Siblings’ Startup Tackles Pollution with Algae Innovation in Global Ports

BioBright, founded by Vanessa and Ayrton Barzasi, uses algae to combat maritime pollution and promote sustainability worldwide.

Vanessa and Ayrton Barzasi, a brother-sister entrepreneurial duo with roots at Oxford Brookes University, are turning heads with their innovative approach to sustainable maritime solutions. Vanessa, an alumna, and Ayrton, a current student, have channelled their academic backgrounds—spanning economics, genetics, and political science—into their startup, BioBright, which aims to combat carbon emissions, water pollution, and biodiversity loss in the maritime industry.

The idea for BioBright emerged during the pandemic, sparked by the siblings’ shared interest in home gardening and marine conservation. As amateur divers, their firsthand experiences with damaged ecosystems in the Canary Islands and oil spills in Singapore underscored the urgency of tackling marine pollution.

“Our algae are 10% more efficient at absorbing CO2 than conventional methods, while also removing harmful pollutants like copper, zinc, nitrates, phosphate, ammonia and ammonium from seawater,” says Vanessa. By combining algae cultivation with real-time monitoring systems, BioBright not only purifies water but also generates valuable data to help ports optimise operations. The result? Cleaner oceans, healthier ecosystems, and potential savings of up to £80 million annually in carbon taxes and liability costs for ports.

Unlike competitors who discard saturated algae, BioBright focuses on "closing the circle" by repurposing it into biofuel, biopackaging, or animal feed. "It’s about creating value at every stage," explains Ayrton.

The startup has garnered widespread recognition, recently winning the Sustainable Business of the Year at the OxLEP Gala ahead of other amazing Oxfordshire businesses, as well as receiving awards from Oxford Brookes, UCL and Milan. "We never expected to win, but it proved our ideas had traction," Vanessa reflects.

The siblings credit much of their success to the Brookes Enterprise Support team, where they took place in the SPARK programme where they received guidance on pitching, business plans, product development and after the programme 1-1 support for accountability. “Their support was a game changer,” Vanessa says. “We were lone operators, but they taught us the value of collaboration.”

Looking ahead, BioBright has ambitious plans to expand globally. With backing from Innovate UK, the company has already pitched in Singapore, Canada, and beyond. "Our goal is to be in every port worldwide," Ayrton states, envisioning a future where pollutants are eradicated, and algae-derived biofuels power everything from sea vessels to sports cars.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the Barzasis offer simple advice: seek help. "There’s more support out there than you think," Vanessa concludes. "And it starts with reaching out."