TIL: The fix for stale indoor air isn’t more plants – it’s a self-cleaning “liquid plant” from a Hong Kong lab.
It’s 3.15pm, and you’re sauntering to the coffee machine – again. Sounds familiar? I’ve been there too, blaming my afternoon slump on sleep deprivation (and admittedly, some drawn-out meetings). But what if I tell you it’s not entirely your fault? Turns out, the air is the real culprit – the stale air in our Hong Kong apartments, full of carbon dioxide, mould spores, and other invisible pollutants that leave us foggy and groggy.
That’s why I was intrigued by VAYU, a compact device from local biotech start-up AlGreen. Using bioengineered microalgae, it delivers the air-cleaning power of 40 plants in a sleek, low-maintenance unit about the size of a desktop speaker. No soil, no watering – just plug it in and let it work. I’ve set mine up by my bed, though it’s just as effective in offices, kids’ rooms, or even small gyms. Seeing AlGreen’s journey – from HKUST research to their current base at Hong Kong Science Park – it’s impressive how far they’ve come in just a few years. They’ve even launched globally on Kickstarter.
Want to try VAYU? We’re giving away five devices (worth $1,499 each)! Just fill in the form below, then read our chat with founder Dhruv Jain on why your air’s secretly sabotaging you.
P.S. Scroll to the end for an exclusive discount code!
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In conversation with Dhruv Jain, the visionary behind VAYU
Most people assume air pollution is an outdoor problem. What made you realise indoor air quality was such a critical issue, especially in cities like Hong Kong?
When I was still a student, I kept falling asleep in lecture halls and classrooms. Only recently did I realise – it wasn’t just me. The reason? Too much carbon dioxide indoors. And it turns out this isn’t an isolated problem. In cities like Hong Kong and Singapore, 57% of office buildings suffer from this problem – aka sick building syndrome – where the build-up in indoor air pollutants causes productivity loss, sleepiness, fatigue, and brain fog.
So no, the fix isn’t extra coffee – it’s improving your indoor air quality. In fact, indoor pollution is 3 to 5 times worse than outside, because spaces are cramped and poorly ventilated. We’re all breathing the same stale air, and when your brain gets less oxygen, you don’t work or feel your best. Every day, you’re not performing at your full potential. That’s really concerning.
VAYU uses bioengineered algae – a concept most people haven’t heard of. How does it work differently from traditional air purifiers or houseplants?
Think about microalgae as the “predecessor” of plants. Did you know the oxygen you breathe comes 70% from microalgae, which grow in oceans and lakes? While everyone focuses on planting trees, their impact is actually quite small compared to these microalgae. That’s because microalgae consume far more carbon daily. In just the size of a flowerpot, you get the air-cleaning power of 40 to 50 plants.
Traditional air purifiers tend to focus on filtering dust – but they don’t boost oxygen or remove pollutants like carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur. The microalgae in VAYU, on the other hand, act as a biofilter, actively removing these airborne toxins that damage both health and productivity. They reduce carbon dioxide by 80%.
To reduce carbon dioxide by 80% – what does that actually mean for someone’s daily life? How quickly do people notice changes in energy or sleep?
Our early users reported 15 to 20% productivity boosts within 2 to 3 hours of using VAYU in their spaces. Harvard research confirms this – just 10% lower carbon dioxide levels can increase productivity by 20%, because carbon dioxide literally slows your brain function. Your brain needs oxygen to function at its best.
For sleep, clients report deeper rest and fewer allergy symptoms almost immediately. The air in the room just feels fresher – no more of that “stuffy” feeling.
And look beyond the specs for a second – simply having living greenery indoors boosts mood and mental health. VAYU isn’t just an air purifier – it’s a living thing that grows, contributes to your space’s good vibes, and supports holistic wellness. These matter, too.
Some people might think, “I have plants, why do I need this?” How would you explain the difference between VAYU and, say, a room full of houseplants?
In Hong Kong, keeping many plants is tough, due to space constraints, bugs, maintenance, and whatnot. We’re not saying replace all plants (they’re beautiful!), but most offices and flats here can’t sustain them. People tell us plants die, attract pests, or need too much care.
VAYU solves this. All you need to do is spend five minutes every month to fill up the tank, put in the seed, and it grows on its own without any interference from your end. It gives you all the benefits of nature without the hassle.
Where do you see VAYU five years from now?
Five years from now, I believe we can use the platform we’ve created with VAYU to transform how offices, schools, and homes integrate nature. Humans spend 90% of time indoors – that’s not how we’re meant to be! At AlGreen, our vision is to bring nature indoors, with VAYU as a liquid plant.
And we won’t stop there. We’ll make a liquid tree, and eventually a liquid forest. We’ll also keep improving VAYU, like making self-powered versions, developing advanced algae strains, or offering different colours. But our goal stays the same: seamless, tech-enhanced nature for every indoor space.
Honey Hack: Enjoy 20% off VAYU with code HONEYCOMBERS!
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This post is in partnership with VAYU.
