On May 18th and 19th 2023 took place the kick-off meeting of the European project NOVAFOODIES (Demonstration of innovative functional food production systems based on a more sustainable value chains of marine and freshwater raw materials for conscientious European consumers) funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme.
NOVAFOODIES, with a duration of 36 months, 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.