What if the future of food could grow in water and help heal the planet? That’s the vision behind INNOAQUA, a pioneering EU-funded project bringing together scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Their aim is clear: rethinking aquaculture with one powerful natural ingredient — microalgae. On 30 June – 1 July 2025, the 4th Bi-Annual Meeting of the project brought together 16 partners from 7 countries in sunny Nice, France. The event marked a vibrant exchange of knowledge, results and bold ideas on how microalgae can be integrated into sustainable aquaculture systems and innovative, healthy food products.
Why Microalgae?
Microalgae are small but mighty. They grow fast, absorb CO₂, and can be used as food, feed, biofertiliser, and even packaging. Rich in nutrients, they are already powering next-generation ingredients in everything from meat alternatives to omega-rich oils. But that’s just the beginning.
INNOAQUA is exploring how microalgae can make aquaculture greener, smarter, and more circular—and more accepted by society. Let’s explored the highlights of the project meeting hosted by Eco Imagination.
Innovations in Action – Updates from Demo Sites
NORCE shared key developments:
Synergies That Matter
The event welcomed sister projects Locality, Aquaphoenix, and Giant LEAPS to share results and explore joint opportunities. As David Bassett, General Secretary of EATiP and Advisory Board member, highlighted: “Collaboration is the key to impact.”
Understanding People’s Perceptions
Led by NORCE, the social innovation work is diving into how Europeans view algae-based products. Early findings are scarce and show data gaps—but also new opportunities. An upcoming survey of 1,500 households and in-depth interviews will uncover what really matters to food buyers.
Building Skills & Strategies
Activities were held to boost capabilities across:
Protecting Innovation: Exploitation and IPR Management
One of the presentation was dedicated to how the project’s innovations will be protected and used. Yuliya Kharchenko, PEDAL Consulting’s Project Manager, presented updates on exploitation and intellectual property rights (IPR) management.
Early in the project, PEDAL Consulting developed practical guidelines for filling in the IPR Matrix, helping partners map out the protection of knowledge and innovations.
As of now, INNOAQUA is expected to generate:
These outcomes highlight the project’s commitment to not only creating impact but also safeguarding it for future use — ensuring long-term value and strategic advantage for partners and stakeholders.
Real Impact Through Clustering
PEDAL Consulting, in close cooperation with NORCE, presented also work done and the way forward to cooperation and clustering activities. The INNOAQUA has exemplified European collaboration by uniting diverse experts and organizations to revolutionize aquaculture practices. Moreover, the initiative has integrated cutting-edge digital technologies and circular economy principles to enhance aquaculture’s environmental and economic performance.
The project plays a central role in two major EU clusters:
Joint events are on the horizon:
INNOAQUA initiative is also engaging with the Foodleap platform. It is a digital space for networking, sharing knowledge, and increasing visibility in the food innovation ecosystem.
What’s Next?
The meeting concluded with the Project Steering Committee, setting the course for the next phase of work. A huge thank you to the Eco Imagination team for the impeccable organisation and warm hospitality!
INNOAQUA is not just a research project — it’s a movement. A move toward a more sustainable, circular, and socially accepted aquaculture. One where microalgae aren’t just the future — they’re already making waves.
Learn more at the project website
