Nicholas Sokol is the founder and CEO of Algaeo. Nicholas has a background in geography and atmospheric science and has worked across forecasting and in-situ observation and experimentation. He has experience in energy, carbon capture, computational and data science, and agricultural sciences. He has worked for nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Passionate about environmental science and clean tech, Nicholas hopes to bring automation and efficiency increases to the agricultural sector with his technology while providing gigaton-scale absorption of carbon dioxide and increasing efficiency for farmers in the United States.
Represented Organization
Algaeo
Key Innovation
Algaeo produces hardware and algae-based fertilizers that enable farmers to grow sustainable, efficient, and organic fertilizers on site. The technology uses microalgae and artificial intelligence to capture carbon dioxide and nitrogen from the atmosphere, feeding the algae. Algaeo employs three nontoxic algal strains scientifically proven to improve soil health and enhance plant growth by supplying essential nutrients. The fertilizers are chemical-free, 100% organic, and designed to integrate easily into existing farming practices, either as a supplement or a full replacement for conventional fertilizers. By leveraging living fertilizers, Algaeo reduces input costs, boosts crop yields, and improves soil vitality for future growing seasons.
Target Market
Algaeo serves a wide range of growers, from large-scale sod farms to home gardeners, seeking sustainable, organic, and high-performing fertilizers. The technology addresses farmers’ needs to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve long-term soil health while supporting environmental goals, such as carbon capture and sustainable agriculture. Additional potential markets include specialty crops, vegetable and herb growers, and environmentally conscious agricultural operations looking to adopt organic, chemical-free fertilizer solutions.
ORNL Principal Investigator
- Dale Pelletier - Group Leader, Integrative Microbiomics, Biological and Environmental Systems Sciences Directorate
- David Weston - Research Staff, Plant Systems Biology, Biological and Environmental Systems Sciences Directorate