Algae Vertical: Where the origin unlocks the Power to sustainability

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The algae innovation that drives our motivation

Algae Vertical Subprojects

SP1a - Innovation in cultivation and production sustainability – Microalgae

Subproject 1a concentrates on enhancing microalgae production sustainability via innovative cultivation techniques. It aims to boost productivity and reduce costs by sourcing resources (water, nutrients, CO2, energy) from other industries, promoting circularity. These advancements will be tested in three Demonstration Units, evaluated environmentally and socially through life cycle analysis, and ensure product safety and quality for subprojects partners.

SP1b - Innovation in cultivation and production sustainability – Macroalgae

Subproject 1b demonstrates the integration of seaweed with fish farming in land-based and at-sea IMTA systems. Biomass from AlGAplus and SEACULTURE farms will undergo chemical analysis and support other subprojects. The bioremediation efficiency of these systems will be assessed through water and biomass analysis, aligning with partners’ goals for optimized results.

SP1c - Innovation in cultivation and production sustainability – Microbiome

Subproject 1c focuses on innovative algae cultivation, including bioprospecting for faster-growing strains. Genetic improvements and high-throughput screenings will be used to select resilient strains. The microbiome associated with algae cultures will be studied to improve growth strategies, increasing biomass value and validating improvements at pilot and industrial scales.

SP2 - New Biorefinery Models

Subproject 2 maximizes algae biomass commercial value with innovative biorefinery processes. Two demonstrator units validate lab and pilot-scale processes, emphasizing sustainable harvesting, drying, transformation, fractionation, and valorization. Ingredients undergo chemical and functional characterization, creating new products for various applications thus establishing new value chains.

SP3 - High Value: Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals

Subproject 3 advances sustainable development in the algae industry, focusing on high-value algae-derived products for nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. It identifies and develops new compounds, integrating this technology into existing industries and validating marine products’ properties and applications for high-value markets.

SP4a Food: Sea2Fork – Ready to eat meals with algae

Subproject SP4a transforms research into real-world prototypes, creating convenient ready-to-eat foods blending vegetables and algae. These options offer unique sensory experiences and promote sustainability by reducing strain on terrestrial resources.

SP4b - Algae for meat, fish and egg analogues

Subproject 4b focuses on innovative algae-based foods that enhance nutritional value and well-being. It introduces three food prototypes validated at a pilot scale, promoting the shift from animal-based to plant-based diets, expanding plant-based food options for consumers.

SP5 – Feed

Subproject 5 develops fish feeds enriched with bioactive extracts or processed algae biomass to enhance fish performance and resilience to stress and infections. Led by SPAROS, this collaboration includes specialized industry partners and research institutes, with support for dissemination and project management.

SP6 – Agriculture

Subproject 6 enhances sustainability in agriculture by developing biofertilizers, biostimulants, and bioprotectants from algae biomass. These products reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, aligning with Green Deal targets. The project involves 11 co-promoting entities, creating superior algae-based products and securing valuable patents.

SP7 - Regulation, Market, and Extended Dissemination

Subproject 7 addresses algae industry challenges, focusing on regulatory and market access issues. It aims to streamline approvals, raise market awareness, and improve the regulatory landscape to unlock algae-based innovations’ potential across industries.

SP1a - Innovation in cultivation and production sustainability – Microalgae

SP1b - Innovation in cultivation and production sustainability – Macroalgae

SP1c - Innovation in cultivation and production sustainability – Microbiome

SP2 - New Biorefinery Models

SP3 - High Value: Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals

SP4a Food: Sea2Fork – Ready to eat meals with algae

SP4b Food - Algae for meat, fish and egg analogs

SP5 – Feed

SP6 – Agriculture

SP7 - Regulation, Market, and Extended Dissemination

Each groundbreaking project needs exciting partners

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The Science & Achievements behind algae

Published articles and news

Exploring different pre-treatment processes for allowing microalgae growth in undiluted piggery wastewater. Ferreira, A.; Figueiredo, D.; Cardeiras, R.; Nabais, R.; Ferreira, F-; Ribeiro, B.; Cláudia Cordovil, M.D.S.; Acién, G.; Gouveia, L. (2022)

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030580