Our partner Teagasc recently hosted a high-level conference in Ireland dedicated to the scientific potential of seaweed and algae. The event, framed within the Horizon project Algae4IBD, served as a strategic meeting point for researchers, SMEs, and innovation hubs to discuss the future of sustainable food systems.

The conference explored the vast health benefits of marine resources through a comprehensive programme including keynote talks, panel discussions, and sensory analysis sessions. A key highlight was the presence of BIA Innovator Campus and EIT Food, whose participation emphasized the vital link between scientific discovery and industrial application.

Together, the initiatives Algae4IBD and Hub4Food are working to close the gap between laboratory research and the consumer’s plate, transforming marine insights into viable business opportunities.

During the sessions, Hub4Food partners played a leading role in showcasing how the consortium supports seaweed-based innovation:

• BIA Innovator Campus: Dr. Anita Furey presented an overview of the Hub4Food pilot actions. She shared early progress and detailed the specialized technologies and technical competences available across the Atlantic Area consortium to support SMEs in developing innovative algae-based products.
• EIT Food: Paula Hafner Salina highlighted the critical role of European collaboration in accelerating food entrepreneurship and the transition toward more sustainable and resilient food systems.

The event confirmed that the Atlantic Ocean remains a strategic axis for European innovation. By participating in such transnational forums, Hub4Food continues to promote the uptake of advanced marine biotechnologies among regional SMEs, ensuring that the latest scientific findings in algae research are translated into competitive advantages for the industry.