INNOVA

The INNOVA project focuses on the sustainable cultivation of the green macroalga Ulva spp. as a renewable biological feedstock for the chemical, textile, and cosmetic industries, while contributing to large-scale carbon sequestration and ocean health. By developing innovative offshore mariculture techniques—such as 3D-printed structures, biodegradable floating meshes, and automated seeding—the project aims to upscale Ulva production in the North Sea and Gran Canaria. These techniques support a circular blue bioeconomy by transforming harvested biomass into high-value compounds, including Ulvan, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids, and recycling cellulose into new cultivation structures. The project also includes environmental monitoring and stakeholder engagement to assess socio-economic relevance, public perception, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through a multidisciplinary consortium, INNOVA pioneers a scalable model for integrating marine biomass cultivation with climate mitigation and sustainable industrial innovation.