Microalgae represent a highly promising alternative due to their ability to bioremediate wastewater, capture CO₂, and generate high-value biocompounds for food, health, and cosmetics.
However, significant work is still needed to improve their social and business acceptance. The challenge is twofold: on the one hand, to develop viable applications for microalgae, and on the other, to strengthen a collaborative ecosystem in the Basque Country that brings together technology centres, universities and companies.
ALGAKIN, an initiative led by NEIKER in which AZTI participates, was created to promote the use of microalgae in sustainable processes.
AZTI works and collaborates across several areas:
Technological processes: commissioning pilot-scale equipment for microalgae processing and downstream operations.
Applied research: development of hydrolysates and bioactivity studies (neuroprotective, antioxidant) in new EFSA-approved microalgae strains.
Dissemination and positioning: outreach events, engagement with companies, participation in conferences, and development of communication materials (website, brochures, videos) to increase the visibility of the algae sector in the Basque Country.
Optimisation of microalgae cultivation and processing to obtain biomass and extracts with high nutritional and functional value (proteins, pigments, bioactive compounds).
Validation of pilot-scale prototypes, including bioactivity studies (antioxidant and neuroprotective), and design of the foundations for a production plant.
Development of a business plan and strategic roadmap to boost the circular bioeconomy in the Basque Country, with applications in food, health and cosmetics.
Sectors: Ingredients industry
Research lines: Bioeconomy, Biotechnology, Circular economy, Food sustainability and eco-efficiency
Research sublines: Blue biotechnology, Food biotechnology, Food sustainability, New ingredients with specific and health properties, New sources of proteins and bioproducts