BEU Researchers' "Clean Caspian" Project Gain International Support

The "Clean Caspian" ecological innovation startup project, led by Ravan Rahimov, Head of the Food and Biotechnology Department at Baku Engineering University (BEU), Technopark employee Narmin Ismayilova, and BEU graduate and University of Padua (Italy) master's student Aynura Mammadova, has gained international support. The international commodity trading company "Alkagesta" has allocated funding for this science-based ecological initiative aimed at developing advanced solutions for the localization and neutralization of oil pollution in the marine environment.

The project was brought to the attention of the "Alkagesta" team through the GUB Startup Platform, where it was presented as part of the "Skills for the Future" initiative. Following an assessment of the project's scientific potential, ecological significance, and its contribution to the development of entrepreneurial spirit among youth in the Caucasus and Central Asia region, "Alkagesta" decided to support this initiative as part of its broader ESG strategy and its investment policy directed toward the long-term advancement of applied science in the region. Through its investment in the "Clean Caspian" initiative, "Alkagesta" stated that it is supporting not only ecological innovation, but also the entrepreneurial spirit of young scientists and researchers developing practical technologies of regional and global significance. This initiative reflects Alkagesta's long-term ESG vision in the areas of responsible environmental stewardship, technological advancement, and the cultivation of entrepreneurial potential in the Caucasus and Central Asia region. "The entrepreneurial spirit and scientific ambition demonstrated by the region's young researchers are commendable. Seeing talent and determination of this caliber emerge from the Caucasus and Central Asia fills us with pride, and we are pleased to stand alongside initiatives such as 'Clean Caspian.' This is an investment in supporting young innovators — not only in ecological progress, but also in the development of a new generation of scientists and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of the region," emphasized Alkagesta's Chief Executive Officer Orhan Rustamov.

The BEU team's project is focused on preventing oil pollution, one of the most serious environmental risks associated with hydrocarbon extraction and transportation in the Caspian region. Oil spills and emulsified hydrocarbon layers forming on water surfaces can severely disrupt oxygen exchange, harm marine biodiversity, and negatively impact coastal communities. The "Clean Caspian" project team is working on scientifically grounded solutions with broad application potential and low financial requirements to address these challenges. The project is focused on developing environmentally safe and economically efficient coagulants and oil localization materials to enhance the speed and effectiveness of oil spill response measures. Current research directions include biodegradable sorbents, nanomaterial-based oil collection agents, as well as advanced containment systems such as boom barriers and skimmer technologies.

One of the most promising outcomes of the project is the development of a novel chemical solution capable of purifying heavily contaminated water across a variety of environmental conditions. Preliminary laboratory results indicate that just four grams of the substance is sufficient to treat one ton of contaminated water at extremely low production costs — demonstrating the project's high potential for large-scale application and industrial deployment.

Scientific research has been ongoing for more than two months, with initial results proving practically successful. Current focus is directed toward optimizing reagent synthesis and evaluating operational performance across various technical and environmental conditions.