Proposals under this topic should:

• Select and optimise macroalgal feedstock (both naturally occurring and modified varieties are in scope), focusing on applications with high market potential. Capitalise on existing data, infrastructures, and knowledge. In line with the EU Algae Initiative, harvesting macroalgae from the wild is excluded, as the topic focuses on cultivation.
• Demonstrate cultivation in suitable and scalable sustainable systems, aiming at high biomass yield, optimised production parameters (e.g. light, O2, CO2, nutrients, pH, temperature, seasonal variations). Cultivation in open environment and/or in closed systems are both in scope. Multitrophic and mixed cultivation approaches (e.g. multiple algae species, algae and fish/shellfish farming etc) are also in scope, as well as algae-mediated remediation and the use of nature-based solutions.
• Demonstrate further sustainable biomass processing and conversion steps into added value bio-based product(s).
• Maximize the resource / energy efficiency across the value chain. Integration with renewable energy sources can be considered.

In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2025, proposals under this topic should:

• Ensure environmental safety and avoidance of environmental risks, including monitoring and mitigation measures during the project. In particular, the environmental assessment must also include aspects such as biodiversity protection and possible enhancement, avoidance of invasiveness, and toxicity, carbon sequestration and nutrients loads.
• Include a task to assess public perception and acceptance of the demonstrated value chains, related, e.g. to (potential) impact of large-scale macroalgae production on land and marine ecosystems.
• As part of the Multi-Actor Approach (MAA), include relevant local/regional authorities, to address coastal governance aspects, as well as end-users and consumers, when targeting B2C products.