Saving the World through a Shared Passion

From left to right: Helen Wong, Jingyang Guo 

When HKU landscape architecture students Jingyang Guo and Helen Wong Hei Lui discovered in 2024 that they shared a common passion for addressing global warming and carbon emissions, they decided to put their heads together and do something practical about it.

Why not start a business that could help heal nature and do something positive for the environment? Their discovery of the properties of microalgae was a eureka moment for them. While they were impressed by its incredible potential – not just for air purification, but also for water purification, biodegradable plastics, superfoods, and sustainable agriculture – they were also curious about the general lack of commercial interest in this amazing organism.

So with true entrepreneurial spirit, they seized the day and formed WeGoALGAE, a company that provides air purification solutions using microalgae to absorb CO2, PM2.5&10, toxins, odours and more. Their mission is to help achieve carbon neutrality and the ESG goals, heal the planet with nature, and educate the world about the wonders of algae. By focusing on innovative solutions and sustainable practices, Jianyang and Helen aim to enhance living standards for everyone through WeGoALGAE. This includes developing eco-friendly technologies and initiatives that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also promote healthier lifestyles in Hong Kong and around the world.

They both point out how instrumental HKU has been in their startup journey, beginning with the iDendron SEED programme, which led them to the HKSTP Ideation programme and then into incubation. “The resources from iDendron, and Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) provided essential mentorship, networking and exhibition opportunities that were critical for our early growth,” says Jingyang.

The InnoWing initiative under the Faculty of Engineering facilitated their product prototyping, research and development, and provided workspace and access to industry experts. “This multidisciplinary support allowed us to integrate design, mechanical, and biological engineering, enabling us to expand our team and drive innovation effectively,” added Helen.

It helps of course that, in addition to sharing a common passion, the pair have qualities and competencies that complement each other. “In our business, our roles are deeply interconnected. By excelling in our respective areas, we create a strong foundation for mutual support. So I focus on product development, research and coordinating with technology experts, while Helen handles marketing and finance,” says Jingyang.

“I handle the business and legal side, finance, and things like competitions, networking and so on,” says Helen, adding with a laugh, “Basically, I manage the outside things, and he manages the inside things.”

While division of responsibilities is good, there are things that they both have to do. “Communication and listening are key,” Helen says firmly. Jingyang adds, “During challenges, we communicate openly and collaborate closely, ensuring that our combined strengths drive the project forward. This synergy not only enhances our problem-solving but also strengthens our partnership, allowing us to navigate obstacles together effectively.”

There were certainly some hurdles at the beginning, the ones many small businesses face when they are just starting out. “It was challenging because of our limited financial and human resources. We often struggled to decide what to prioritise in terms of investments and tasks,” Jianyang notes. “However, we tackled these moments through open communication and by taking the time to understand each other’s perspectives. This collaborative approach helped us strengthen our partnership and work more effectively as a team.”

To students thinking about forming their own businesses, Helen says, “Prepare yourself mentally. You’ll need to be very strong as challenges will appear before you expect! But of course, great things will also come along the way and when you look back, you’ll finally see how far you’ve come and feel a great sense of achievement.”

Jianyang agrees. “Once you take that first step, things will start to fall into place. Just stay committed, work hard, and keep pushing through the challenges. To achieve success, it’s not just about how much you can accomplish; it’s about how much you can endure while continuing to move forward,” she says.

Finding “Me Time” is also important for both of them. “The biggest challenge I faced this year was time management. I had to start prioritising what was important for me,” says Helen. “Whenever I have spare time, I make an effort to disconnect from all devices. Reading books and listening to podcasts help me gain knowledge on new topics and stay updated on different subjects, and podcasts are an excellent way to quickly gain knowledge,” she observes.

Jianyang takes a more active approach: “In my spare time, I find great joy in rowing, which serves as my primary stress relief. Rowing early in the morning not only invigorates me but also allows me to balance my work and academics.”

But in the long run, transformation remains the goal, for them and for the world. Helen sums it up: “We envision WeGoALGAE becoming a mature and influential company within the next five years, making significant strides in improving both the environment and the lives of individuals. Our mission is to achieve carbon neutrality, which will not only help combat climate change but also enhance air quality for communities globally.”