Consortium

Uniting experts from research and industry

Project consortium

The Netherland

Wageningen University

Wageningen University (WU) is the European scientific leader in microalgal biotechnology, covering metabolism, gene regulation, physiology, bioprocess design, scale-up and techno-economic aspects. Specifically, our Bioprocess Engineering Group has over 30 years experience with microalgal biotechnology, including the opening of the AlgaePARC pilot facility in 2011. We cover a value chain approach, from strain selection, engineering, metabolic studies and modelling, reactor design and operation, downstream processing, techno-economic analyses and sustainability assessment. At our AlgaePARC we scale up both production and biorefinery technologies.

Role in the project: WU will coordinate the project, bringing extensive experience in the management of EU-funded research initiatives. They will also be responsible for the research on bioprospecting, metabolic studies, and scaling up extremophilic microalgae.

Algreen BV

Algreen BV (Algreen) is an innovative SME with proven experience in regulatory aspects of the microalgae sector and large experience in microalgae cultivation at laboratory and pilot scale, including extremophilic strains. Their strongest point lies in the experience developed in guiding and building cost-competitive Spirulina plants and final product formulation. At the laboratory scale, they have experience in strain screening, process optimisation, product analysis, and even bioprospecting.

Role in the project : Algreen’s main activities in XTREMOLIFE will focus on the optimisation and scale-up of selected relevant strains using various photobioreactor and fermenter designs to assess their technological applications.

Micropia

Micropia is the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to microbes and microbiology. Through interactive exhibits and public engagement, Micropia connects science with society by showcasing the crucial role microorganisms play in health, sustainability, and life on Earth.

Role in the project: Micropia contributes its expertise in science communication and educational outreach to translate research outcomes into accessible content for diverse audiences, supporting dissemination, public awareness, and stakeholder engagement.

Spain

The Spanish Bank of Algae

The Spanish Bank of Algae (ULPGCBEA) is an infrastructure of the Universidad of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria managed by the Canarian Science and Technology Park Foundation (FCPCT). Its basic objectives are the isolation, characterization, conservation, supply, and development of cultivation techniques and applications of microalgae and cyanobacteria from a scientifictechnological point of view. The BEA is a member of the European Culture Collections’ Organisation (ECCO), of the World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) and is included in the World Data Centre for Microorganisms (WFCC-MIRCEN), being accredited before the Government of Spain as the international authority for the deposit of microorganisms.

Role in the project : Within the project, ULPGC-BEA will conduct ecological assessments and targeted sampling campaigns in volcanic marine and desert environments in the Canary Islands and southern Spain to isolate novel extremophile microalgae and cyanobacteria. ULPGC-BEA will also analyse culture collection databases, perform genetic and phenotypic characterisation of selected strains, and evaluate their growth potential from laboratory scale up to 15 L flat-panel photobioreactors under controlled indoor conditions.

University of Huelva

University of Huelva (UHU), specifically the unit Biotechnology of Microalgae placed at CIDERTA, has more than 20 years of experience in microalgal research. This unit combines the basic biochemical knowledge of microalgal physiology with extensive experience in microalgal cultivation at the laboratory and pilot scale (up to thousands of liters). Isolation and identification of extremophile microalgal strains, efficient production of microalgae, and overproduction of high-value compounds are among its areas of expertise. Different cultivation systems, indoors and outdoors, allow the assessment of cultivation conditions leading to feasible microalgae production.

Role in the project: In XTREMOLIFE, UHU will be responsible for the bioprospection and characterizing novel oil-rich thermotolerant species.

Portugal

GreenColab

GreenColab (GCL) is a non-profit private organization and a collaborative platform between research and industry exploring macro- and microalgae as essential components for different markets. GCL comprises three research institutions (Centre of Marine Sciences, National Laboratory of Energy and Geology, University of Aveiro) and three algae companies (Allmicroalgae, Necton, Algaplus). GCL holds extensive knowledge of the activities proposed in XTREMOLIFE.

Role in the project : Within the project, GreenCoLab will carry out growth performance analyses and strain selection, screen strains for bioactivity, and isolate and structurally characterise novel bioactive metabolites. GreenCoLab will also optimise culture conditions and perform scale-up activities, testing thermophilic strains during summer in tubular or flat-panel photobioreactors.

The Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research

The Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) is a leading Portuguese Centre of Excellence within the University of Porto research ecosystem. We are dedicated to pioneering research, technological innovation, and the development of sustainable solutions for ocean and coastal ecosystems.

Role in the project: Within the project, CIIMAR leads Work Package 4 – Biodiscovery of Novel Metabolites, focused on transforming the unique biodiversity of extremophile microorganisms into novel bioactive molecules with potential applications in human health (chemotherapeutics, cosmeceuticals), aquaculture, and agriculture.

Fykia Biotech

Fykia Biotech is a young, research focused microalgae biotechnology startup and CIIMAR spin off based in Porto, Portugal. The company develops innovative solutions from exclusive microalgae strains and proprietary technologies for agriculture, health and skincare.

Role in the project: Fykia acts as an industrial partner that connects discovery to application. Together with the consortium, it evaluates the bioactivity of extremophile derived compounds and helps shape future products for sustainable blue bio-economy markets.

Consortium

Project consortium

The Netherlands

Spain

Norway

Portugal

France

The Netherland

Spain

Norway

Portugal

France