Algaefy

Our innovative approach simultaneously addresses two critical environmental concerns: the demand for sustainable energy and the challenge of eutrophication. Energy demand will only increase as our population grows and countries continue to develop. Predictions indicate a significant surge in electricity consumption, with an expected increase of 50% between 2021 and 2040. This rising demand for energy is poised to significantly increase emissions from the energy sector, responsible for over three-quarters of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Increased energy usage also leads to more waste, particularly from conventional batteries with limited lifespans, further threatening the environment. In the wastewater sector, eutrophication is a growing threat to our marine ecosystems. The excess nutrients in bodies of water increase harmful "algal blooms (HABs) and low-oxygen (hypoxic) waters that" reduce sunlight and oxygen for marine life, destroying ecosystems. Globally, eutrophication now affects 30-40% of water bodies, dramatically rising from fewer than 5 cases before WWII to over 700 today. The severity of this issue is underlined by the $2.2 billion spent by the U.S. in 2013 to address eutrophication. Therefore, it is essential to find a product that simultaneously generates cost-effective, long-lasting and renewable energy and treats eutrophication.

Current wastewater treatments employ algae for detoxification, and some energy firms explore algae for biofuel or hydrogen. However, our innovation is groundbreaking: we are the first to integrate algae into energy technology to treat eutrophication. Our solution is a biological photovoltaic (BPV) that uses algae to simultaneously produce long-lasting power and treat eutrophication by filtering in wastewater for the algae to detoxify. The BPV has an aluminum-air battery design for its high energy density and environmentally friendly materials. The electrodes are aluminum, an abundant and cheap metal, and carbon, providing a medium for air to interact with the BPV. The low cost, good recyclability, and low flammability of the BPV pose it as an alternative to current energy sources. Algae plays a dual role in our BPV: improving the power performance and preventing eutrophication. The light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis enables the algae to convert solar energy into electrical energy through a process called exoelectrogenesis. The algae can also absorb the nutrients from the filtered-in wastewater, as algae use nitrogen and phosphorus as food. This can not only enhance water quality but also improve algal health to increase the BPV’s lifespan for a more stable power output. Current research has shown that a BPV can produce power for over 1 year without a significant decrease, reducing energy waste. Even when the devices must be recycled, the non-toxic materials will not harm the environment. As algae are incredibly scalable, they are said to double in growth if in optimal conditions, they will be cost-effective to manufacture. Since algae also consume carbon dioxide, they can reduce carbon emissions. Our solution can efficiently convert solar energy for all companies needing long-lasting electricity and is expected to help treat at least half of the hypoxic bodies of water worldwide. We have two variants of our product:

1. Energy-Only (EO) BPV: A BPV is used to only produce energy.

2. Energy and Eutrophication (EE) BPV: A BPV that can also treat eutrophication.

Our device is currently patent pending, and we aim to secure a full patent within the next year.

Our company is B2B; we aim to deliver efficient, renewable, and long-lasting energy to businesses with the option of treating their community’s water supplies. We have two target audiences: the renewable energy and water management sector. Numerous corporations have relocated to foreign countries where the cost of labour is cheaper, and the effects of climate change tend to be more severe. These businesses would want lower energy costs, while the communities would want better water quality. Governments and non-profits have also been spending more money on achieving long-lasting renewable energy and better marine ecosystems. Algaefy’s products perfectly align with the demands of the previously described organizations. Our total addressable market consists of the solar energy and wastewater industry. The solar energy market was valued at around USD 234.86 billion in 2022, while the wastewater industry was USD 301.7 billion in 2022, resulting in a total market of USD 536.56 billion. Since our company focuses primarily on biophotovoltaics and eutrophication, our company's serviceable addressable market is estimated to be USD 5 billion. Finally, the serviceable obtainable market would be USD 25 million. Our early adopters will be manufacturing companies focusing on converting to cleaner energy that requires longer-lasting energy. They also include wastewater management companies focusing on decreasing the number of hypoxic areas. The overarching mission of our partners will be an interest in tackling current energy and water issues.

The Algaefy team, led by Veronica Guo and Vincent Guo, is uniquely positioned to deliver our innovative BPV solution due to our commitment to environmental sustainability and engagement with the communities we aim to serve.

We both have a strong background in community-oriented projects and scientific research, which are vital for the successful deployment of our BPV technology. 

Veronica's experience through her participation in international science fairs and conferences not only showcases her ability to conduct impactful research but also her insights into global environmental issues. By connecting with like-minded peers from all around the world, she was able to develop a novel idea for power generation and wastewater treatment. These interactions with diverse scientific communities have equipped her with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to adapt solutions based on varying environmental and cultural contexts.

Vincent’s expertise in data science and his leadership role in Togeloma, a nonprofit organization, demonstrate his capability to handle complex data-driven challenges and his commitment to societal welfare. Vincent uses his detail-oriented approach to flesh out every feature while optimizing the company’s numbers. His experience with Togeloma has also given him a profound understanding of the importance of community-driven approaches in addressing critical issues.

Beyond technology deployment, our team is dedicated to educating community members about the benefits of sustainable energy and clean water practices. Through our interactions with members of the global community, we are able to hear about and make progress toward the two critical environmental problems. The constructive feedback we receive from people of varying fields allows us to improve our product to benefit our greater society.

Therefore, by actively reaching out to members of our community, Algaefy is able to go beyond our own perspectives and achieve a solution that represents the voices of all.

Since our company has not yet launched in any community nor has any users, we chose the "Prototype" stage. Our prototype of the dual-purpose BPV has been tested several times, and the design has been validated by researchers who have also provided feedback. Currently, our project has received a little funding from science fairs, too. However, we have not yet reached users with our product. 

Applying to Solve with Algaefy, a company pioneering in dual-purpose biological photovoltaics (BPVs) to generate renewable energy and treat eutrophication, reflects our dedication to addressing environmental challenges through innovation. As our team may be younger than the average age of those who begin their start-up, our engagement with Solve is driven by the potential to improve upon our current technical, financial, and networking barriers.

To begin, our BPV technology requires optimization and scaling. We seek Solve's expertise to refine our technology, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. By collaborating with Solve's network of experts, who can provide the mentorship needed to scale up our prototype, we can accelerate our R&D efforts to make a positive impact on our environment.

Additionally, although Algaefy has secured initial funding from science fairs, scaling up operations and technology requires substantial investment. Through Solve, we are able to access additional funding and learn how to apply for grants, receiving the financial resources necessary for our growth. Moreover, guidance on creating sustainable business models from Solve’s financial experts would be invaluable in ensuring long-term viability.

Finally, the ability to network is essential. Access to Solve’s global network of “impact-minded leaders” from multidisciplinary fields can help Algaefy understand market dynamics, build strategic partnerships, and effectively position our solution in the global marketplace. Receiving “exposure in the media and at conferences” can also allow us to establish a stronger market presence, despite the novelty of our technology.

Therefore, our application to Solve is not solely for fundraising purposes; we are keen on accessing the comprehensive support system that Solve offers to showcase our innovative solution to a global audience. Algaefy aims to leverage Solve’s resources to not only advance our technological capabilities but also to spread awareness of the sustainability of our solution to make a meaningful impact on the climate.

For our competitive analysis, there is no direct competition as our company is the first to implement solar energy with eutrophication treatment in one product. Compared to the solar energy industry, we can create a more sustainable product considering the BPV’s life cycle: all BPV components can be easily recycled. Compared to the water industry, there currently is no effective solution to eutrophication, so we are revolutionizing future treatments for wastewater.  Our apparent disadvantage, the large size of the dual-purpose BPV, actually results in more power and greater efficiency in filtering the wastewater, out-competing other companies in the wastewater industry. Our innovation is nearly impossible for others to replicate. The product is patent-pending, and the product design resulted from years of research with statistically backed results, achieving multiple awards. At the Canada-Wide Science Fair, we earned a Youth Can Innovate Award, an Intermediate Energy Challenge Award in 2023, and a silver medal and an Intermediate Energy Challenge Award in 2022. This project was brought to represent Team Canada at MILSET-ESI 2023 and has been promoted to a Candidate for Team Canada - ISEF 2024. We were also invited to Professor Christopher Howe’s lab at Cambridge University, where the concept of biological photovoltaics was first pioneered. Professor Christopher Howe and Dr. Paolo Bombelli reviewed our work while providing insightful advice.

Algaefy's innovative solution utilizes dual-purpose BPVs to simultaneously generate renewable energy and address eutrophication in water bodies. This approach is groundbreaking as it merges energy production with environmental restoration in a way that has never been done before. The core of our theory of change lies in the deployment of these BPVs, which harness the natural photosynthetic processes of algae to produce electricity while absorbing excess nutrients from the water, thereby reducing nutrient pollution and revitalizing aquatic ecosystems.

Our primary activity involves installing BPV systems in areas affected by eutrophication. We also engage with local communities to raise awareness and educate on the benefits of our technology, ensuring local buy-in and support.

The immediate output of installing BPVs is twofold. Firstly, these systems begin to generate clean, sustainable energy from sunlight. Secondly, they actively reduce levels of harmful nutrients in water bodies, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are the primary culprits behind eutrophication.

Over time, the continued operation of BPVs is expected to lead to significant ecological restoration of water bodies. This includes improved water quality, increased biodiversity, and healthier aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, by providing a renewable source of energy, we contribute to the reduction of the community's carbon footprint and promote energy independence.

Measurements of nutrient levels and water quality before and after BPV deployment clearly show improvements, aligning with third-party research on similar bio-remediation technologies. Further feedback from community stakeholders and continuous environmental assessments could further validate the impact and efficacy of our solution.

By integrating these elements—activities, outputs, and outcomes—with substantiated evidence, Algaefy's theory of change provides a clear and logical framework that not only describes how our innovative technology works but also illustrates why it is expected to have a transformative impact on both the environment and the communities we serve.

Algaefy aims to create a significant and positive environmental impact through the deployment of BPVs for renewable energy generation and water treatment. Our impact goals are directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), and climate action (SDG 13).

Impact Goals:

1. To increase the use of renewable and long-lasting energy

2. To significantly reduce eutrophication in targeted water bodies.

3. To contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of clean energy.

To monitor and measure our progress towards these impact goals, we employ specific, quantifiable indicators:

Reduction in Nutrient Levels: We measure the concentration of nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, in water bodies before and after deploying our BPVs. A significant decrease in these levels would indicate progress toward reducing eutrophication.

Increased Renewable Energy Production: We track the amount of energy generated by our BPVs, aiming to progressively increase the percentage of renewable energy in the total energy consumption of the communities we work with. 

Reduction in Carbon Emissions: By calculating the amount of fossil fuel energy replaced by our renewable solutions, we can estimate the reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, which can contribute to climate action efforts.

Through these mechanisms, Algaefy ensures a data-driven approach to measuring its impact, allowing for timely improvements to our operations. This monitoring not only helps us quantify our environmental and social impact but also supports transparent communication with all communities

The core technology powering Algaefy's solution is a state-of-the-art system known as dual-purpose biological photovoltaics (BPVs). This technology harnesses photosynthesis in photosynthetic organisms, algae in this case, to convert solar energy into electrical energy. At the same time, Algaefy employs algae's ability to metabolize nitrogen and phosphorus to reduce nutrient levels in bodies of water affected by eutrophication. Combining these two mechanisms of algae is what separates this technology from other businesses.

Through a process called exoelectrogenesis, electrons from the light-dependent reactions occurring within the algae are transferred directly and indirectly to an outer circuit. This process is harnessed in BPVs, where the electrical energy generated during photosynthesis is captured using electrodes, with the current then converted into usable power. The technology is designed to be long-lasting, sustainable, and scalable, posing as an attractive energy source.

Simultaneously, the algae in the BPVs absorb excess nutrients from the water, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which cause eutrophication. By doing so, the system helps restore the balance of nutrient levels in water bodies, promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems.

Algaefy's approach combines modern scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge. For example, traditional practices have known about algae’s role in natural ecosystems and its ability to improve water quality. We integrate this knowledge with modern engineering to create a solution that is both innovative and rooted in proven principles.

Our technology is designed to benefit both people and the planet by providing renewable energy and treating eutrophication. BPVs offer a sustainable source of electricity, contributing to the reduction of fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. Also, by addressing eutrophication, our system promotes cleaner waterways, which is crucial for the health of marine life and all communities dependent on water resources.

Algaefy is committed to ongoing research and development to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our BPVs. We leverage advancements in materials science, bioengineering, and environmental science to improve the performance of our systems. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, we ensure that our technology remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation, capable of addressing the complex challenges of energy and environmental management.

In summary, Algaefy's solution represents a synergistic blend of biological processes and engineering, embodying a holistic approach to sustainable energy generation and environmental conservation. Through our BPV technology, we hope to foster a GREENER future.

This research has been proven to work through the Department of Biochemistry of Cambridge University. There are many articles that present BPVs as a viable energy solution and many articles that support algae as a treatment of wastewater. The product of Algaefy combines both previously validated abilities of algae as a dual solution. By attending science fairs, publishing our work, and attending conferences, we were able to present our research to people from all fields, thus proving that our product works.

BPV articles: https://dpl6hyzg28thp.cloudfro...

Algal Treatment of wastewater: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

My Published Works: 

1. https://csfjournal.com/volume-...

2. https://csfjournal.com/volume-...

There are currently two people on the team.

We have been working on the solution from the beginning of 2021 to now, which is almost 3 and a half years.

Although our team is currently small, we are committed to fostering diversity. Our approach is multifaceted, focusing on creating a culture that actively promotes inclusion and equity.

In the future, we plan for our leadership team to be composed of individuals from varied backgrounds, including different nationalities, gender identities, and professional experiences. Our goal is to further diversify our team by actively recruiting from underrepresented groups in tech, such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. We prioritize creating a team that reflects the diverse communities we aim to serve.

To ensure equity, we will implement policies that provide equal access to opportunities within our organization. This includes transparent hiring practices, fair compensation structures, and opportunities for professional development. We recognize that equity is not just about treating everyone the same, but about acknowledging and addressing the different challenges and barriers individuals may face. Therefore, we provide tailored support and resources to ensure that all team members have the opportunity to succeed and advance within the company.

In line with MIT Solve’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we are continuously learning and adapting our strategies to improve. We are actively seeking feedback from the communities we work with to ensure that our efforts are effective and responsive to the needs of diverse populations. Our commitment to DEI is ongoing as we aim to make meaningful progress towards a more welcoming workplace.

Our primary costs include technological development, research, and eco-friendly manufacturing. Additional expenditures encompass promotion and sales efforts, highlighting our holistic market introduction and expansion approach. The cost of one product would initially be upwards of $4000 but would consistently decrease as we mass-produce and refine the device. There currently is no cost basket for our BPVs as our novelty allows for our product to be the only company within our market, securing the greatest amount of revenue and, thus, profit. The key revenues for Algaefy would come from the number of sales, but the amount of treated algal blooms and demand vs. energy supply would also be highly essential numbers. The revenue will take into account other delivery and R&D costs. Our company’s profit margins in the first two years are 3% and 15%, respectively. By the fifth year, the profit margin is expected to exceed 60%, earning over $8 million in profits. Our pricing is directly proportional to the BPV’s size, as larger BPVs can generate more power.

1. Energy-Only (EO) BPV: We will retail at $10,000 for a BPV that generates 100 kW.

2. Energy and Eutrophication (EE) BPV: We will retail $20,000 for a BPV that generates 100 kW and treats eutrophication. A maintenance fee for the EE BPV will be $2000 per year.

Although there is no company for comparison, we believe our price is reasonable due to the benefits of efficient energy and water quality.

Our company will produce and sell our products through manufacturers and companies and obtain funding and grants. We will spread knowledge of our technology through conferences, expos, social media, and partnerships. We will continue to publish our work on our website and in scientific journals to provide new insights into optimizing our BPV, garnering more attraction from our audience. These outreach methods will allow us to share our products with communities needing clean energy and water treatment, attracting our initial customers. 

We will allocate initial funds to manufacture our innovation for mass production and deliver them. These funds will also be used to set up a research lab to be able to continuously improve our BPVs. Initially, it will cost over $700,000 to set the company up, but our funding will be able to cover all the costs and also earn revenue. Although the cost will increase as our business expands, our profit will follow exponentially. To pursue funding, we will apply for grants/corporate sponsorships and seek venture capital opportunities from those who see potential in Algaefy. Additionally, we have received over $12000 in prizes for our current research by attending science fairs. As we are a for-profit company, we can use our sales to generate revenue for further expansion. The previously listed methods will all be used throughout our business endeavours to receive a continuous inflow of funds.