Airbuild

Decarbonization:

- Buildings account for over 40% of our global emissions

- Companies and governments have to decarbonize their operations to meet their net zero goals

Renewable energy generation:

- A global shift in calls for green energy

Water filtration:

- Water filtration is a world issue, the US currently reuses less than 10% of its water.

Our solution is the novel combination of a photobioreactor with PV cells that can be installed on building and in our cities. From building facades, to rooftops, to parking canopies, to solar farms.

Our initial product offering looks just like a solar panel, but it:
- Generates green energy using embedded solar cells.
- Sequesters carbon using algae - direct air capture(DAC).
- Filters building wastewater using algae.

We plan to integrate this technology to build out gigaton scale direct air capture solutions with a viable path to reduce the cost of carbon capture to <$50 per ton.

Our solution serves everyone as climate change does not discriminate.

Although disenfranchised and underserved communities and countries feel the worst effects of industrialization and climate change. 

As  immigrants from Africa, we have experienced the worst parts of the effects. From drinking water from wells due to polluted water streams to losing immediate family to waterborne diseases.

These communities and the planet at large will get: 

- Increasing quality of life: Through decentralized carbon sequestration, water filtration, and energy generation the communities get cleaner air, cleaner water, and energy.

- Passive revenue generation: Through passive revenue streams from biomass and carbon credits, the communities get more liquidity for other pressing issues.

- Underserved communities typically suffer the worst effects of industrial pollution. With our product, these communities could take significant steps in helping themselves.

- Job creation: Job creation targeting underrepresented communities.

I grew up in Nigeria and my cofounder-Richard grew up in Kenya. He lost his mother and sister from waterborne diseases, and we had to drink water from wells due to industrial pollution of natural water streams.

We've all experienced the terrible air quality in dense cities, and the lack of electricity. We have a saying that is funny now, but is very sad in retrospect. After not getting power for weeks or months, whenever we get power, everyone yells out "Up NEPA" (NEPA - National Electric Power Authority).

Creating a scalable ecofriendly solution to improve our air quality, water quality, and generate electricity will not only improve the quality of life but save lives on a global scale. Our roadmap also has us building out gigaton carbon capture facilities that filter millions of gallons of water per day.

We have built out our MVP and are currently undergoing prototype testing and lab validation with the University of Massachusetts. We are yet to deploy a pilot but have secured locations in New York and San Diego.

We are applying for solve because as a first time founder, I know I need to learn from more experienced founders and industry experts on how to navigate team leadership, fundraising, go to market, manufacturing, compliance, and other core competencies that play crucial roles in determining our success or failure.

Solve offers tailored workshops, leadership coaching, much need exposure, and most important a vast network. At this early stage, we ae focused on growing our network because we know that our network is our net worth.

1. Integrated Approach: Unlike traditional methods that address environmental challenges separately, our solution takes an integrated approach by combining energy generation, carbon removal, and water filtration into a single panel. This holistic approach maximizes efficiency and effectiveness, providing a comprehensive solution to sustainability challenges in the built environment.

2. Modular Design: The modular design of our roof panels allows for flexible installation and scalability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and building types. This versatility enables our solution to be easily integrated into existing infrastructure and adapted to meet the specific needs of different industries and regions.

3. Positive Impacts: By providing an integrated solution that addresses multiple sustainability challenges, our solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts across various sectors. It can encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

4. Market Disruption: Our solution has the potential to disrupt the market by offering a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable alternative to traditional building materials and energy sources. By offering a compelling value proposition and addressing critical environmental challenges, we can change the market landscape and drive widespread adoption of sustainable technologies in the built environment.

Overall, our solution represents a significant innovation in the sustainability space, offering a holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges and catalyzing positive impacts across industries. Its modular design, use of algae cultivation, and potential for market disruption make it a game-changer in the transition towards a more sustainable future.

Our solution harnesses the power of algae and solar technology to address environmental challenges such as carbon emissions, water pollution, and energy consumption in the built environment. By installing our panels, buildings can actively contribute to carbon sequestration, renewable energy generation, and water filtration on-site.

Here's how our solution works:

1. Algae cultivation: Algae is a photosynthetic organism that converts carbon to oxygen and also extracts harmful toxins like Nitrogen, Sulphur, and phosphorus. https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/..., https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/....
2. Solar energy generation: Integrated solar cells within the panels harness sunlight to generate clean, renewable energy. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional energy sources.
3. Water filtration: Algae also have the ability to filter water by absorbing pollutants and nutrients like Nitrogen, Sulphur, and phosphorus. Our panels utilize algae-based water filtration systems to increase onsite water filtration and improve our access to clean water.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Through these mechanisms, our solution addresses the root causes of environmental degradation in the built environment while providing tangible benefits such as cost savings, energy independence, and environmental stewardship for businesses. By empowering businesses to take proactive measures towards sustainability, we envision a future where our solution catalyzes broader positive impacts, leading to healthier ecosystems, cleaner air and water, and a more resilient built environment for all.

Our impact goals for our solution are as follows:

1. Carbon Sequestration/Sustainable Cities: Our primary impact goal is to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through our algae cultivation technology. Thereby cleaning the air for the members of that community and reducing the carbon density on the planet at large. We aim to measure our progress by continuously tracking the volume of carbon dioxide captured and stored by our solution.

2. Renewable Energy Generation: Another key impact goal is to generate clean, renewable energy through our integrated solar panels. We measure progress by monitoring the amount of energy generated and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional energy sources.

3. Clean water & sanitation: We also aim to improve water reuse by implementing our onsite water filtration technology. Progress is measured by assessing the quality of filtered water, the volume of water saved through filtration, and the reduction in water usage compared to conventional methods

Our solution utilizes a combination of biological and mechanical technologies to address environmental challenges in the built environment:

1. Microalgae: At the heart of our solution is advanced algae cultivation technology. We have developed proprietary photobioreactors that enable efficient and controlled cultivation of algae for carbon sequestration, water filtration, and biomass production. These systems utilize innovative photobioreactors and nutrient delivery mechanisms to optimize algae growth and productivity.

2. Solar Technology: Our panels incorporate state-of-the-art solar cells that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. These integrated solar panels utilize high-efficiency photovoltaic technology to generate clean, renewable energy on-site, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Smart Monitoring and Control: Our solution is equipped with smart monitoring and control systems that enable real-time monitoring of environmental parameters such as carbon dioxide levels, energy production, light intensity, pH, temperature and water quality to completely automate the cultivation process. These systems utilize sensors, data analytics, and cloud-based platforms to optimize performance, maximize efficiency, and facilitate autonomous management and control.

By leveraging these core technologies, our solution offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to sustainability in the built environment.

1: Integration into the built environment:

• As demonstrated in Hamburg, Germany. Algae photobioreactors were layered onto the sides of the building to create a facade. 

• Algae photobioreactors have also been deployed by Cloud Collective over a freeway overpass in Geneva, Switzerland with demonstrated results of carbon capture from emissions dense sareas.

• Other algae projects for proof of concept include; 

- OMEGA project sponsored by NASA, USA.

- Liquid 3, Belgrade, Serbia.

- Biourban, Mexico.

2: Panel productivity:

1. Carbon sequestration and water filtration by volumetric ratio of algae. The productivity of algae in the panels through volumetric ratio comparison is currently being demonstrated at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA and NCMA’s Bigelow labs, Portland, ME. 

2. Energy generation through photovoltaic cells. Plenty of data currently exists for the productivity and efficiency of various photovoltaic cells. We have estimated our wattage figure ~450 W after talking to and testing multiple different cells from various suppliers.

Incorporation of photovoltaic cells for energy generation has been demonstrated by our Principal Engineer in Albuquerque, NM.

2 - Full-time staff

3 - Part-time staff

4 - Contractors

3 years.

We incorporated as an AZ LLC in 2021, and reincorporated an a Delaware C Corp in 2023.

Our team is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at all levels of our organization. We prioritize diversity in our hiring practices and actively plan to recruit and retain employees from diverse backgrounds. Our leadership team reflects a diverse range of perspectives, races, experiences, and identities, enabling us to make better decisions and drive innovation. We recognize the importance of providing equal opportunities for career advancement and strive to minimize barriers to opportunity for all staff. To create a welcoming and inclusive environment, we promote open communication, mutual respect, and support for all team members. We regularly review our DEI goals and initiatives to ensure continuous improvement and accountability in our efforts to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Our B2B business model revolves around providing sustainable solutions for real estate, urban development, companies, and governments. 

We offer integrated panels that combine algae cultivation, solar energy generation, and water filtration technologies. 

Our panels are sold to sustainability contractors, building development companies, commercial, and industrial customers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and enhance environmental sustainability. 

Revenue is generated through;

- Panel sales

- Monthly Subscription for harvest and data management

- Marketplace transaction fees

- Carbon credit sales

Our customers value our products for their ability to address multiple sustainability challenges in a cost-effective and integrated manner, thereby enhancing their corporate social responsibility efforts and contributing to a greener future. They also get the ability to offset their emissions at its source of creation and not have to go purchase offset credits on the market.

Our plan for financial sustainability revolves around a diversified revenue model that includes revenue from selling products or services, subscription models, marketplace transaction fees, securing service/pre-purchase contracts with governments and other organizations, raising investment capital, and obtaining sustained grants.

To fund our work, we have already secured a grant from the state of Massachusetts, investment from Techstars, strategic angel investors like Anthony Anani & Andy Ballester, and VC funds like Ecotone Ventures, which has provided critical support for our research and development efforts. Furthermore, we are actively pursuing investment opportunities to fuel our growth and expansion plans.

Moving forward, we aim to scale our revenue streams through sales, expanding our customer base, and securing additional funding through grants and investment capital.