Sustainable macroalgae systems for innovative, added-value applications: cultivation and optimised production systems

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop sustainable systems for cultivating macroalgae, with a focus on creating new, high-value bio-based products. Projects should demonstrate how macroalgae can be grown and processed at an industrial scale while protecting marine environments and biodiversity. Key focus areas include environmental sustainability, efficient use of resources and energy, integration with renewable energy, and innovative marine biorefining. Applicants are encouraged to address challenges such as preserving water quality and preventing negative impacts on marine ecosystems. The opportunity is open to eligible countries as outlined in relevant Horizon Europe documents.

• Proposals must follow specified page limits and layout requirements in the application form.
• Projects must focus on sustainable cultivation (not wild harvesting) and scalable production of macroalgae, including both open and closed systems.
• Projects should optimize production and demonstrate sustainable processing into bio-based products.
• Alignment with relevant EU strategies and initiatives is required, including environmental and resource efficiency goals.
• Proposals must show complementarity with existing R&I projects and build synergies with EU platforms such as EU4Algae.
• Projects must assess public perception, involve local or regional authorities, and address coastal governance.

Examples:

• Developing a closed-loop macroalgae farm that produces sustainable packaging materials.
• Launching a multitrophic aquaculture system that uses renewable energy for macroalgae cultivation and produces food additives.
• Creating a regional partnership to demonstrate industrial-scale macroalgae biorefining, while involving local authorities and community outreach.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 172,137,258€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per grant: 7,000,000€

• Applicants must be from countries listed as eligible in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
• Applicants from certain non-EU or non-Associated Countries may be eligible if their country has made specific provisions for funding.
• Projects must focus on cultivating (not harvesting) macroalgae in sustainable systems.
• Proposals must align with relevant EU strategies and initiatives.
• Applicants should demonstrate complementarity with other research and innovation projects and engage with platforms like EU4Algae.
• Proposals must address public perception and involve local or regional authorities in coastal governance.
• Applicants must comply with all format and submission requirements outlined in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and annexes.