Close-Out Meeting for the Vertical Algas Project

On June 19, the closing meeting of the Vertical Algas project will take place at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia in Lisbon. The event will bring together promoters and co-promoters of the largest national project dedicated to algae and algae biotechnology, marking the culmination of three years of collaborative work, innovation, and scientific and technological development within the blue bioeconomy.

Throughout the project, Vertical Algas has fostered collaboration among research, industry, and society, driving innovative solutions across sectors such as food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, aquaculture, sustainable agriculture, and biorefineries, thereby reinforcing algae’s potential as a strategic resource for a more sustainable future.

The closing session will also serve as an opportunity to share the main results achieved, the products and processes developed, and the impact generated across the business, scientific, and societal sectors, thereby consolidating Portugal’s role in innovation and enhancing the algae value chain.

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CCMAR’s Aquaculture Research Group showcases results from the Vertical Algas project at ISFNF 2026

The Aquaculture Research Group at CCMAR (Algarve Centre for Marine Sciences) attended the International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and Feeding (ISFNF), held in Darwin, Australia, one of the most prestigious international conferences dedicated to aquaculture nutrition and feeding.

Represented by researchers Sofia Engrola and Rita Teodósio, the group presented the latest results of the research carried out under the Vertical Algas project, contributing to the international dissemination of scientific knowledge generated in Portugal in the field of sustainable animal feed.

During the event, two scientific papers were presented, focusing on the use of algae-based ingredients to improve the performance and resilience of high-value aquaculture species. The studies addressed the impact of microdiets supplemented with algae on the resilience of sole post-larvae and the influence of functional diets enriched with microalgal extracts on the responses to oxidative stress in sea bream under acute stress conditions.

Participation in the ISFNF provided a strategic opportunity to share results, exchange knowledge with international experts, and keep abreast of the latest scientific and technological advances in aquaculture nutrition. These studies form part of the activities of Sub-project 5 of the Algae Vertical, dedicated to the development of innovative solutions for animal feed, which explore the potential of algae as functional ingredients capable of promoting the health and welfare of fish

GreenCoLab | Vertical Algas promotes ocean literacy at the Marine Forest Festival

The Vertical Algas project took part in yet another edition of the Marine Forests Festival, held at Colégio Nossa Senhora da Graça in Vila Nova de Milfontes, helping to promote ocean literacy and raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of seaweed and marine ecosystems.

Over two days of activities, the Outreach Team (WP7) from GreenCoLab interacted with around 700 participants, including pupils from primary to secondary school, teachers and other members of the school community. Through dynamic presentations, practical demonstrations and interactive activities, participants had the opportunity to discover the fundamental role of seagrass beds in ocean health, climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.

GreenCoLab’s participation also helped raise awareness of algae’s potential as a sustainable resource for sectors such as food, biotechnology, agriculture, and the blue economy, highlighting the research and innovation currently underway in Portugal.

The Marine Forests Festival once again brought together scientists, students, residents and visitors in a celebration of the ocean and its ecosystems. Through science outreach initiatives, hands-on experiences and opportunities for knowledge sharing, the event continues to establish itself as an important platform for environmental education and community engagement in marine conservation.

The event was organised by the CCMAR – Algarve Marine Science Centre, as part of the Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation’s Marine Forests project, in partnership with the Municipality of Odemira, Colégio Nossa Senhora da Graça, the Vila Nova de Milfontes Parish Council and the University of the Algarve. The initiative also benefited from the collaboration of various local and national organisations, notably the Oceano Azul Foundation and the associations Cultivamos Cultura and Viridia, whose involvement was crucial to the festival’s success.

The strong support from the educational community at Colégio Nossa Senhora da Graça demonstrated young people’s growing interest in ocean-related topics and reinforced the importance of bringing science into schools, inspiring future generations to contribute to a more sustainable future and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Microalgae and food innovation | New pasta developed as part of the Vertical Algas project

As part of the Vertical Algas project, Allmicroalgae and Iberopasta collaborated to develop microalgae-enriched pasta, incorporating Chlorella into their various formulations: Chlorella honey, Chlorella smooth, and Chlorella white, alongside the product’s traditional formulation. The work, carried out at the GreenCoLab facilities, enabled the recipe to be optimised for industrial conditions, improving the pasta’s nutritional profile without compromising its technological and sensory characteristics.

The results were further validated through sensory evaluations with the Iberopasta development team. These results highlight the potential of algae as a sustainable ingredient for more nutritious food products. This reinforces the role of innovation in advancing the valorisation of algae in the food sector.

New algae-based technology boosts sustainability in agriculture

InnovPlantProtect (InPP) and Fertiprado have developed an innovative, algae-based biological seed coating technology with a biostimulant effect. This biostimulant solution improves crop performance, optimises resource use and enhances agricultural sustainability from the very early stages of development.

Developed over five years of collaboration between research and development teams, this sustainable solution helps stimulate nodulation in legumes, promote plant growth, increase plant resistance to stressful conditions, and improve the performance and nutritional value of pastures.

The development was carried out under the Blue Bioeconomy Pact Mobilising Agenda, funded by the PRR, and serves as an example of the transfer of scientific knowledge into innovative solutions that directly impact the agricultural sector.

Colab4Food Hosts Workshop on the Future of Food and the Transformative Role of Algae

On April 10, Colab4Food, the leader of Subproject 4B of the Vertical Algas project, hosted the “Food of the Future: The Role of Algae” workshop at the Vila do Conde School of Hospitality and Tourism.
The event brought together researchers, companies, and food sector experts to explore algae’s impact as an innovative, sustainable ingredient, sparking knowledge sharing, demonstrations, and tangible opportunities for the industry.
Throughout the program, several project co-promoters presented diverse perspectives on using algae to develop more sustainable, nutritious food products that address society’s current challenges. ALGAplus, Sumol Compal, Sonae, Allmicroalgae, GreenCoLab, LEAF – Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, and the Instituto Superior de Agronomia participated.
Presentations revealed algae’s transformative role for food, emphasising its sustainable resource potential and ability to create new foods and functional ingredients. Discussions focused on production sustainability, nutritional value, and the impact of biotechnology in addressing global food and resource challenges.
The workshop underscored the critical need for collaboration among science, industry, and the food sector to advance the integration of algae and drive sustainable, diverse solutions aligned with the blue economy.

The University of Aveiro presents its research in Analytical Chemistry and algae at ANALÍTICA2026

On March 30 and 31, researchers from CESAM’s Physical Chemistry Laboratory participated in the 12th Meeting of the Analytical Chemistry Division of the SPQ (ANALÍTICA2026), held at the University of Aveiro.

The event brought together researchers, students, and leading experts across various fields of Analytical Chemistry, fostering the exchange of scientific knowledge and discussion of new approaches and challenges in this ever-evolving field.

During the meeting, the University of Aveiro team presented their most recent work through oral presentations and flash posters, highlighting results on lipidomics applied to the valorisation of algae. These studies are part of activities carried out under the Vertical Algas project, focusing on the potential of algae as a sustainable resource for innovative applications.

Participation in ANALÍTICA2026 was an important opportunity to disseminate the laboratory’s scientific results, strengthen collaborations, and stay abreast of new trends and methodologies in modern analytical chemistry. The meeting also facilitated the introduction of new perspectives on future research and innovation projects in algae biotechnology and the blue bioeconomy.

Algae Vertical showcases collaborative research at AlgaEurope

The Vertical Algae project was once again represented at the largest annual algae event, AlgaEurope, held from 9 to 12 December in Riga, Latvia. This presence reaffirms the project’s commitment to promoting research, innovation and cooperation in the algae sector.
AlgaEurope is a privileged meeting point for scientists, industry representatives and policymakers, promoting a fundamental alliance for the advancement of knowledge, technological development and the strengthening of industrial capacities in the field of algae on a European and international scale.

The Vertical Algae project was presented in various formats, including scientific posters and oral presentations, reflecting the diversity of approaches and results developed across its sub-projects. This participation not only allowed the work carried out to be disseminated, but also stimulated dialogue, the sharing of experiences and the creation of new opportunities for collaboration.

Representing the different sub-projects, several partner entities were present, namely CCMAR, GreenCoLab, Necton and the University of Minho, among others. The diversity of institutions present highlighted the collaborative nature of the project and the strong link between science, industry and innovation.
Participation in AlgaEurope reinforced the visibility of the Vertical Algas project on the international stage and helped affirm the potential of algae as a strategic resource for sustainability, the bioeconomy, and the development of innovative solutions with environmental, social, and economic impact.

Vertical Algae Project participates in Microbiotec’25 congress

The co-promoters of the Vertical Algae Project attended Microbiotec’25, a leading congress in microbiology and biotechnology, held from 4 to 6 December 2025 in São Miguel, the Azores.

Participation in this scientific meeting was an opportunity to present the Vertical Algae Project and frame its work in the context of the current challenges of biotechnology and sustainability, highlighting the role of algae as a strategic resource with high innovative potential.

As part of a programme that brought together experts, researchers and representatives from different sectors, Microbiotec’25 provided a privileged environment for reflection and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the relevance of the Vertical Algae Project in the field of biology-based research and innovation.

Attending this congress helps to consolidate the project’s position as an initiative aligned with the enhancement of natural resources and the development of sustainable solutions for the future.

Blue Bioeconomy Pact: innovation and collaboration highlighted at final event

On 25 September, the Port of Leixões, in Matosinhos, hosted the final event of the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, a representative showcase of the results achieved under the Blue Bioeconomy Project (PBA) led by Inovamar.

The meeting brought together 83 entities and the 11 verticals that comprise the Pact, providing a privileged space for networking and knowledge sharing among companies, research centres, and decision-makers.

The morning began with a Welcome Coffee, which encouraged initial contacts between participants. This was followed by the Opening Conference, during which José Soares dos Santos, Chairman of the General and Supervisory Board of Inovamar, delivered a speech reinforcing the strategic vision for the future of the blue bioeconomy. The morning ended with the PBA Round Table, dedicated to discussing the challenges and opportunities of the blue economy in Portugal.

The programme continued with a buffet lunch, where guests were able to taste seaweed-based food products provided by sub-projects 4a and 4b: seaweed pastries from Colab4Food, spirulina burgers from GreenCoLab and a digestive health smoothie with spirulina from Sumol+Compal.

During the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to visit 11 stands representing the Pact’s verticals, where the innovative products, processes, and services developed within the scope of the ongoing projects were presented. This provided an opportunity to learn about solutions that demonstrate the transformative potential of the blue bioeconomy in Portugal, with a focus on WP5 (Algae Vertical), led by Necton, which presented ten sub-projects dedicated to innovation in the algae sector.