About Us

What is the project MULTIPLY about ?

MULTIPLY is a Horizon Europe-funded project focused on scaling up the production of sustainable microalgae-derived ingredients for a variety of bio-based industries. By optimizing cultivation techniques and biorefining processes, the project aims to make microalgae a cost-effective and scalable feedstock, overcoming existing technological barriers that have limited its widespread use in Europe.

Led by A4F ALGA FUEL SA, the project brings together 17 partners from across Europe, including industry leaders, technology developers, and research institutes. The consortium is committed to advancing microalgae cultivation and processing, deploying innovative digital tools, and integrating circular economy principles to reduce resource use and environmental impact.

MULTIPLY will develop 10 improved products from 5 microalgae species, addressing market demands across sectors like food, feed, biomaterials, lubricants, and cosmetics. Running from June 2025 to May 2029, the project is dedicated to microalgae powering a circular future, advancing the role of algae in a sustainable, circular economy across Europe.

Overall aim of the MULTIPLY project

MULTIPLY aims to demonstrate the scalability and economic viability of microalgae cultivation and biorefining processes for sustainable, bio-based products. By developing efficient, circular, and innovative technologies, the project seeks to reduce resource consumption and environmental impact, positioning microalgae as a key ingredient in the food, feed, biomaterials, lubricants, and cosmetics sectors. Ultimately, MULTIPLY aims to accelerate the growth of a sustainable, circular microalgae industry in Europe, contributing to a green, carbon-neutral economy.

Objective 1

Making Microalgae Production More Efficient and Sustainable
- Reduce resource use and costs in large-scale microalgae cultivation - Boost productivity, robustness, and control of production systems - Enhance microalgae biomass availability for mid-price range products

Objective 2

Optimise and upscale sustainable and cost-efficient processes for microalgae biorefinery
Gentle, frustule-safe extraction for diatoms - Maximize high-value outputs: ↑ phycocyanin (Spirulina) and ↑ starch (Tetraselmis) - Tailor lipids: ↑ oleic (Chromochloris); ↑ EPA & palmitoleic (Nannochloropsis) - Close the loop: stabilize proteins for feed, recycle/treat water, and use a digital twin to optimize & scale to pilot

Objective 3

Creating 10 Microalgae-Based Products
- Develop food colorants and alternative protein ingredients - Make bio-polyesters, biomaterials, and coatings from algal starch/oils - Optimize lipids/esters for cosmetics and lubricants - Enhance salmon feed with microalgae proteins, lipids, and natural antioxidants

Objective 4

Demonstrating the Sustainability of Algae-Based Products
- Meet sustainability & safety standards, evidenced by LCAs - Reduce resource use and operating costs in cultivation and processing - Enable adoption by addressing regulatory barriers and building social acceptance - Prove viability with solid economics and investor-ready business plans

Objective 5

Ensure wider reach of MULTIPLY by dissemination, co-creation, exploitation, and communication activities
- Ambitious DEC plan with EU-aligned collaborations - Co-create with stakeholders; deliver actionable insights - Share impact openly; spark IP and grow future talent

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