The European Union Invests EUR 5.7 Million to Advance Sustainable Algae Farming and Blue Innovation Hubs _The European Union has launched four new projects this month aimed at scaling up sustainable algae farming, developing innovative algae-based products, and establishing blue innovation hubs across the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. With a total investment of EUR 5.7 million, these initiatives will accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and resilient blue economy across Europe’s seas and coastal regions.
Funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), the projects were selected following the 2024 call for proposals on Smart Specialization and Regenerative Ocean Farming. The call focused on two main objectives:
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Fostering Smart Specialization Partnerships across EU sea basins.
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Demonstrating the feasibility and environmental benefits of regenerative ocean farming.
These projects reflect the EU’s broader commitment to advancing innovation, circularity, and climate neutrality within the blue economy. A joint kick-off meeting between project partners, the European Commission, and CINEA was held on 10 October 2025 to officially start implementation.
MED-Hubs – Mediterranean Blue Economy Hubs
The MED-Hubs project aims to unlock the Western Mediterranean’s vast potential for sustainable blue growth by bridging the gap between innovation and market application. It will establish two interconnected innovation hubs — one in Spain, focusing on marine renewable energy, and another in Italy, dedicated to sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
These hubs will unite SMEs, startups, investors, researchers, policymakers, and coastal communities to foster cross-sector collaboration. Through open calls, pilot projects, and a tailored “From Idea to Market” programme, the project will help promising technologies reach commercial readiness.
A central component of MED-Hubs is the “Trusted Pilots” approach, which ensures rigorous testing and validation of new technologies to build investor confidence. Additionally, an Expansion Programme will support replication of successful models across other regions.
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Duration: 24 months
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EU Contribution: EUR 1,495,004
ATL.A.HUB – Atlantic Hubs to Boost Marine Algae Land-Based Aquaculture and Biotechnology
ATL.A.HUB tackles key bottlenecks in Europe’s algae production value chain by establishing strategic hubs offering shared infrastructure, services, and regulatory expertise. The project will leverage two of Europe’s largest algae cultivation and processing facilities — located in Pozo Izquierdo (Gran Canaria, Spain) and Vila Franca de Xira (Lisbon, Portugal) — as launch sites for developing new algae-based products.
The initiative aims to support companies in testing, scaling, and commercializing innovations through dedicated business strategies. It will also identify replication opportunities in other Atlantic regions with favorable environmental and regulatory conditions.
By connecting research institutions, industry stakeholders, and local authorities, ATL.A.HUB will enhance cooperation and competitiveness within Europe’s algae sector.
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Duration: 36 months
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EU Contribution: EUR 1,578,076.28
OCEAN GARDENS – a scalable and modular approach to open-ocean seaweed aquafarming for sustainable products, enabling carbon dioxide removal and marine ecosystem co-benefits.
OCEAN GARDENS pioneers offshore seaweed farming in European waters using innovative floating structures to cultivate native species at scale. The first demonstration site, located in Gran Canaria (Spain), will deploy a modular 40,000 m² seaweed farm capable of producing 300 dry tons of biomass annually.
The project will assess its environmental performance, measuring impacts on carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and ecosystem health, and share results to encourage broader adoption of regenerative aquaculture practices.
By linking science, policy, and community engagement, OCEAN GARDENS aims to showcase how seaweed aquafarming can contribute to climate action and generate new livelihood opportunities for coastal and immigrant communities.
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Duration: 36 months
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EU Contribution: EUR 994,771.76
SEAGROW – Seaweed in Ecosystem Enhancing Aquaculture for Growth and Sustainability
The SEAGROW project demonstrates the potential of regenerative ocean farming as both a business model and an environmental solution. Testing large-scale seaweed systems in Galway Bay (Ireland), the project will evaluate how seaweed cultivation absorbs nutrients and carbon while enhancing marine biodiversity.
SEAGROW will also develop environmental assessment tools, standards, and eco-labelling systems to guide the expansion of regenerative ocean farming across Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
Through workshops, community engagement, and school outreach, the project will raise awareness about the ecological and economic benefits of sustainable ocean farming.
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Duration: 36 months
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EU Contribution: EUR 1,578,076.28
Together, these four projects reaffirm the European Union’s unwavering commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven blue economy. By combining scientific excellence, technological advancement, and regional cooperation, they are setting new standards for how Europe harnesses the ocean’s potential responsibly.
From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, these initiatives not only strengthen the resilience of coastal communities but also contribute to global climate action — paving the way for a smarter, greener, and truly regenerative blue future for generations to come.
The European Union Invests EUR 5.7 Million to Advance Sustainable Algae Farming and Blue Innovation Hubs
