Verde Dualair, developed by Atoz Carbon Cycle, a startup and alumnus of the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP) by Sidec, harnesses microalgae to improve indoor air quality while supporting carbon reduction efforts and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives.

As the global community faces increasing climate-related challenges, the need for practical and high-impact sustainable solutions continues to grow. However, such solutions do not always need to be large in scale. In many cases, effective innovation begins with small elements, including microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye.

Despite their microscopic size, green microalgae hold significant potential as high-value downstream products and play an important role in carbon reduction. This natural capability forms the foundation of the innovation developed by Atoz Carbon Cycle, a Malaysian green technology startup contributing to sustainability-driven and ESG-aligned solutions.

Indoor Air Quality as a Public Health Issue

Air quality concerns are not limited to outdoor environments. Indoor spaces are also affected by airborne contaminants that may accumulate in enclosed areas. Common sources include tobacco smoke, cooking activities, household cleaning chemicals, mould growth, dust mites and animal dander. Without sufficient ventilation, these pollutants can build up and compromise indoor air quality.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is among the world’s most significant environmental health risks, contributing to approximately seven million premature deaths globally each year as a result of combined outdoor and indoor air pollution. Of this total, an estimated three to four million deaths are directly linked to indoor air pollution, particularly from prolonged exposure to pollutants generated by domestic activities such as cooking with traditional fuels.

This concern is further heightened by the fact that people today spend a substantial proportion of their time indoors, whether at workplaces, homes or public facilities. As a result, indoor air quality has become a critical public health issue that calls for effective, science-based and sustainable solutions.

Microalgae Technology as a Nature-Based Solution

Microalgae are among the most efficient organisms on Earth in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. These natural characteristics have been validated through extensive scientific research, positioning microalgae as a promising biological component in addressing indoor air quality challenges.

Building on this potential, Verde Dualair was developed as a nature-based air system, often described as a “living microforest”. The system applies microalgae biotechnology to enhance indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide at a rate significantly faster than trees, while simultaneously removing airborne contaminants in enclosed environments.

Designed as a compact bio-engineered system, each Verde Dualair unit also produces nutrient-rich microalgae water on a monthly basis. This approach supports circular carbon principles and delivers measurable sustainability outcomes aligned with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements.

Local Startup Innovation Gains Academic Recognition

Atoz Carbon Cycle is an alumnus of the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP), an initiative by Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) that supports the growth of high-potential local startups through strategic mentoring and business development.

The startup’s locally developed innovation received further recognition when Atoz Carbon Cycle was awarded the Gold Award at the Engineering Innovation and Exhibition 2025 (EIE 2025), a technology and innovation showcase organised by the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The recognition reflects the strength of local startup innovation in integrating science, engineering and green technology to address real-world environmental challenges.

The achievement also demonstrates how solutions developed by Malaysian startups can gain validation through academic innovation platforms, paving the way for broader adoption and future commercialisation.

Advancing Sustainability and a Resilient Future

More than an air purification system, Verde Dualair represents a holistic approach to sustainable indoor environments with measurable carbon impact. By integrating science, engineering and green technology, the system supports improved indoor air quality and user well-being.

The journey of Atoz Carbon Cycle reflects the strong potential of local startups when supported by a conducive ecosystem. For Sidec, this achievement reinforces its role in empowering local innovation and advancing high-impact solutions towards a greener and more sustainable future.

This content is provided by Sidec

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