More information
Description
Microalgae are emerging as a biological resource of great importance and are now considered as one of the most promising sources of new products in different areas, including food and animal feed. Microalgae production in Portugal is an under-developed sector with an enormous potential to reach fast growing markets, such as the aquaculture supplement and feed, biofertilizers, cosmetics, and new food markets. The main factors impeding an extensive integration of microalgae biomass in those different markets is its high production cost and lack of legislation.
DoMAR main goal is the implementation and technological development of efficient and sustainable technology that can supply the market with low-cost microalgae biomass. The project includes the installation of an innovative microalgae production unit in Portugal, production and marketing of high-quality low-cost microalgae biomass, as well research and development of the production model and new product applications.
This project will be implemented in a partnership among two start-up companies, Pagarete Microalgae Solutions Sociedade Unipessoal Lda (Promoter - Portugal) and GreenTech Innovators AS (Norway), in close collaboration with the research group "Eco-Novel Food and Feed" from Instituto Superior de Agronomia of the University of Lisbon. Together, we share the will to contribute to the development of the blue economy sector, based on a set of values focused on people, the environment and a sustainable economy.
Main project deliverables are:
- Fully operational new microalgae production plant in an economically depressed area.
- Two newly trained microalgae plant operators.
- Microalgae biomass ready to market.
- Market and regulations and requirements reports.
- Technical report on the microalgae production.
- Scientific report on novel microalgae biomass utilization in food.