ALGAplus

ALGAplus is based at the Creative Science Park Aveiro Region, in Ílhavo. Founded in 2012, it describes itself as a pioneer in Atlantic macroalgae farming in Europe, growing seven seaweed species on land rather than at sea. Its system includes a hatchery for Porphyra dioica and Porphyra umbilicalis and a biobank of seaweed strains. Production runs as a closed cycle handled in-house: hatchery, cultivation, processing (washing, salting, drying, milling) and packaging. The farm uses only seawater, cutting reliance on drinking water, and avoids arable land and synthetic fertilisers. The operation is certified organic, among the first in Europe to achieve this for seaweed, and it runs an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system that combines seaweed with organic fish production. Beyond its own harvest, ALGAplus provides consultancy on cultivating new seaweed species and technical and scientific support to clients looking to develop or refine macroalgae farming techniques. It can produce a specific species or a biomass with a particular composition to order. The company takes part in European research partnerships, including the Horizon Europe-funded DIVERSIFY4Future project, one of 33 partners working to diversify aquaculture through low-trophic species. It was also featured in a documentary by the Franco-German channel ARTE about Aveiro's traditions and its community's ties to the sea. In 2026, ALGAplus received the Empresa Verde® distinction, recognising organisations with defined environmental commitments and sustainability criteria integrated into their operations.