{"id":1553,"date":"2026-02-09T11:54:52","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T16:54:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/osgoode\/ip-innovation-clinic\/?p=1553"},"modified":"2026-02-09T11:54:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T16:54:54","slug":"algyy-cleantech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/osgoode\/ip-innovation-clinic\/2026\/02\/09\/algyy-cleantech\/","title":{"rendered":"Algyy\u00a0Cleantech:\u00a0Public Art That Can Clear Your Air\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Clinic Effect<\/strong> is a new series, where we highlight current and past IP Innovation Clinic clients from our 15-year history of helping advance IP sophistication and support in Ontario and across Canada<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When you think of public art, what comes to mind? If you did not say carbon capture, you would not be alone. Yet that is exactly what Vladimir Kanic, a PhD student at ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ, is developing. A transdisciplinary artist and the founder of Algyy Cleantech, Vladimir is redefining art\u2019s role in society by creating living systems that clean the air we breathe.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cMy work bridges art, science, and biotechnology, addressing environmental challenges through carbon-capturing public art installations and carbon-negative construction materials.\u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

- Vladimir Kanic<\/em> <\/strong><\/mark><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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The Innovation<\/em> <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vladimir\u2019s latest project, \u201cGrowing Smart Cities with Living Algae Systems\u201d, transforms public spaces into carbon-capturing ecosystems through living algae sculptures. They serve as functional artwork that can convert atmospheric carbon into breathable oxygen.  Vladimir also developed algal bioconcrete, a carbon-negative construction material using algae that turns atmospheric carbon into a stone-like substance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cMy living art assumes an unusual function; it moves beyond aesthetics to operate as environmental technology, redefining the role of art as a living system, a tool for repair, and a model for regenerative design.\u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/em><\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

- <\/em><\/em>Vladimir Kanic<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Problem<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cities generate over 70% of global carbon emissions1<\/a><\/sup>, and the existing carbon capture technologies only remove 0.01% of these emissions.2<\/a><\/sup> Currently, methods such as tree planting require vast tracts of land and decades to be effective, making them impractical for urban environments. Algae, however, are the planet\u2019s principal carbon-capturing biotech.3<\/a><\/sup> They can grow rapidly anywhere, and cities have many underutilized public spaces that could be transformed into algae farms or carbon-capturing art sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Impact<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vladimir\u2019s work has the potential to improve urban air quality and support climate-resilient infrastructure by transforming public spaces and architecture into carbon-capturing systems. This innovation advances multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, sustainable cities, and green innovation.  According to Vladimir, the primary audience for this work includes cities, real-estate developers, sustainable corporations, and city residents impacted by air pollution and climate-related threats.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cCities benefit by gaining practical, visually appealing solutions that transform urban pollution into sustainable resources, creating healthier communities, increased resilience against climate impacts, and opportunities for generating carbon credits and passive revenue.\u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/em><\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

-<\/em>Vladimir Kanic<\/sub><\/sup><\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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The IP <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Vladimir, the IP Innovation Clinic at ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ has played a crucial role in supporting his journey. He refers to the Clinic as an \u201cessential platform that benefits every student involved in research and innovation.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201c[The IP Innovation Clinic] has clarified complex intellectual property matters, strategized my patent filing approach, significantly eased the administrative and financial burden, allowing me to focus on innovation and research. \u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/em><\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

-<\/em>Vladimir Kanic<\/mark><\/strong><\/sub><\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Next Steps...<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vladimir and Algyy Cleantech are currently seeking:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n