/DPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Carbon dioxide flows through a reactor with microalgae at the biotechnology department of GMB GmbH, a subsidiary of energy supplier Vattenfall, on July 22, 2010 at an experimental greenhause of the heat and power plant in Senftenberg, eastern Germany. 

Launching AIGreen

A group of biotechnology graduates from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has launched AlGreen, a startup aimed at addressing climate change. 

Interesting Engineering reported that the inspiration for AlGreen dates back to a pivotal moment in a 2021 class when the founders uncovered the carbon capture storage capabilities of microalgae. 

Rehaan Lulla, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, noted their dedication to developing scalable products in their Hong Kong Science Park laboratory. Now, the team is exploring the diverse applications of algae for commercial product development.

"We have worked hard to design and manufacture scalable products from our laboratory in Hong Kong Science Park. Now we're looking at what we can do with the algae itself and how we can use algae to make commercial products," he stated. 

AlGreen's primary offering, the 750-milliliter biocapture system, affectionately termed the liquid plant, functions as an algae photobioreactor designed for air purification. 

Lulla highlights its remarkable capacity to absorb 6.3 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per week, outperforming traditional houseplants by 15 times. Nevertheless, the innovation presents challenges, relying on electricity for internal lighting and an air pump. 

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Undaunted, the team remains committed to commercializing their products, envisioning microalgae as a dual-purpose solution for enhancing aesthetics and functionality in homes and offices.

Tasin Khan, a senior research analyst at AlGreen and a University of Hong Kong graduate, highlights the additional advantage of air purification in a home. The liquid plant product not only releases oxygen but also contributes to purifying the air. 

Broader Strategy

Interested buyers can acquire the prototype for HK$49 through their website, with the final version expected to be released next year. The broader strategy extends beyond selling the kit independently, according to Lulla. AlGreen aims to deploy its carbon capture and air purification systems for both companies and public institutions starting in 2024.

South China Morning Post reported that the startup is gearing up to launch a 1,000-litre scale bioreactor powered solely by solar energy next year. Currently, it's in the process of applying to various public institutions and engaging with companies to integrate its carbon capture systems. 

According to Lulla, six 1,000-litre microalgae bioreactors have the capacity to absorb a tonne of carbon dioxide annually. The primary goals include establishing a consistent revenue stream, advancing in-house technology, and bringing commercial products to the market. 

As part of their broader vision for contributing to a circular economy, the startup is actively registering intellectual property for their proprietary process, converting microalgae biomass into bio-oil, biochar, and bioactive molecules.

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