Vertical Algas SP7 project takes children to discover the world of algae at the 47th Faro Book Fair

GreenCoLab was present at the opening of the 47th Faro Book Fair on 14 May with a morning dedicated to children at Jardim da Alameda. The initiative was promoted as part of the Vertical Algas SP7 project. It featured the presentation of the children’s book ‘O Verde do Azul: À Descoberta das Algas’ (The Green of Blue: Discovering the World of Algae), created in partnership with PROALGA to bring young people closer to the fascinating world of algae.

During the session, children participated in interactive activities, including reading excerpts from the book, observing microalgae under a microscope, and tactile exploration of various species of macroalgae. In a fun and educational way, they discovered how algae are present in everyday life, from food to everyday products.

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Vertical Algae Project earns Portuguese researcher international distinction

Researcher Madalena Mendes from GreenCoLab/ALGAplus presented her innovative study on Porphyra spp., commonly known as Nori, at the prestigious International Seaweed Symposium 2025, held in Victoria, Canada, by the International Seaweed Association (ISA).

The presentation, ‘Screening of Farmed Atlantic Nori Strains: Unlocking Their Full Potential for High-Value Applications,’ highlighted innovative results on growth rates, yield, lipid content, and fatty acid profiles of genetically diverse strains of Porphyra produced by ALGAplus.

This work was developed as part of the Algae Vertical project (SP1b), integrated into the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, and is dedicated to exploring the potential of Atlantic macroalgae for high-value applications. This presentation earned Madalena Mendes the prestigious Max Doty Award.

ICAB Exceeds Expectations and Confirms Global Relevance of the Algae Sector

The 1st International Congress on Algae and Biotechnology (ICAB) ended on a highly positive note, bringing together the global community around innovation and the transformative potential of algae. Over three intense days, the congress attracted more than 300 participants, over 100 organisations and representatives from 22 countries, confirming the growing interest in this rapidly expanding sector.
Organised by GreenCoLab and PROALGA, the event featured leading scientific presentations, specialised panel discussions, interactive question-and-answer sessions, and numerous networking opportunities, fostering dialogue between researchers, industry, entrepreneurs, and students.
The diversity of topics covered — from biotechnology to food and pharmaceutical applications, environmental sustainability and public policies to encourage innovation — reflected the multidisciplinary nature and dynamism of the sector.
These figures reflect more than just participation; they represent a growing commitment to the transformative potential of algae.
The enthusiasm evident among participants and the quality of the presentations reinforced the conviction that algae can play a central role in sustainable and technological solutions to the challenges facing the planet today.
With an extremely positive outcome and new international collaborations emerging, ICAB will return next year with even greater ambition, ready to continue driving the Blue Biotechnology sector forward.

Portuguese microalgae helps fight inflammation and diabetes

A microalgae cultivated in Portugal, Dunaliella salina, is proving promising in the field of health. Researchers at the University of Aveiro, in collaboration with CIIMAR, CBQF – Portuguese Catholic University, GreenCoLab and the company Necton, have discovered that this microalgae contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and blood sugar regulating properties.

The study, carried out as part of the Algae Vertical project, which is part of the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, opens the door to the development of new food supplements and functional foods. Dunaliella salina is already approved in Europe for use in supplements, which facilitates its application in the nutrition and health market.

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4th Edition of the Aquaculture Conference

From 20 to 21 March, the fourth edition of the Aquaculture Conference brought together experts in Olhão to discuss the future of aquaculture production in Portugal. The event, organised by APEZ – Portuguese Association of Zootechnical Engineering, in partnership with S2AQUAcoLAB, took place at the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) (Olhão), bringing together almost a hundred people. Copromotor S2AQUAcoLAB was present and actively participated with innovative presentations dedicated to the health and well-being of marine organisms, addressing topics such as sustainability and discussing ways to optimise and improve production.

Exploring Algae: Science, Art and Sustainability at School

Last week, primary school students at the EB1 Ria Formosa School in Faro took part in an educational activity about algae, exploring its importance and the use of its natural pigments in paintings. GreenCoLab with its scientists and outreach team provided a different kind of morning for the school’s 3rd graders.

The activity began with an explanation of algae, their characteristics and applications. The children observed different species and samples of macroalgae, both fresh and dried, and different microalgae, broadening their knowledge.

They then used natural pigments from the algae to create paints in different shades. With these pigments, they produced paintings inspired by the theme, demonstrating their creativity.

As well as learning science, the experience encouraged environmental awareness and artistic expression. The school intends to continue promoting activities that integrate science and art interactively and engagingly.
Algae Vertical’s SP7 continues its dissemination work, seeking to reach different audiences effectively.

1St International Congress on AlgaeBiotechnology, 9 a 11 April, Lisbon

The 1st International Congress on Algae Biotechnology is arriving soon, 9 to 11 April 2025, this event brings together a dynamic mix of researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to shape the future of algae innovation. Organized by PROALGA and GreenCoLab, this transformative event will explore groundbreaking advancements and practical applications of algae in sustainability, health, and industry. Over three action-packed days in LISPOLIS, Lisboa, attendees will delve into the latest research, discover disruptive technologies, and network with pioneers shaping the algae ecosystem.

Students in the cooking course at the EHTA in Faro explore the potential of algae in gastronomy

For two days, GreenColab presented the “Algae on the Menu” project, part of Algae Vertical’s SP7, to the students of the Faro School of Hospitality and Tourism. They embarked on a culinary adventure, exploring the vast potential of algae in gastronomy. Guided by our Food Nutrition Leader, Kricelle Deamici, along with the Outreach team, Fátima Pereira and Maria Eduarda Mendes, the students also received support from Chef Leonel Pereira and his team at the Check-In restaurant, enhancing their understanding of this innovative ingredient.

More than just learning new recipes, the future chefs left this experience with a renewed vision of sustainability and innovation in the kitchen. Through a lecture on the world of algae – from its origin and ecological benefits to its countless culinary applications – the students broadened their horizons towards a more conscious and creative gastronomy.

The highlight of the experience was a tasting session, where participants were able to sample creations such as Aquachilli with Tetraselmis, focaccia with Ulva, developed by Chef Leonel Pereira, and innovative seaweed burgers, designed by our Food Nutrition Working Group.

In this way, Algae Vertical continues to highlight the countless potential of algae, exploring yet another of its many aspects.

The Algae Vertical project was present for another year at AlgaEurope 2024 in Athens, Greece.

At the latest edition of AlgaEurope 2024, Algae Vertical was present with an active and engaging participation! At the event, the latest innovations focused on sustainability were presented, with valuable contributions to the algae and biotechnology sector.

Oral and poster presentations on the progress of the projects, bringing scientific and technological insights.
Demonstration of products developed to boost sustainable solutions.
Networking with companies and experts, strengthening collaborations for the future of the blue bioeconomy.

Several co-promoters of the various SPs were present, such as Necton, GreenCoLab, the University of Aveiro, and CCMAR, among others.
Participating in AlgaEurope 2024 was an excellent opportunity to share knowledge, promote innovation, and establish contacts with strategic partners driving the transition to a more sustainable future.

We remain committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the sector.

SP7 | Algae Cooking Workshop: “Algas no Menu”

GreenCoLab, in partnership with Chef Leonel Pereira from Restaurant CheckIn in Faro, continues to develop initiatives under the “Algae on the Menu” project to disseminate SP7 and the SP4b sub-project.

On World Algae Day and World Food Day, two more “Algae on the Menu” creative culinary workshops were held with participants from different backgrounds and interests.

In this interactive workshop, participants learned about the nutritional benefits of seaweed and its versatility in the kitchen. The activity began with a brief introduction to the different types of edible algae and their unique properties. Next, the participants were encouraged to get their hands dirty, preparing their culinary creations in groups, under the guidance of the chef.

At the end, there was a collective tasting to share and enjoy the dishes prepared, promoting an exchange of experiences and flavors.