EU Launches $6.1M Initiative to Scale Sustainable Algae Farming ...
Enriched Nordic · Found: 2026-03-11 08:07
The European Union has launched four new projects to expand sustainable algae farming and blue innovation hubs across Europe's seas.
Funding Details
- Funder
- European Union - European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)
- Funding Goal
- To expand sustainable algae farming, blue innovation hubs, and marine biotechnology across Europe's seas, supporting the EU Green Deal and circular economy objectives.
- Funding Amount
- Total EMFAF budget: €6.108 billion (2021-2027). The four algae/blue innovation projects total approximately €5.6 million ($6.1M), with individual projects ranging from ~€1.49M to €1.58M.
- How to Apply
- 1. Identify your national EMFAF managing authority. 2. Contact the authority to verify project eligibility against national priorities. 3. Check for open calls for proposals at national level. 4. Prepare application meeting national selection criteria. 5. Submit through the managing authority's application procedures.
- Target Region
- European Union member states (announced projects in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland)
- Contact
- Contact national EMFAF managing authorities — a list is available at ec.europa.eu/funding-and-investment/emfaf/list-emfaf-national-authorities
- Last Checked
- 2026-03-11 23:47
Application Checklist
Eligibility
Project Scope
Required Documents
Constraints
Summary
The European Union has launched four new projects under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), totaling approximately €5.6 million ($6.1M), to scale sustainable algae farming and establish blue innovation hubs. The four projects — MED-Hubs (€1.49M, Spain/Italy innovation centers), ATL.A.HUB (€1.58M, algae product development in Gran Canaria/Lisbon), OCEAN GARDENS (offshore seaweed farming in Canary Islands), and SEAGROW (regenerative seaweed systems in Galway Bay, Ireland) — focus on aquaculture innovation, carbon capture, and marine biodiversity. EMFAF is the EU's main funding instrument for the blue economy during 2021-2027, with a total budget of €6.108 billion. Of this, €5.311 billion is managed through national programs (shared management with member states) and €797 million is managed directly by the European Commission. The fund supports sustainable fishing, marine biodiversity protection, aquaculture development, coastal community vitality, and blue economy innovation. Applications for EMFAF funding are managed through national authorities in each EU member state. Applicants must contact their national EMFAF managing authority to verify eligibility, meet selection criteria, and submit through national application procedures. The program operates on a rolling basis with calls managed at national level, running through 2027. These specific four projects have already been selected and funded, but EMFAF continues to issue calls for proposals through national managing authorities across EU member states. The program aligns with EU priorities on climate action, sustainable food systems, and coastal resilience.
Historical Context
EMFAF is the successor to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF, 2014-2020). The current programme period runs 2021-2027. Each EU member state receives the same budget percentage as the previous period. The four algae/blue innovation projects were launched as part of ongoing EMFAF implementation.
Sources
- https://esgnews.com/eu-launches-6-1m-initiative-to-scale-sustainable-algae-farming-and-blue-innovation-hubs/
- https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/funding/emfaf_en