The I3-4 SEAWEED

Short description of the project: I3-4-SEAWEED is a three-year project financed by the I3 Instrument part of the ERDF aimed at scaling, demonstrating, and ensuring market readiness of business ventures within the macroalgae/seaweed sector. I3-4 envisions a transformative, transnational value chain rooted in new sustainable seaweed cultivation techniques and algal biotechnological applications.

Expected results: The project will conduct 5 case studies in different countries. The case study in Ireland will focus on seaweed pigment extraction, while the ones in Belgium and in the Netherlands will revolve around seaweed-based applications in the food sector. The study in Spain will centre in the applications for the biofertilizers sector whereas the one in Portugal in the cosmetics sector. To deliver on these investment cases, I3-4-SEAWEED will provide capacity-building, demonstrations, technical support, business matchmaking and support to the development of go-to-market market strategies tailored to the needs of each business case promoter. 
In parallel, the consortium will design and launch a cascade funding programme to support 30 innovative SMEs and startups, confronting market and technical barriers, while ensuring the boosting of the ecosystem across Europe. 

Application/relevance: Through the project’s investment cases – spanning the food industry, biofertilizers, and cosmetics – seaweed demonstrates its vast versatility and potential to revolutionize multiple sectors, marking a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable future, from healthier diets to lower CO2 emissions.