·The Interreg Atlantic Area project brings together leading European and international experts in a four-part webinar series covering the entire value chain of microalgae-based bioactive compounds, from cultivation to cosmetic formulation.
Vigo, 2 July 2026. The SMACC+ (Sustainable Microalgae and Cyanobacteria-Based Bioactive Compounds for Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals) project is launching the SMACC+ Webinar Series 2026–2027, an international programme of four online seminars designed to showcase the latest scientific advances, technological innovations and industrial applications of microalgae biocompounds for the nutricosmetics sector.
Organised within the framework of the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme, the series will bring together researchers, industry professionals and innovation leaders from across Europe and beyond to exchange knowledge on the sustainable production, extraction, characterisation and formulation of bioactive compounds derived from microalgae.
Microalgae are increasingly recognised as one of the most promising natural resources for developing high-value ingredients for cosmetics, nutraceuticals, biotechnology and health. Their ability to produce bioactive molecules with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties, while requiring fewer natural resources than conventional production systems, positions them as a key driver of Europe’s transition towards a sustainable blue bioeconomy.
Over the course of four webinars, participants will gain first-hand insights from recognised experts working across the entire microalgae value chain: from cultivation technologies to the formulation of next-generation cosmetic products.
A journey through the microalgae value chain
Designed as a comprehensive training programme, the SMACC+ Webinar Series 2026–2027 follows the complete innovation pathway of microalgae biocompounds, from their sustainable cultivation to their incorporation into innovative cosmetic products.
The series will open on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 with a webinar dedicated to microalgae cultivation, featuring experts from the Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC), IFREMER and A4F – Algae For Future, who will present the latest advances in sustainable cultivation techniques, experimental culture systems and industrial-scale production.
The second webinar, scheduled for Tuesday 15 December 2026, will focus on green extraction technologies, exploring innovative and environmentally friendly methods for recovering high-value bioactive compounds from algal biomass. Speakers from University College Dublin, the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (Mexico) and the University of Tours will showcase cutting-edge extraction strategies with applications in the cosmetic and biotechnology sectors.
On Tuesday 15 June 2027, the series will turn to the biological properties of microalgal bioactives, examining their potential in health, nutricosmetics and skincare. Internationally recognised researchers from La Rochelle University, the University of Málaga and the University of Faro will present recent advances in the therapeutic and cosmetic applications of marine microalgae.
The programme will conclude on Wednesday 15 December 2027 with a final session dedicated to the formulation of novel cosmetic products, highlighting how scientific discoveries are translated into innovative commercial solutions. Contributions from specialists at the Bragança Polytechnical Institute, Innovation Scientific Research and GLECEX will demonstrate how research can be transformed into market-ready cosmetic applications.
Registration is now open for the first session, “Cultivation of Microalgae”, taking place on 22 September 2026.
Researchers, students, SMEs, cosmetic manufacturers, biotechnology professionals, policymakers and anyone interested in sustainable innovation are invited to attend this free online event and learn from some of Europe’s leading experts in the field.
About SMACC+
SMACC+ is a project co-funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Coordinated by the Universidade de Vigo, the project brings together partners from Spain, Portugal, France and Ireland to unlock the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria as sustainable resources for the blue economy.
By fostering collaboration between academia, research centres and industry, SMACC+ aims to develop innovative bioactive compounds for applications in biotechnology, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and health, while strengthening sustainable value chains and supporting Europe’s green and blue transition.
