On 18 and 19 May the inaugural meeting of the European project NOVAFOODIES “DemoNstratiOn of innoVative Functional fOOD productIon systEmS based on a sustainable value chain of marine and freshwater raw materials for conscientious European consumers”, in which the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) participates and which is funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme with the theme: “HORIZON-CL6-2022-FARM2FORK-02-05-two-stage”.
NOVAFOODIES, with a duration of 36 months and a budget of approximately €6 million, is an ambitious project that aims to transform the product chain of marine and freshwater resources.
In particular, the project’s objectives are:
Experimental development activities at TRL (Technology Readiness Levels) TRL6-7 related to sustainable production of macro- and microalgae, as well as various fish species, in different ecosystem case studies across Europe, Israel and China, for greater use of local resources and ecosystem services, as well as promoting knowledge exchange in a mutual benefit scenario.
Experimental development activities at TRL6-7 technology maturity levels concerning the economic use of waste for a more circular and sustainable economy, as well as sustainable treatment and biorefining.
The formulation and development of new products for human consumption.
Ensuring competitive market entry of new products by gaining consumer confidence through transparency and demonstration.
The inclusion of different social groups and labour interests, developing training and education programmes for vulnerable groups, professionals and trainers, improving the skills and competences of the workforce
To achieve these ambitious objectives, the project brings together 28 partners (SMEs, research and technology organisations, universities, NGOs, large companies, agencies) from different European countries, as well as Israel and China.
“Algae cultivation is a growing part of the global production of food medicines, bioplastics and biofuels. At the same time it offers a number of opportunities for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Algae can play a huge role in combating climate change by absorbing and ‘locking up’ huge amounts of carbon dioxide. They can contribute to climate change adaptation by also reducing the effects of ocean acidification. Our ultimate goal is to develop blue-growth industries and promote algae within the European Community and beyond,” said Dr. Olympia Nisiforou, a member of the CERC scientific team behind this project.
For more information about the NOVAFOODIES project, please contact the project’s scientific officers: Dr. Olympia Nisiforou (olympia.nisiforou@cut.ac.cy) or Associate Professor Alexandros Charalambides (a.charalambides@cut.ac.cy).
Source: Cyprus University of Technology (https://rb.gy/2fney)