Founded by Sheheryar Khan, a soon-to-be graduate in Chemical Engineering at Saint Mary's University, Alaagi is on a mission to replace traditional plastics with sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Using seaweed and other marine resources, the company creates fully compostable plastics.
The Alaagi team comprised of Sheheryar Khan, Gabe Martin, and Vaishali Sachdeva, all Saint Mary's students was named National Champion after competing against 19 other teams from across Canada at the competition held last weekend at McGill University. With this win, the team immediately moves on to the next phase of the competition, working toward the grand prize of $1 million to be awarded at the Global Finals in London in September 2025.
Alaagi has been mentored through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary's University and is currently incubated through Enactus Saint Mary's.
"Working with the team at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre was truly transformative," said Sheheryar Khan, founder of Alaagi. "They supported my vision and taught me fundamental skills like how to pitch and manage my business. But I also have to credit my mom she sent me to Saint Mary's and to Canada to chase my dreams."
The Hult Prize is a globally recognized social entrepreneurship competition that challenges students to tackle the world's most pressing issues through innovative business ideas. Each year, more than 187,000 students from 113 countries and 1,324 universities participate, pitching solutions for a chance to win $1 million.
"The Canadian National Competition was competitive and exciting! It was amazing to see teams from across the country come together not just as competitors, but as colleagues supporting one another through the process," said Kate Ramirez, North American Regional Manager of the Hult Prize. "This was the first Canadian National Hult Prize competition, and it set the tone for what's to come."
The Hult Prize competition consists of five stages. With their national win, Alaagi enters Stage 3: the Digital Incubator. Alongside 60 top teams from around the world, they will refine their ideas, validate product-market fit, build proof-of-concept models, and develop go-to-market strategies. Successful teams will progress to Stage 4: the Global Accelerator, held in person in London this August, where 28 teams will receive intensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities. Of those, eight will be selected to compete in the Global Finals in September, pitching their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges for the $1 million prize.
The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary's University is Atlantic Canada's premier hub for fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and driving open innovation. Over the past five years, the Centre has supported over 4,000 students and 3,000 businesses through programs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial engagement activities.
