10 years of EU funding for the algae sector - 2014-2023

The European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Sustainable Blue Economy Communication identify algae as an important source of alternative protein for a sustainable food system and global food security. Several EU programmes have allocated funds to support projects in the algae sector.

The Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) has conducted this portfolio analysis of EU funded projects in the algae sector. This work complements the results presented by two comprehensive publications.

Firstly, the Horizon 2020 algae projects portfolio analysis, an independent expert report offering a detailed overview of the research and innovation projects funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 programme in the field of algae.

Secondly, the CORDIS results pack on algae innovation4, which highlights nine innovative H2020 and only two Horizon Europe projects showcasing the potential and versatility of algae production and conversion.

Building on the insights from these publications, which offered a foundation for navigating the complex landscape of EU funding for algae projects under Horizon 2020, this analysis aims to expand their scope by including projects funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), the LIFE programme and Horizon Europe.

The goal is to provide a more comprehensive and updated picture of the EU's support for algae innovation and development.

This portfolio analysis includes an insight on policy feedback recommendations from the beneficiaries' perspective, as captured through survey responses.