BIG-ALGAE

Macroalgae biomass has strong potential to become a key source of sustainable ingredients for a wide range of bio based industries. Today, however, most macroalgae production in Europe still depends on harvesting wild stocks. This approach cannot meet growing market demand and often struggles to deliver the consistent quality required for applications such as food and feed.

For the European algae sector to truly flourish, new cultivation solutions are essential. Cost efficient, scalable systems backed by solid science — combined with advanced monitoring technologies and process digitalisation — will be crucial. 

These innovations will support the development of a sustainable macroalgae cultivation and processing industry, one that protects marine ecosystems while reliably delivering high quality biomass.

BIG‑ALGAE aims to increase the efficiency and sustainability of macroalgae cultivation technologies and practices, preparing them for large‑scale replication across Europe. The project also focuses on developing and upscaling biomass valorisation processes and creating new added‑value products that support viable business cases.

BIG‑ALGAE will deliver four cultivation solutions tailored to five native macroalgae species. These solutions include offshore cultivation, land‑based recirculating aquaculture systems, integrated cultivation with fish farming, and urban concepts suitable for non‑coastal regions.

In parallel, the project will develop eight new algae‑based products using improved biorefinery processes for five key sectors: food, feed, cosmetics, textiles, and advanced materials. Additionally, BIG‑ALGAE will provide two digital products featuring advanced sensing, real‑time monitoring, and decision‑support tools to enhance efficiency and digitalisation within the macroalgae aquaculture sector.
 

Led by industry and supported by leading institutes and universities from Europe and Asia, BIG‑ALGAE unites primary producers, technology developers, research organisations, and end‑users of algal ingredients. Together, they are working to build sustainable macroalgae‑based value chains that can drive Europe’s bio‑based economy forward.