Project CALYPSO

• CALYPSO aims to develop an integrated biorefinery model based on the sustainable use of algae and algae-based products obtained from recycled raw materials or industrial and agricultural by-products, which favors the diversification of the region's business fabric, helping to achieve The objectives of the European Ecological Pact and Transition to a blue, circular and carbon neutral region.

• Extend the supply of genetic resources and services of the microalgae and cyanobacteria collections of the REBECA Network (The RED) as the first to praise the value chain of blue biotechnology to increase the production, consumption and sustainable use of algae and seaweed-based products. Macaronesia for Europe (EU Seaweed Initiative e Orientations for the sustainable development of aquaculture in Europe).

• Test and develop applications of different polysaccharide molecules in the areas of biomaterials/human nutrition, biomedicine, agriculture/aquaculture, promoting transversality between them.

• Implement some of the recommendations of the "Roteiro for the development of blue biotechnology in Macaronesia 2023-2030, to reinforce and adapt the policies for the development of the algae sector in the area of ​​cooperation, encourage the implementation and maintenance of transfer projects grouping and collaboration between The agents of the quadruple helix, improve capacities and training and increase social awareness and technical-scientific dissemination.

CALYPSO aims to strengthen and improve the networking of its partners, employees and interested parties, expanding the supply of genetic resources of quality and the development of bioprocesses that aim to increase the production, consumption and sustainable use of algae and algae-based products obtained from renewable raw materials or industrial by-products, which favor the diversification of the region's business fabric, and help to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal and the transition to a blue, circular and carbon neutral region.

The biotechnological activity of this Project will focus on the production of algae polysaccharides for application in the agri-food, biomaterials, environment, aquaculture and biomedicine sectors.

• Maintenance of REBECA Network strains, increasing their biological capital and identification of new species;
• Creation of the new collection of (CM and Gh);
• Expansion of the network’s service portfolio;
• Sizing and production of microalgae in non-aquatic environments from industrial and agricultural processes to obtain biomass rich in polysaccharides;
• Creation of bioremediation demonstration with microalgae and halophytic plants replicable in different locations;
• Development of sustainable and biodegradable biomaterials based on EPS from microalgae and cyanobacteria;
• Boost for the microalgae industry;
• Evaluation of biostimulant activity in crops and/or seed germination and soil, degraded species of selected algae;
• Obtaining new formulas for aquaculture fish diets based on algae;
• Identification of polysaccharides from microalgae and cyanobacteria to improve immune function;
• Establishment of a Quadruple Helix collaboration network for the development of the algae sector between entities in the collaboration space;
• Training of technical personnel and researchers and joint participation in international missions;
• Development of a Dual FP pilot experience;
• Creation of a podcast with a scientific focus on blue biotechnology;