AlGreen, a startup founded by biotechnology graduates from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, has devised an innovative approach to capture carbon, offering a potential solution to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Having observed the remarkable microalgae carbon capture storage properties in their entrepreneurship class at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, these graduates proceeded to establish AlGreen.
The start-up’s miniature bio-capture system affectionately called the “liquid plant” can absorb 6.3 grams of carbon dioxide per week. The liquid plant product not only releases oxygen but also contributes to purifying the air.
Exceptional Carbon Absorption Outpaces Traditional Houseplants 15-Fold
Rehaan Lulla, co-founder, and Chief Technology Officer highlights the impressive ability of their 750-milliliter bio-capture system to absorb 6.3 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per week, surpassing traditional houseplants by a factor of 15. Nevertheless, this innovation comes with its own challenges, it requires electricity for internal lighting and an air pump.
As per Start-up, six 1,000-liter microalgae bioreactors can absorb a tonne of carbon dioxide annually. Currently, the team is actively exploring various applications of algae for the development of commercial products.
Lulla said “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”.
