Marinnonet supports seven new Marine Innovation Pilots

The MARINNONET project, led by the University of Vigo and supported by Interreg Atlantic Area, is launching a new wave of pilot projects following the second call for R&D&I activities, aimed at driving innovation in aquaculture, marine observation technologies, and industrial marine-derived solutions. Each pilot project will receive up to €30,000 in funding, with a 9-month implementation period. Project activities are expected to begin in early January 2026, supporting the development and validation of innovative marine solutions.

• Innovations for an efficient, sustainable, and resilient aquaculture:
COLORHYNCHUS – This project validates non-invasive, early-warning indicators of welfare in rainbow trout, allowing farms to detect stress and optimize management before economic losses occur.
Institutions involved: University of Vigo, PiE, UPV/EHU, Bio1OneHealth

LEPIDOSSEL – The pilot investigates how the non-toxic dinoflagellate Lepidodinium affects mussel physiology and alters the sensory quality of canned mussel products, highlighting risks to seafood quality.
Institutions involved: IEO-CSIC, PiE-UPV/EHU, JealsaFoods

COAST – This project aims to transform oyster shell waste into valuable products like agricultural lime, soil amendments, and construction materials, creating circular economy solutions for Irish aquaculture.
Institutions involved: UGalway, PiE-UPV/EHU, Teahan Shellfish Ltd

• Omic and observation technologies for preserving marine biodiversity and restore ocean health
AI-BIOdiv – The project tests an automated imaging tool, PlanktoScope, for monitoring marine phytoplankton diversity as a scalable complement to traditional microscopy.
Institutions involved: Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNIEO-CSIC, FairScope


• Marine related products for industrial applications
ALGAEMAT – The project develops sustainable functional materials from brown algae using a solvent-free biorefinery, recovering polysaccharides and solids for hydrogels and composites to support circular bioeconomy goals.
Institutions involved: University of Minho (3Bs), University of Vigo, Portomuiños and SeaExpert

POLYMEX – This project characterizes microalgae EPS to develop bioactive compounds and sustainable biomaterials for biomedical and industrial applications.
Institutions involved: ULPGC – BEA, University of Minho – 3Bs, Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC)

SUNPALM – This project explores Palmaria palmata as a sustainable source of natural UV filters, optimizing metabolite production for eco-friendly cosmetic applications. Institutions involved: University of Galway, PiE-UPV/EHU, Sea & Believe

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