The Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) has just launched “Algarve Blue Economy: Innovation and European Funds in the Region”, which presents innovative business and scientific projects financed by the ALGARVE 2030 Regional Program.
According to CCDR Algarve, this is a set of investments that place the region as a compass for sustainable blue growth, supporting projects ranging from marine biotechnology to the circular economy and the advanced naval industry.
For José Apolinário, president of CCDR Algarve and the ALGARVE 2030 Management Authority, “in the blue economy, the knowledge generated in the Algarve, with the support of European Funds, is not only solving regional problems: it is positioning us at the forefront of tomorrow’s solutions for pharmacology and global food”.
The official adds that “we want to affirm the region as a leading territory in the blue economy, also reinforcing cross-border cooperation within the framework of the Algarve – Alentejo – Andalusia Euroregion”.
Among the projects presented, Inovacel stands out, which achieves a success rate of 85% to 90% in replacing fetal bovine serum (FBS), an expensive and ethically sensitive material used in the production of meat and fish in the laboratory. The project proposes a sustainable substitute based on microalgae, promising to revolutionize cellular agriculture.
The publication also includes the Softcrab Project, which transforms the blue crab, an invasive species from the Ria Formosa, into a soft-shelled gastronomic delicacy, converting an environmental problem into economic value.
Other examples of supported innovation include:
- Sea4USa marine biotechnology company that develops Innovative pharmaceuticals inspired by oceanic organisms;
- Nautiber and Sopromarwhich boost the advanced naval industrywith technological solutions and innovation in vessel construction and maintenance;
- o IPMAwhose research in the Algarve is essential for the ecological monitoring and development of aquaculture species;
- o S2AQUAcoLABa national reference collaborative laboratory that promotes technology transfer and sustainable innovation;
- and the Algarve Marine Observatory (OMA)which brings science and companies closer togethersupporting sectors such as tourism and restoration in the adoption of practices aligned with the ESG criteria.
For Ramón Fernández-Pacheco Monterreal, advisor for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Development at the Junta de Andalucía, “the blue economy can certainly work together with the momentum of other Spanish regions or with that developed by the Portuguese Algarve, with which we share objectives, economic ties and friendship”.
The rector of the University of Algarve, Paulo Águas, highlights that “UAlg’s positioning is today inseparable from the affirmation of the blue economy, a concept that translates the sustainable valorization of the ocean as an engine of economic growth, productive innovation and the creation of qualified jobs”.
The e-book “Algarve Blue Economy: Innovation and European Funds in the Region” is available for consultation on the ALGARVE 2030 Regional Program website, at .
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