During YAS25, you will be able go behind the scenes at Biorizon, Aqualia, and SABANA Demo Plant, where you will witness real-world applications of algae biotechnology and sustainability initiatives. Each visit will include guided tours led by experts who will explain the company operations, key innovations, and key challenges.

Site Visits

Biorizon Biotech is a biotechnology company based in Almería, Spain, specializing in the development and commercialization of biostimulant and biopesticide products for agriculture. Utilizing microalgae, bacteria, and plant extracts, they offer innovative, residue-free solutions that enhance plant growth and resilience, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Aqualia is a leading water management company specializing in the comprehensive treatment of wastewater. They are at the forefront of integrating innovative technologies, such as microalgae-based systems, to enhance wastewater treatment processes. Notably, Aqualia has developed Europe's largest microalgae-based wastewater treatment plant in Mérida, Spain, which produces biomass for biofertilizers, exemplifying their commitment to sustainable and circular economy practices.

The SABANA project aimed to develop and demonstrate the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of producing valuable products, such as biofertilizers, aquafeed, and biopesticides, using microalgae biomass cultivated in open systems with wastewater.

Through its efforts, the project showcased innovative approaches to sustainable resource management, contributing to advancements in circular economy practices.

Workshops

Workshop "Cooking green : Exploring microalgae in everyday foods"

The workshop focuses on incorporating microalgae, such as spirulina and chlorella, into everyday cooking. It highlights how these nutrient-dense superfoods (rich in proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants) can be used in simple recipes to promote healthy and sustainable eating while advocating for eco-friendly practices in gastronomy.

Kricelle Deamici (Greencolab) - Food Nutrition Group Leader

Kricelle Mosquera Deamici is a Food Engineer with a master’s and PhD in Food Science and Engineering from Brazil, including research at KU Leuven University. She has over 10 years of experience in microalgae cultivation, carbon biofixation, and enriching foods with microalgae. As a researcher at GreenCoLAB, she develops innovative algae-based food products for sustainable human nutrition.

Workshop "Algae Cosmetics -Application and bioeconomy"

Algae, whether micro macro or cyanobacteria, have enormous potential for use in industry. The search for cosmetics more aligned with sustainability brings even more strength for the use of these organisms.

In the workshop we will address the importance of algae in the creation of new products in the area of natural cosmetics. We will have an overview of products that are already on the market in different countries. In addition to exchanging content and information, we will have practical actions to prepare cosmetics with algae.

We will test some existing cosmetics.

Isabel Portugal (Devolverde)

Marine biologist, master in aquaculture, PhD in Algae Biotechnology. An Algae activist! I am a natural scientist artist. During my post-doctorate I created a network where I brought together international academic cooperation and communities of ancestral knowledge in the challenge of living in dry and desert areas. I created a collaborative platform to articulate collaboration between countries, acting as a consultant to bring academia and the private sector closer together. After a few years outside Brazil, I am back in the country and working on different projects such as building an algae laboratory at the Amazon Science Museum (Pará) and promoting business with algae to increase productivity. Co-founder of Devolverde and Escola Devolverde (informal education, she is also the creator and coordinator of PopAlgae - a network that aims to popularize and democratize algae.Nowadays I work locally in Brazil and also create international bridges.

Workshop "Seaweed Identification"

During this workshop, participants will learn how to prepare an herbarium voucher, collect samples for genetic analysis, and identify marine macrophytes based on their general morphological traits using identification keys. The course will also cover the most common and representative marine macrophytes found in the Alboran Sea. Participants are welcome to bring their own samples for identification. No prior knowledge of marine botany is required for this workshop.

Ricardo Bermejo (University of Málaga)

I am marine ecologist and botanist. My primary research goals are directed toward understanding the ecology and biogeography of assemblages dominated by marine macrophytes at different biological (from populations genetics to landscape patterns) and spatial levels (from local to entire ecoregions), as well as, the influence of human pressures in littoral ecosystems and applied marine botany (e.g. seaweed cultivation, bioindicators, ecosystem restoration).

Workshop "Seaweed workshop: Bioplastic Re-use"

In this class, we work with a collection of bioplastic wrappers made from algae and recreate them for a new use. Participants will learn techniques to naturally colour the material, blend with other natural materials and make footwear from what is traditionally considered waste.

Morgan Rae

Morgan Rae is a 4x award-winning designer with 25+ years of experience across 100+ projects in 13 countries and 13 U.S. states. Founder of L’eautelier, she blends design, hospitality, and storytelling, with work featured in publications, podcasts, and TV.

Her portfolio includes collaborations with iconic brands like Royal Atlantis (World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023), One&Only Resorts, MGM, and BMW’s Mini Living, as well as ventures in the aquatic sector with America’s Cup and Royal Caribbean. Ræ has presented at SohoHouse, 1Hotels, and global events like the UN Ocean and Water Conferences.

Discover what’s in store for 2025 at www.leautelier.com.

Please note: All participants will visit Biorizon Biotech and Sabana Demo plant facilities during Thursday (5th of June) but will have to choose between Aqualia and Workshops when registering. Slots for the Workshops are limited and are selected as first come-first served basis, so register soon !

Site-visits and Workshops