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Hong Kong biotech graduates come up with ‘microalgae’ solution to capture carbon

  • The founders of AlGreen, which is based in Hong Kong Science Park, are aiming to design and manufacture carbon capture products at scale
  • The start-up’s miniature biocapture system can absorb 6.3 grams of carbon dioxide per week, with plans under way to launch a commercial-scale product next year

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AlGreen’s photobioreactors are seen at the start-up’s lab in Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

A group of biotechnology graduates from Hong Kong has come up with a novel idea to capture carbon that can help slow down the impact of climate change.

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Having come across microalgae and its immense carbon capture storage properties during a class on entrepreneurship in biotechnology in their final year at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2021, they went on to launch AlGreen.

Now the start-up is seeking to commercialise their solution.

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

AlGreen chief technology officer Rehaan Lulla (left) and senior research analyst Tasin Khan at the company’s lab in Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
AlGreen chief technology officer Rehaan Lulla (left) and senior research analyst Tasin Khan at the company’s lab in Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
Microalgae are single-cell organisms found in fresh and salt water that grow through photosynthesis. They are extremely efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
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