Unlocking the Potential of Algae in Regional Bioeconomy – COSEC Project in Action. On March 25th, 2026, the COSEC project actively contributed to the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (PDE) event titled “Algas en Castilla y León: Innovación, Bioeconomía, Mercados y Nuevas Oportunidades Industriales”, held at the PRAE Building in Valladolid. The event gathered a highly diverse multi-actor ecosystem of more than 40 stakeholders, representing the full algae value chain and innovation landscape. Participants profile included: - Universities & Research Organisations (e.g., University of Valladolid, ITACyL, University of León) - Technology Centres (e.g., CARTIF, CIDAUT) - Companies and SMEs across multiple sectors: - Biofertilizers and agriculture inputs - Food and feed industries - Cosmetics and nutraceuticals - Water and environmental services - Industry Associations & Clusters (e.g., ASFACYL, AEFA, APROMAR) - Public bodies and innovation agencies (e.g., SOMACyL, ICECyL, regional initiatives). This strong representation highlights the cross-sectoral nature of the algae bioeconomy, linking primary production with downstream applications and market deployment. As part of the programme, Francisco Gabriel Acién Fernández (University of Almería & Vice-President of EABA) delivered a keynote presentation on “The potential of algae in the blue bioeconomy and their strategic role for inland regions”, highlighting how algae production is not limited to coastal areas and can become a transformative opportunity for inland territories. Key messages included: - The versatility of algae production systems (phototrophic, heterotrophic, marine and freshwater) - Their wide range of applications (food, feed, biofertilizers, cosmetics, biofuels) - Their role in circular economy approaches, including wastewater valorisation and CO₂ capture. The event combined technical discussion and interactive matchmaking sessions, enabling participants to: - Identify technological challenges and market barriers - Exchange knowledge, capabilities and needs - Explore new industrial opportunities and collaborative business models. The high level of engagement and diversity of actors confirms the growing strategic relevance of algae as a driver for regional innovation, sustainability and industrial competitiveness. Through initiatives like this, the COSEC project continues to strengthen collaboration, accelerate knowledge transfer, and support the development of a robust and investment-ready algae-based bioeconomy ecosystem in Europe.
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