· Launching SMACC+: A European initiative to develop sustainable microalgae-based ingredients for cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals

· Transnational collaboration in Vigo kicks off 30-month project focused on eco-friendly biotechnology, innovation, and knowledge sharing

Vigo (Spain), 4 November 2025. The SMACC+ project (Sustainable Microalgae and Cyanobacteria-Based Bioactive Compounds for Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals) officially launches today with a transnational kick-off meeting in Vigo, Spain. The event, hosted by CINBIO - Universidade de Vigo, the Lead Partner of the project, brings together all project partners for a full day of presentations, discussions, and planning sessions. The 30-month initiative aims to develop sustainable bioactive compounds derived from microalgae and cyanobacteria for innovative applications in the cosmeceutical and nutraceutical sectors, while promoting environmentally responsible biotechnology and circular economy practices.

Funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), SMACC+ has a total budget of €2.8 million, of which €2.1 million is co-financed by the ERDF. The project represents a strategic collaboration across nine European partners, combining expertise from academia, research institutions, and industry. The academic and research partners include Universidad de Vigo (Lead Partner, Spain), University College Dublin (Ireland), La Rochelle Université (France), Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias – ITC (Spain), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (Portugal), and University of Galway (Ireland). Industry partners include A4F (France) and Alga Biologics (Ireland). Finnova Foundation (Spain) coordinates communication, dissemination, and public engagement, ensuring the project’s visibility and stakeholder involvement across the Atlantic Area. Together, these partners integrate complementary scientific, technical, and industrial expertise to advance sustainable bioactive compound development and eco-friendly biotechnology solutions.

The SMACC+ initiative focuses on creating eco-friendly, high-value ingredients to replace synthetic additives in cosmetics and nutraceuticals. By employing sustainable cultivation of native microalgae species and advanced biorefinery methods, the project seeks to reduce environmental impact and strengthen the European blue biotechnology sector. Innovative approaches include the development of green extraction technologies, such as supercritical CO₂ and hydrothermal extraction, as well as other intensification tools, such as microwaves and ultrasound. The project also emphasizes the creation of safe, effective, and sustainable cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products, alongside knowledge transfer activities aimed at supporting SMEs, researchers, and local communities.

The Kick-off Meeting on 18 November 2025 provides the platform for all project partners to outline their roles and responsibilities, share their expertise, and align on the project’s objectives and work plan. The meeting runs from 08:30 to 19:00 and will be followed by a project dinner at 21:00 (TBC). The program includes an official opening by representatives of the University of Vigo, short presentations from each partner institution and company, and administrative, financial, and communication sessions. Partners will receive an overview of the project’s structure, including its four Work Packages (WP1-WP4), covering microalgae cultivation, compound extraction, product development, and dissemination activities. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to visit ECIMAT’s microalgae cultivation facilities (TBC), gaining first-hand insight into pilot-scale operations. Each partner is also scheduled to present their laboratory, company, or institution during the morning session to facilitate networking and collaboration.

Through its activities, SMACC+ aims to achieve several key outcomes. These include the development of pilot-scale sustainable microalgae cultivation and extraction processes, the introduction of eco-friendly bioactive compounds into the cosmeceutical and nutraceutical markets, and the creation of knowledge-sharing initiatives such as workshops, open-access publications, and training sessions. The project also seeks to increase public awareness of sustainable biotechnology through citizen engagement activities and stakeholder involvement, highlighting the benefits of environmentally responsible marine resource use.

SMACC+ aligns with broader European strategies for sustainable growth, including the Atlantic Strategy Action Plan, the Blue Economy framework, and the EU Marine Strategy. By integrating cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and transnational collaboration, the project represents a step forward in the development of the European bioeconomy and the promotion of circular, environmentally responsible solutions for high-value industries.

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SMACC+ project officially launches to develop sustainable microalgae-based bioactive compounds for cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals