BIG-ALGAE · Bringing Innovation and Growth to macroALGAE production systems

Macroalgae biomass holds great potential for becoming a reference source of sustainable ingredients for a broad range of bio-based industries. However, macroalgae production in Europe still relies mostly on harvesting from the wild, with limited potential for supplying a growing demand while meeting the required quality standards of the applications (e.g. food, feed). For European algal business to thrive, new macroalgae cultivation solutions need to arise. Science-backed cost-efficient and scalable cultivation solutions and technologies, supported by advanced monitoring and digitalisation of processes, are key for enabling the implementation of a sustainable macroalgae cultivation and processing industry, ensuring ecosystems preservation and consistently producing high-quality biomass. BIG-ALGAE aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of macroalgae cultivation technologies and practices, suiting them for replication in Europe, while developing and upscaling biomass valorisation processes and creating new added-value products, enabling businesses cases. BIG-ALGAE will deliver 4 cultivation solutions suited for 5 native macroalgae species, including offshore cultivation, land-based recirculating aquaculture systems, integration with fish aquaculture and urban solutions for non-coastal regions. BIG-ALGAE will develop 8 new algae-based products from improved biorefinery processes for 5 sectors: food, feed, cosmetics, textiles and materials. Advanced sensoring, real-time monitoring and digital decision support tools developed in BIG-ALGAE will be delivered as 2 additional products, for supporting efficiency and digitalization of the macroalgae aquaculture sector. Led by the industry and backed up by institutes and universities of excellence, from Europe and Asia, BIG-ALGAE brings together primary producers, technology developers, researchers and end-users of algal ingredients, jointly working for the development of sustainable macroalgae-based value chains.