ALGAplus was present at the 14th Seagriculture Conference EU 2025, an event held from June 17 to 19 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The event brought together the leading players in the seaweed sector.
Inês Oliveira presented the poster ‘New Horizons: advancing Land-based cultivation of Codium tomentosum’, which shows ALGAplus’s ongoing work and commitment to the sustainability of Codium tomentosum farming.
Sumol Compal, as part of the ‘Sea to Fork’ project, has just launched a functional smoothie with Spirulina for those looking for a boost of energy and nutrients.
Developed in the subproject (SP4a), this smoothie features Spirulina supplied by Necton, the leader of the Algae Vertical. This product not only highlights Sumol Compal’s commitment to innovative ingredients but also emphasises its dedication to promoting healthy alternatives with added nutritional benefits, in line with the objectives of Algae Vertical.
The Vertical Algae project was represented at this year’s Young Algaeeneers Symposium (YAS 25), which took place in Almeria, Spain, from June 3 to 6. Young researcher Inês Trincheiras, who is part of GreenCoLab’s Strain Improvement working group, presented the poster ‘Optimised UV Mutagenesis for Strain Improvement in Tisochrysis lutea and Pavlova gyrans’, as part of SP1c.
Alexandre Lima represented GreenCoLab and Algae Vertical at the 21st edition of the International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries RRB 2025, which took place in Turku, Finland, from 2 to 4 June, bringing together researchers, companies, and policymakers around the sustainable future of the bioeconomy.
During the event, Alexandre Lima presented the poster entitled ‘Life Cycle Assessment of Carotenoid Extraction from Microalgae Biomass: A Biorefinery Approach’, which reflects the progress of the work carried out under Subproject 1 (SP1). This study reinforces the potential of microalgae as a renewable resource, promoting the sustainable extraction of carotenoids from a biorefinery perspective and based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.