Project partners
MULTIPLY brings together 17 partners from 10 countries, united by a mission to scale up sustainable microalgae-based value chains across Europe. From pioneering biorefineries to cutting-edge research, each partner plays a key role in advancing innovation and sustainability. Together, we’re building a circular, cost-effective future powered by microalgae.
Country: Portugal
Website: https://a4f.pt/en
Description:
A4F is a biotechnology company based in Portugal with over 20 years of experience in algae Research & Development and large-scale algae production. The company specializes in the design, construction, operation, and transfer (DBOT) of algae production units, ranging from research and demonstration to industrial scale. A4F employs a variety of technologies that are tailored to the specific needs of their customers’ businesses, allowing them to optimize algae production and processing efficiently.
In the MULTIPLY project, A4F plays a key leadership role, heading several work packages including Project Management, Microalgae Biorefinery, and Economic Feasibility and Business Development. A4F’s involvement focuses on optimizing microalgae production and processing, as well as leading the development of techno-economic analysis (TEA) and business plans. Their expertise will contribute significantly to the project’s success in advancing sustainable microalgae-based solutions.
Country: Portugal
Website: https://greenaqua.pt/
Description:
Green Aqua is an investment group specialized in algae production units, committed to becoming a worldwide reference in sustainable investment projects within the aquatic and marine biotechnology sector. The company’s primary goal is to create a comprehensive ecosystem that provides integrated solutions for the development of the algae sector.
Green Aqua’s product and service offerings include microalgae and macroalgae for various applications such as food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, biostimulants, biofuels, and new materials, including bioplastics.
In the MULTIPLY project, Green Aqua participates as a microalgae feedstock provider, focusing on optimizing microalgae production by increasing productivity, reducing costs, and exploring new market opportunities.
Country: Sweden
Website: https://www.swedishalgaefactory.com/
Description:
Swedish Algae Factory is a Swedish biotech company specializing in the production of Algica®, a unique, high-performance material derived from diatoms. By harnessing the natural properties of microalgae, the company develops advanced applications in skincare, energy, and materials science. Their production plant, located on the west coast of Sweden, is designed for biofilm-based cultivation of benthic diatoms. This setup allows them to maintain full control over in-house harvesting, extraction, and drying processes, ensuring high standards of quality and sustainability while enabling continuous innovation in microalgae-based materials and biorefinery development.
In the MULTIPLY project, Swedish Algae Factory is focused on several important tasks within the work packages. They are involved in testing and evaluating recycled nutrients on a pilot scale, developing improvements in harvesting methods, contamination control, and dewatering efficiency, and delivering samples for microbiome analysis. Additionally, they are leading efforts in the development of a new biorefinery process, contributing to the advancement of sustainable algae-based solutions within the project.
Country: Denmark
Website: https://www.algiecel.com/
Description:
Algiecel is a company that specializes in producing high-performance, nutrient-rich ingredients from microalgae for food, feed, and cosmetics. Their products, which are rich in omega-3 and protein, provide a scalable and sustainable alternative to traditional sources like fish oil. Algiecel uses compact, on-site photobioreactors powered by renewable energy and industrial CO₂ from their partners, transforming emissions into a valuable resource.
n the MULTIPLY project, Algiecel is focused on optimizing microalgae productivity. They are working on improving the effective removal of growth inhibitors, such as secondary metabolites, from the cultivation media. Additionally, they are analyzing the impact of shear stress from mass transfer equipment. These optimizations aim to increase biomass production and improve the recycling of cultivation media. Algiecel will also contribute to the life-cycle assessment and techno-economic assessment of the project’s outcomes.
Country: Spain
Website: https://www.cetaqua.com/
Description:
Cetaqua is a technology center network built on a private-public partnership model, offering R&D solutions to ensure sustainability and efficiency throughout every step of the water cycle. The center emphasizes addressing local needs while supporting economic, environmental, and social growth in the context of global water challenges.
In the MULTIPLY project, Cetaqua is responsible for the design, construction, and operation of pilot plants for phosphorus and nitrogen recovery from urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and for nitrate production. They are also involved in incorporating the recycled nutrients into microalgae cultivation media and contributing to the development of the project’s Sustainable and Safe by Design (SSbD) framework.
Country: Germany
Website: https://www.ipk.fraunhofer.de/
Description:
Fraunhofer IPK is a research and development institution based in Berlin, specializing in production technology. With a strong IT competence, the institution offers system solutions, individual technologies, and services for digitally integrated production. Fraunhofer IPK supports companies along the entire value chain, from product development and machine planning to parts manufacturing, automation, and management of factory operations. The institution also extends its production engineering solutions to areas outside traditional industry, such as traffic and safety.
In the MULTIPLY project, Fraunhofer IPK aims to utilize digital twins and process simulation technologies to monitor and optimize microalgae production and biorefinery processes. They are working on developing scalable digital modeling infrastructure and integrating automated lifecycle assessment (LCA) to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of microalgae production systems.
Country: Portugal
Website: https://www.unl.pt/
Description:
NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA) is a decentralized higher education institution with nine schools located throughout the Greater Lisbon area. The NOVA School of Science and Technology is one of its schools, consisting of 13 departments and 16 research centers. Research at NOVA has been flourishing both in terms of quality and quantity, with 39 Research and Development (R&D) units, 23 of which are partnerships with other national institutions. Notably, 92% of these units have been recognized as units of excellence, aligning with national policies that prioritize the growth and consolidation of the technological and scientific system.
In the MULTIPLY project, NOVA will develop advanced monitoring tools for microalgae production using soft sensors and spectroscopic signals from low-cost devices, supported by machine learning. Additionally, NOVA is responsible for developing process simulations for biorefinery systems, with the goal of improving the efficiency of various unit operations and implementing digital twins to optimize microalgae production processes.
Country: Spain
Website: https://www.ibet.pt/
Description:
iBET – Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica is a private, non-profit institution dedicated to R&D in Biotechnology. For over 35 years, iBET has been at the forefront of creating and transferring knowledge to global biopharma and biotech partners, as well as to the national pharmaceutical and agri-food industry sectors. The institution focuses on generating value for its partners by leveraging its expertise in biology and chemistry to address complex scientific and technological challenges.
In the MULTIPLY project, iBET is leading efforts to develop strategies for biological contamination control and productivity increase. Their main objective is to better understand the dynamics of the industrial microalgae microbiome and develop effective strategies to mitigate biological contaminants, ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of microalgae production processes.
Country: Portugal
Website: https://granutra.com/
Description:
With a global presence that includes headquarters in Switzerland, business development operations in the United States, and R&D and production facilities in Portugal, GRA Nutra is a leading developer and provider of high-quality, responsibly produced ingredients. The company operates through a resilient, vertically integrated supply chain, ensuring that its solutions contribute to both consumer wellbeing and environmental sustainability. GRA Nutra’s commitment to health and customer service is central to its approach, aiming to deliver sustainable ingredients for the food, supplement, and nutraceutical industries.
In the MULTIPLY project, GRA Nutra leads the development of natural color formulations for food, supplements, and nutraceuticals. The company’s expertise is focused on creating innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance the quality and appeal of consumer products.
Country: France
Website: https://www.edonia.com/
Description:
Edonia is the first company in the world to create a flavorful protein ingredient from microalgae, capable of replacing meat. Using its unique Edonization technology, Edonia transforms the taste and structure of spirulina and chlorella to produce a groundbreaking food ingredient that is textured, delicious, exceptionally nutrient-dense, and fully clean label. By addressing the biggest barrier to microalgae consumption in food, the company is unlocking vast market opportunities for a sustainable resource that has previously remained underutilized. Its first product, Edo-1, is already emerging as a key ingredient for food manufacturers, enabling the development of plant-based alternatives that truly appeal to consumers.
In the MULTIPLY project, Edonia leads the characterization of co-products and conducts a detailed analysis of their composition. The company focuses on optimizing the incorporation of these co-products into food ingredients while ensuring consumer acceptance. Their goal is to develop aroma-rich ingredients, targeting 5% incorporation, and to validate their potential through pilot-scale formulation and sensory evaluation with consumers.
Country: Belgium
Website: https://www.oleon.com/
Description:
Country: Italy
Website: https://www.novamont.com/eng/
Description:
Novamont is a certified B Corporation and Benefit Corporation, and a global leader in the development of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics, as well as bioproducts and biochemicals derived wholly or partially from renewable, plant-based sources. Now part of Versalis (Eni), Novamont operates as a group with five production sites (four in Italy and one in Estonia), three research centers (including the Matrìca Research Centre in collaboration with Versalis), and three technology hubs. These facilities cover a broad range of expertise, from laboratory-scale experimentation to advanced pilot plants, with commercial offices in Germany, France, Spain, and the United States, and a distribution network across more than 40 countries.
In the MULTIPLY project, Novamont will collaborate with A4F on the validation of algae oils rich in oleic acid, which will be converted into building blocks for bioplastics. These algae-derived building blocks will be used in the synthesis of two novel grades of biopolyesters. Additionally, starches from algae will be incorporated into the formulation and preparation of biodegradable materials, working in combination with the biopolyesters to create more sustainable products.
Country: Spain
Website: http://www.aimplas.es
Description:
AIMPLAS is a private, non-profit technology center with over 35 years of experience supporting companies in the plastics sector. The center fosters innovation through R&D projects, technical services, and specialized training, with a strong commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. AIMPLAS has a multidisciplinary team of more than 270 professionals and over 12,000 m² of specialized laboratories and pilot plants, providing technological solutions across the entire plastics value chain. The center works with a wide range of sectors, including packaging, automotive, construction, agriculture, and healthcare, and is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions that improve material properties, optimize transformation processes, and design end-of-life strategies.
In the MULTIPLY project, AIMPLAS will focus on valorizing algae-based materials by developing high-performance barrier coatings for paper packaging, helping to replace fossil-based materials with sustainable alternatives. Additionally, AIMPLAS will work on developing active cosmetic packaging that reduces the need for preservatives by enhancing product protection through the controlled release of active compounds. These innovations aim to contribute to more sustainable packaging solutions across various industries.
Country: Norway
Website: Nofima – A leading institute for applied research within fisheries, aquaculture and food.
Description:
Country: Denmark
Website: https://www.en.plan.aau.dk
Description:
Aalborg University (AAU) is a leading Danish university known for its strong cross-disciplinary and problem-based approach to research. At AAU, experts such as Massimo Pizzol, Agneta Ghose, and Helle Nielsen are recognized leaders in the fields of Industrial Ecology, sustainability science, and social impact assessment. Specializing in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and social impact evaluation, they are affiliated with the Department of Sustainability and Planning, which includes around 200 staff members with expertise spanning environmental science, engineering, economics, and sociology. AAU has produced more than 200 scientific LCA publications in international journals and is involved in various EU and Nordic research and innovation projects focused on technology assessment and sustainability evaluation of emerging technologies.
In the MULTIPLY project, AAU will lead the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of different emerging and advanced microalgae production technologies, providing valuable feedback to developers on improving environmental performance. They will also conduct social acceptance studies to evaluate the perception of various stakeholders towards the novel microalgal products developed within the project. This will help understand how these products are viewed by the public and inform strategies for market integration.
Country: Luxemburg
Website: https://www.list.lu/
Description:
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization that operates in the fields of information technology, materials, space resources, and the environment. LIST develops competitive, market-oriented product and service prototypes for both public and private stakeholders. It engages across the entire innovation chain, from fundamental and applied research to incubation and technology transfer. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data, and tools, LIST empowers citizens, public authorities, and businesses to make informed decisions and implement strategies.
Within the MULTIPLY project, LIST is responsible for leading the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) assessment task and contributing to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of circular biobased systems. LIST will apply and expand its expertise in in vitro and ecotoxicological models, using them to test new chemicals and strengthen their robustness and applicability. This role allows LIST to further develop these models, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness in evaluating the safety and sustainability of emerging biobased technologies.
Country: Germany
Website: https://submariner-network.eu
Description:
The SUBMARINER Network brings together a diverse group of actors from the Baltic Sea Region and beyond to promote the innovative and sustainable use of marine resources. By connecting research institutions, business support organizations, authorities, private companies, and civil society, the Network integrates local perspectives into broader transnational frameworks. As a flagship network under the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) and coordinator of the Horizon CSA Blue Mission BANOS, SUBMARINER plays a central role in representing the blue economy at a trans-regional level.
The SUBMARINER Network is responsible for communication, dissemination, and exploitation in the MULTIPLY project, including developing and implementing the Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication (DEC) Plan, ensuring effective internal communication, and creating a professional, coherent, and recognizable project identity. Additionally, SUBMARINER is involved in regulatory mapping and assessing systemic barriers, conducting research to evaluate the regulatory landscape for microalgae cultivation, product development, and market entry in the EU. They also organize workshops and engage stakeholders to maximize the impact and visibility of the project’s results.