Alaagi, a sustainable packaging startup created by recent Saint Mary's University graduate Sheheryar Khan (BSc'25, DIPEng'25), has advanced in the prestigious global Hult Prize competition.
Launched in July 2024, Alaagi produces a fully compostable bioplastic made from seaweed. Their innovative material can be used for grocery bags and sandwich wraps, and can be heat-sealed to preserve freshness. Alaagi is now developing the world's first bioplastic film to meet the industry-standard 10K Oxygen Transmission Rate, making it ideal for meat and seafood packaging a breakthrough with significant commercial potential.
Khan's teammates Vaishali Sachdeva and Tyler MacLean helped Alaagi compete against 56 international teams. The startup was among just 22 selected to move forward, following their recognition as National Champions after outperforming 19 other Canadian teams in March.
Now Alaagi heads to London this August for Stage 4 of the Hult Prize competition, the Global Accelerator. There the team will receive intensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities. Of the 22 competing teams, only eight finalists will advance to pitch their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges for the $1 million prize this September.
"Being a part of the Hult Prize Global Accelerator is a dream come true," says Vaishali Sachdeva, Saint Mary's University arts student. "The incredible mentorship through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the Hult team has helped us accelerate our business. I am so excited to represent Alaagi and Saint Mary's University in London this August."
