The project officially launched on October 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a 48-month initiative scheduled to conclude on September 30, 2029. The kick-off meeting, held from 8 to 10 October at Wageningen University, the coordinating institution, provided a crucial opportunity for partners to meet in person. This gathering allowed for detailed planning of the project’s launch and upcoming activities, laying a strong foundation for the work ahead.
Highlights from our journey: An XTREME start
Day 1 – Microbes first, always
We started at Micropia, the world’s only museum entirely dedicated to microbes — because what better way to launch a project than being surrounded by bacteria? From there, we headed to Wageningen, driven by curiosity (and a healthy amount of coffee).
Day 2 – XTREME mode activated
The day began with an energising bike ride to the Wageningen University & Research campus. We shared our visions, presented work packages, tackled financial topics, and explored the AlgaePARC Pilot facilities.
The evening concluded at Cuisine Josephine, an experience so intense that only the bravest survived to tell the tale. Those who know… know.
Day 3 – Strategic thinking (and recovery)
We wrapped up with discussions on future plans, risks, open science, and collective reflections — also known as the recovery phase from Cuisine Josephine.
XTREMOLIFE Project Partners: A Consortium of Leading European Institutions and Innovators
The XTREMOLIFE consortium brings together 11 partners from five European countries, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and France, representing a balanced mix of academic, research, and industrial expertise:
- Wageningen University (WU) – University, Netherlands
- Algreen B.V. – Private company, Netherlands
- Norsk Institutt for Vannforskning (NIVA) – Research institute, Norway
- Nord Universitet (NORD) – University, Norway
- GreenCoLab – Collaborative research laboratory, Portugal
- Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) – University, Spain
- Fundación Canaria Parque Científico Tecnológico de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria (FCPCT-ULPGC) – Research foundation affiliated with university, Spain
- CIIMAR – Research institute, Portugal
- Erdyn Consultants – Consulting company, France
- Micropia – Science museum and research foundation, Netherlands
- Fykia Biotech – Biotechnology company, Portugal
- Universidad de Huelva (UHU) – University, Spain
With 11 partners across Europe, this kick-off laid strong foundations for XTREMOLIFE. This was only the beginning; the next chapters promise even more science, innovation, and likely a bit more chaos.
A huge thank you to all participants for their energy, ideas, and truly XTREME spirit — and special thanks to Wageningen University & Research for hosting us.