Semi-finalist
2025 Global Climate Challenge

Aquasaic

Team Leader
Aquasaic Founders
Aquasaic addresses this challenge through a revolutionary biological approach to metal recovery from mining wastewater. Our technology uses engineered baker's yeast (S. cerevisiae) that produces specific metal-binding proteins on their cell surface, allowing for highly selective cobalt uptake even in complex wastewater streams. This selectivity enables efficient recovery of valuable metals that would otherwise be lost, creating a circular economy...
What is the name of your organization?
Aquasaic
What is the name of your solution?
Aquasaic
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Bioengineered yeast for eco cobalt recovery
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
San Francisco, CA, USA
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
USA
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
Mining wastewater presents a dual challenge: environmental contamination and loss of valuable resources. Approximately 80% of mining wastewater is released untreated, causing severe ecological damage, while valuable metals like cobalt are lost in these waste streams. Conventional treatment methods are either environmentally harmful (chemical precipitation) or prohibitively expensive (membrane filtration), leading many operations to choose minimal treatment.
What is your solution?
Aquasaic addresses this challenge through a revolutionary biological approach to metal recovery from mining wastewater. Our technology uses engineered baker's yeast (S. cerevisiae) that produces specific metal-binding proteins on their cell surface, allowing for highly selective cobalt uptake even in complex wastewater streams. This selectivity enables efficient recovery of valuable metals that would otherwise be lost, creating a circular economy approach to mining waste.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
The societal impact of our technology extends beyond environmental benefits to include improved health outcomes for mining communities, reduced occupational hazards for workers, and support for sustainable development in mining regions. By making critical mineral recovery more sustainable, we contribute to both countries' clean energy goals while addressing environmental justice concerns. Our solution offers several breakthrough advantages: 1. Chemical-Free Process: Eliminates harsh chemicals, reducing environmental footprint and health risks 2. Energy Efficiency: Uses 50% less energy than conventional methods 3. Rapid Processing: Achieves steady-state metal removal within 48 hours 4. Dual Value Creation: Simultaneously cleans wastewater to EPA standards while recovering 97% of cobalt
Solution Team:
Aquasaic Founders
Aquasaic Founders