Meet our Diamond Sponsor: ISBLue

ISBLUE

ISblue, the Interdisciplinary Graduate School for the Blue Planet, is an innovative graduate school designed to confront the growing challenges facing ocean and coastal ecosystems. Sponsored by the French government's "Investissements d'Avenir" program, ISblue aims to forge the next generation of innovators and science leaders within the growing blue economy. This collaborative effort unites three national research organizations (CNRS, Ifremer, IRD), two universities (Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Université de Bretagne Sud), and four engineering schools (IMT Atlantique, ENSTA Bretagne, ENIB, École Navale)​​​​.

ISblue is distinguished by its comprehensive research program, focusing on five key themes: ocean and climate regulation, ocean-earth interactions, sustainable coastal systems, the living ocean and ecosystem services, and long-term observing systems for ocean knowledge. This approach is aimed at advancing our understanding of the ocean through interdisciplinary research projects, international collaborations, and support for marine initiatives​​.

ISblue’s training program is recognized as a flagship for higher education in marine science and technology in France and Europe, offering high-level interdisciplinary training closely linked to research. The program is designed to attract the best Master's and PhD students globally and offers new curricula in areas like coastal tourism and ocean data science. Students have the opportunity to build personalized learning pathways and engage in project-based learning through the Ocean Projects Hub, interacting closely with socio-economic partners​​.

For more detailed information, you can explore their programs and initiatives on the ISblue website and the LabexMER website

Meet our Gold Sponsors: Schott and Varicon Aqua

SCHOTT

SCHOTT is an international technology group, leading the way in specialty glass and glass-ceramics. With over 130 years of development, materials, and technology expertise, SCHOTT offers a broad portfolio of high-quality products and intelligent solutions across various industries, including the pharmaceutical, electronics, optics, and automotive sectors. The company's innovation and commitment to sustainable success have established it as an integral part of many industries, maintaining a global presence with production sites and sales offices in 35 countries.

In the realm of algae cultivation, SCHOTT's contributions are pioneering, particularly with their advancements in photobioreactor (PBR) technology. Utilizing their high-quality DURAN® borosilicate glass tubing, SCHOTT's PBR solutions are designed for the industrial cultivation of algae, providing an optimal environment for the growth of microalgae with exceptional light transmission, durability, and bio-secure conditions. These glass PBRs are essential for producing large quantities of high-quality, uncontaminated microalgae! 

Get to know more about Schott Photobioreactors here!  

VARICON AQUA

Our Gold-Sponsor Varicon Aqua is a UK-based specialist in algal photobioreactor and aquaculture production systems with over 30 years of experience. With a remarkable track record of 350+ deployed photobioreactors ranging from 5L to 400,000L, they are experts in designing, constructing, and deploying algal photobioreactors, high-rate algal ponds, and aquaculture production systems globally. Some examples of their successful products are the Phyco-™ range of photobioreactors and the Cell-Hi line of algal nutrients.

Varicon Aqua supports clients from concept to commissioning, leveraging their deep understanding of the needs of both organisms and engineered solutions. They offer consultancy services for techno-economic assessment and bioprocess design and also commercialise high quality algal nutrients and aquaculture products.

Be sure to check out their website and follow them on Linkedin!

Meet our Silver Sponsors: Algaia, Algreen and Synoxis

ALGAIA

Algaia is a dynamic company focused on harnessing the power of the sea, operating in over 50 countries. It specializes in the sustainable extraction and development of seaweed-based products, leveraging innovative, responsible technologies to produce alginates, carrageenans, and agri-ingredients for a variety of markets including food, cosmetics, agriculture, and industry. Algaia's commitment to eco-friendly processes and valorization of co-products underlines its dedication to environmental stewardship and innovation in the blue economy. For more information, visit their website.

ALGREEN

Algreen, founded in 2015 in Wageningen, operates across Europe, assisting microalgae producers in every aspect of their business, from production to downstream processes, regulation, and certification. Leveraging both hands-on experience and scientific knowledge, Algreen co-develops algae production systems tailored to specific needs. With a mission centered on making algae an everyday commodity, the company focuses on exploiting algae's unique properties and sustainable production methods. Algreen's expertise spans from designing spirulina production plants to extracting valuable components from microalgae, aiming to innovate the algae industry. 

For more details, visit Algreen's website.

SYNOXIS

Synoxis Algae specializes in developing equipment for microalgae cultivation, offering solutions that range from laboratory-scale photobioreactors to larger systems suitable for production. Their products, such as the NANO, LUCY, and JUMBO photobioreactors, are designed to automate algae cultivation processes, allowing for precise control over cultivation parameters. Synoxis Algae is committed to innovation in the algae industry, providing tools that secure production, optimize cultures, and meet the specific needs of their clients. Manufactured in France, their equipment supports both macroalgae and microalgae growth with a focus on user-centric design and efficiency. 

For more information, you can visit their website.

Meet our other sponsors: Eventee and French Phycological Society