Atlantic Hubs to boost Marine Algae Land-based Aquaculture and Biotechnology

ongoing

ATL.A.HUB (Atlantic Hubs to boost Marine Algae Land-based Aquaculture and Biotechnology) aims at filling gaps and addressing significant bottlenecks in the European algae value-chain of algae production. The proposal builds on the concept that European Land-based Algae Aquaculture can be concretely accelerated by relying on specific Hubs that offer shared infrastructure, equipment and services and a facilitated and/or well-known regulatory framework. Within ATL.A.HUB two of the largest facilities in Europe for algae cultivation and processing will be used as “launch pads” for the development of algae-based products new to Europe. An integrated strategy will be developed to convey product innovation through specialized Hubs. Large efforts will be dedicated to the design of an exploitation plan following naturally different pathways depending on the legal structure and status of each hub. Both a private- and public-based platform will be included, each one with his idiosyncrasy, giving room to different exploitation models and combinations of stakeholders. Three (3) case-studies will be included as example of investment-ready products whose entry into the market will be accelerated thanks to this strategy. An upscaling and commercialization plan for these products will be included. This will help in the diversification of the algae-based products portfolio in Europe. Options for Hubs replication will be studied by selecting areas in the Atlantic Europe suitable for algae cultivation and processing based on the availability of infrastructures, suitable land, as well as on the local regulatory framework. The interregional partnership will help in the implementation of priorities identified by different EU strategies, among which the Smart Specialization strategies, strengthening blue economy in the Atlantic area.