The future of sustainable protein – from cell to dish
August 26, 2025
Cellular aquaculture is a promising field that could change the way we produce seafood.
A new paradigm in blue biotechnology
A new paradigm in blue biotechnology
INOVACEL is a pioneering research project that focuses on the production of marine proteins from cells and microalgae, without resorting to traditional aquaculture or animal slaughter. An ethical, circular, and sustainable approach, born in the Algarve.
Our Partners
About the Project
INOVACEL is an innovative food biotechnology project that develops sustainable solutions for the production of animal proteins derived from marine organisms through cellular aquaculture. Promoted by a regional consortium from Algarve, the project focuses on creating cell lines from fish and marine invertebrates, using microalgae to formulate culture media without animal components, and valuing the production waste. Based on the circular economy, this integrated approach aims to reduce environmental impact, increase the efficiency of cellular aquaculture processes, and position the Algarve at the forefront of blue biotechnology.
OUR OBJECTIVES
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Activities
Science joins forces with sustainability to transform the way we produce food. Learn about the pillars of our research.
A1.
We develop cell lines of fish and marine invertebrates with high nutritional value, cultivated without animal serum. The goal: a new generation of ethical and sustainable animal protein.
A2.
We use microalgae as raw material to create innovative culture media for cellular aquaculture, without resorting to animal-derived components.
A3.
We explore circular economy solutions to treat effluents generated during cell culture, using microalgae. This approach enables the removal of cellular metabolites from spent cell medium, making its reuse possible, while simultaneously producing value-added biomass.
A4.
We assess the environmental and economic impact of the circular economy system developed at INOVACEL, using methodologies such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Technical-Economic Assessment (TEA), in order to ensure the long-term viability of the model.
A5.
We disseminate the technical and scientific results of the project to the academic community, stakeholders, policy makers, and the general public, promoting scientific literacy and informed dialogue around cellular aquaculture.
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We coordinate all technical, scientific, and administrative activities at INOVACEL, ensuring quality, innovation, and the fulfillment of proposed objectives.
START OF THE PROJECT
The project began in January 2025 with a kick-off meeting that brought together partners Necton, S2AQUAcoLAB, GreenCoLab, and CCMAR. Focusing on the sustainable production of marine animal protein, INOVACEL marks a new chapter in blue biotechnology in the Algarve.
RECENT NEWS
Cellular aquaculture is a promising field that could change the way we produce seafood.
Led by NECTON with the support of S2AQUAcoLAB and CCMAR the INOVACEL project focuses on the development of a microalgae-based alternative serum for cellular agriculture, aiming to reduce reliance on animal-derived components.
Eunice Fong holds a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and a master’s degree in biotechnology.
Rodrigo Carreira has a degree and a master in Biology, as well as a PhD in Immunology.
Research and Results
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Articles and studies published in scientific journals and conferences.
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Reports, analyses, and other deliverables produced by the consortium.
Our Partners
CEO and Director of Innovation
Necton
Senior Researcher
CCMAR
Senior Researcher
S2AQUAcoLAB
General coordinator
GreenCoLab
If you have any questions, would like to know more about the ongoing research, or explore possibilities for collaboration, please do not hesitate to contact us. The INOVACEL team is available to answer scientific, technical, or institutional questions.
Funded by:
Copyright © 2025 INOVACEL
