Dr Mahshid Sedghi steps up as ALGAESYS COO
We’re proud to announce our very own Dr Mahshid Sedghi is stepping up into her new role as Chief Operating Officer at ALGAESYS. We sat down to chat about her journey with ALGAESYS so far.
Dr Sedghi has been an influential character in ALGAESYS from our early days, heading up Research and Development since 2022. Here’s what she had to say.
Dr Mahshid Sedghi, ALGAESYS COO
How did you get started at ALGAESYS?
That’s a funny story! My PhD, which focused on microalgae-based wastewater treatment, led me to discover ALGAESYS. One day, I was reading articles on LinkedIn and came across a post from Blue Bio Alliance [J1] about the company. It seemed similar to the research I had done in my PhD, so I decided to send in my CV. I didn’t expect much and addressed the email with 'Dear Madam/Sir,' not paying much attention to names, thinking it was more of a hobby than a serious attempt. To my surprise, on the same day, I received an email from the founder, John Fagan, inviting me for a discussion after reviewing my CV. My background in algae-based technologies and experience in both R&D and business operations aligned perfectly with the company’s mission. The company's dedication to algae-based water reclamation and innovative solutions was a perfect fit for me. This opportunity allowed me to combine my passion for science and develop and expertise in management, and I was excited to contribute to a growing company that aligns with my values.
Can you summarise some of your experiences prior to working at ALGAESYS?
My journey began in my home country, Iran, where I worked at the Iranian Biological Resources Center (IBRC), isolating algae species and preserving them for future use. After that, I moved to Spain to pursue my PhD, focusing on algae-based solutions for water reclamation. During this time, I had the privilege of working with several algae-based companies across Europe, where I was deeply involved in EU projects focusing on innovative cosmetic formulations, natural alkaline water, and alternative protein products. These experiences allowed me to develop strong expertise in both biotechnology and business management, skills which I later applied when transitioning into ALGAESYS.
Dr Mahshid Sedghi collecting algae samples
What are you most excited about stepping into this position as Director?
As a new Director of ALGAESYS, I’m excited about leading a team at the forefront of sustainable technologies in the water reclamation sector. The potential to scale our technologies beyond industrial and municipal wastewater, particularly in biodesalination, is immense. Additionally, there are exciting opportunities to apply our solutions to data centers, which consume large amounts of water, especially as we live in the AI century. I’m also thrilled by the opportunity to leverage my experience to not only drive innovation, but also help cultivate a culture that values collaboration and growth.
How do you see ALGAESYS’ technology evolving in the next few years?
I see ALGAESYS’ technology evolving into a key player in the global water treatment and desalination markets, particularly with the increasing demand for sustainable solutions in industries such as data centers and municipal utilities. Our biodesalination technology will continue to advance, driving more efficient processes that help preserve valuable freshwater resources. I also envision expanding our offerings to include more integrated solutions for wastewater recycling and resource recovery, in line with the global shift towards circular economies.
Dr Mahshid Sedghi presenting at the University of Western Australia
What are some key challenges or focus areas you think ALGAESYS faces now?
One of the key challenges is scaling our technology to meet the diverse needs of industries and municipalities, while maintaining the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our systems. Additionally, as a startup, we need to focus on securing investment, talent and strategic partnerships, licensees to drive our growth. Another challenge is ensuring that our systems can adapt to varied water qualities in different sectors. But these challenges are also exciting opportunities to drive innovation and position ALGAESYS as a leader in this industry and lead the business to profitability for the shareholders.
What excites you most about where ALGAESYS is heading as a company?
I’m most excited about the company’s potential to transform the water reclamation industry by offering nature based truly sustainable solutions. The global push for climate action and resource conservation aligns perfectly with what we do, and I believe ALGAESYS is poised to make a significant impact. The work we are doing wastewater recovery is groundbreaking, and as we continue to develop our technologies through R&D and grow our presence globally, we will play a central role in tackling one of the world’s most pressing challenges of water security.
We are delighted to have Dr Sedghi on board and leading the way with her broad experience both on a scientific level, but as a business leader as well. We look forward to our journey ahead!
