Why Algae?
The algAI Rationale
We use algae because it is safer, cheaper, and fundamentally better for the environment. By utilizing waste CO2, waste organic carbon, and wastewater as our primary inputs, we ensure our production processes are regenerative rather than extractive.
Unlike conventional bioprocess organisms—such as delicate mammalian cells, bacteria, and yeast which require expensive, precisely controlled media—algae can simultaneously perform cellular respiration and photosynthesis. This dual-capability provides unparalleled metabolic flexibility and robust scalability.
Company Platform and Products
algAI implements (un)supervised-learning-based machine learning algorithms in conjunction with publicly available and proprietary databases to design, develop, optimize, and scale-up entire algae-based bioprocesses. This spans from genetic editing and heterologous gene expression to commercial-scale cultivation, harvesting, biorefinery fractionation, and conversion of biomass.
We are focused on using three distinct proprietary strains of algae—diatom microalgae, red microalgae, and filamentous microalgae—to manufacture the following products:
1. Musculoskeletal Gene Therapy (Ab-silica-LNP)
A targeted lipid nanoparticle designed for the delivery of a musculoskeletal cell-targeting gene therapy payload, specifically mRNA encoding gRNA and Caspase 9 (or similar) to base-edit via Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) the CAPN3 gene in LGMDR1 patients.
- Diatom Microalgae: Supplies the rigid 3-D biosilica core.
- Red Microalgae: Supplies the single-domain anti-CD71 nanobody, transferrin, and Myomaker fusogen proteins for specific targeting.
- Lipid Shell: An optimized mixture of cholesterol, helper, cationic, ionizable, and membrane-diffusing lipids, alongside stealth PEG-like polymers to avoid immunogenicity.
2. Colorectal Cancer Theranostics (albumin-Ab-BPE-FeCl3-silica-LNP)
An orally ingested, gastrointestinally-delivered payload consisting of magnetic FeCl3 particles, albumin-fused anti-EGFR targeting nanobody, and red fluorescent B-phycoerythrin (B-PE) to target and destroy colorectal cancer tumors.
- Diatom Microalgae (iron-enriched): Supplies the magnetic 3-D FeCl3 silica core.
- Red Microalgae: Supplies the immunoconjugate of albumin-fused, B-PE fused anti-EGFR targeting nanobody.
- Mechanism: Delivers red-light activated B-PE fluorescence-based photo-dynamic therapy (destroying tumors via free oxygen radical formation in hypoxic environments) and UV-light/magnetic signal-activated FeCl3-based photo-thermal therapy (heat destruction). Eliminates off-targeting risks of standard chemotherapy.
pH-Responsive Oral Delivery: Another strain of red microalgae naturally secretes a uniquely thermo-and acid-gelling, linear, anionic polysaccharide (LASP) used to formulate a hydrogel capsule, housing the LNP for convenient oral delivery.
Additional Co-Product Applications: The B-PE protein can be sold as a diagnostic reagent for flow cytometry, or used in food, beverages, cosmetics, textiles, and medical diagnostics. The LASP polysaccharide serves as a replacement for xanthan/guar gums in oil/gas extraction, a thermo-gelling agent in plant-based meats, and a cosmetic ingredient.
3. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) & Biodiesel
Producing neutral lipids (tri-acyl-glycerides) for sustainable jet fuel for civilian and military aviation, and biodiesel crucial for back-up generators at large-scale AI data centers.
- Filamentous Microalgae: A large, multi-trophic, genetically-amenable strain cultivated outdoors in large, cheap raceway open-ponds with minimal contamination risk.
- Harvesting Efficiency: Can be harvested without the need for expensive ultrafiltration, centrifugation, or dissolved air flotation to extract the lipid bodies from its cytoplasm.
4. Nano-Cellulose for Battery Tech
Cellulose extracted from the aforementioned filamentous algae's easy-to-lyse cell wall is converted into a high-value nano-cellulose co-product.
- Application: Combined with the biosilica from our diatom microalgae, it produces an anodic or cathodic binder and electrolyte material. This is critical for batteries used in electric vehicles and for storing overnight excess power generated by AI data centers.
The Eco-Sustainable Microalgal Biorefinery
In summary, algAI utilizes exactly three strains of algae to manufacture silica, nanocellulose, LASP polysaccharide, red B-phycoerythrin (B-PE), and monoclonal antibodies.
Our Leadership & Scientific Team
Paul Hallelujah
Chief Executive OfficerPaul oversees algAI’s corporate strategy, clinical commercialization roadmap, and intellectual property portfolios, translating advanced gene editing concepts into viable therapeutic pipelines. He brings an extensive academic background, including completing his Master of Theological Studies at the University of Toronto and his foundational biological studies (BSCH, Biology) at Queen's University, where he received the Gold Medal in Biology. He also studied at the University of Calgary (BSc, Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology), earning Dean's List honors before pursuing medical studies at the University of Alberta and Queen's University.
View LinkedIn Profile →Philip Wesolowski
Chief Operating OfficerPhilip specializes in turning visionary deep-tech into operational reality. He brings a rigorous, systems-level problem-solving approach from his Aerospace Engineering studies at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). Combining this with extensive experience in the financial sector—where he successfully managed capital allocation, risk, and fiduciary strategy for a private family trust—and front-line sales, Philip bridges the gap between engineering and commercialization. At algAI, he oversees daily operations, strategic scaling, and financial strategy, ensuring our scientific teams have the robust infrastructure needed to deliver our therapeutics.
View LinkedIn Profile →Dr. Pierre Wensel
Chief Technology OfficerDr. Wensel drives the technical architecture of algAI’s non-viral delivery systems and metabolic engineering pipelines. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering from Washington State University and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. His extensive background spans roles such as Chief Science Officer at Spira Inc., Manufacturing Systems Engineer at Merck, and Owner of Dronext, bringing deep expertise in bioprocess engineering, process development, and downstream processing crucial for our LNP manufacturing and clinical upscaling.
View LinkedIn Profile →Dr. Suriya Kumaresan
Sr. Molecular EngineerDr. Kumaresan brings crucial expertise from her role as a Scientist in RNA Technical Operations at Aldevron, where she executed RNA Synthesis including In Vitro Transcription, enzymatic capping, and Poly(A) Tailing. Her extensive postdoctoral research includes isolating CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells at North Dakota State University and reprogramming PBMCs into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for regenerative biology applications at Western University.
View LinkedIn Profile →Anupam Gohel
Scientific Business Development LeadAnupam drives algAI's commercial strategy, bridging the gap between our advanced RNA research and pharmaceutical industry development. He brings deep scientific experience from his roles at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Acceleron Pharma, and Codexis, where he focused on transfection optimization with mammalian cell lines, cell-based reporter assays, directed evolution of enzymes, and generating vectors for transgenic and knockout construction. He combines this technical foundation with extensive commercial execution, having established and managed regulated pharmaceutical trading and B2B operations across Southeast Asia.
View LinkedIn Profile →Pawan Jethwa
Hardware SpecialistPawan leads the physical development of our automated laboratory screening hardware. He holds an MSc (Distinction) in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering from the University of Leicester and a BTech in Aerospace Engineering from Sandip University. With experience in CFD, ANSYS, COMSOL, CATIA, and SolidWorks, his background includes gas turbine modeling, airship design, flight operations support at Star Air, and a DRDO Internship at the Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials.
View LinkedIn Profile →Rahul Kashyap
Molecular EngineerRahul designs the genetic architectures at the core of our platform. He engineers the mRNA constructs and Prime Editing components necessary to execute precise transversions and restore CAPN3 functionality. He brings practical experience as a Research Assistant at the University of Cincinnati and as a Student Assistant in Neurology and Nephrology labs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he conducted in-vivo studies using humanized mouse models and utilized techniques such as RT-PCR and Western Blotting. He holds a Master's degree in Biotechnology from UAB and a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology from Bhavans New Science Degree College.
View LinkedIn Profile →