The Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC) had a prominent presence at the Origin Natura fair, whose first edition placed innovation, sustainability, and public-private collaboration at the center of the debate on the development of nutraceuticals and other novel applications.
Under the slogan “The Future of Natural”, the Origin Natura fair, held on January 16 and 17 at the IFEDI exhibition center in Ciudad Real, brought together the entire value chain in a meeting space for producers, research centers, and processing companies to discuss and share advances in the identification of active compounds obtained from natural sources, based on scientific evidence, with potential applications in sectors such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
At its exhibition stand, the ITC showcased flagship projects related to the cultivation of marine algae and their applications in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and aquaculture. Algae-derived products stand out for their high nutritional value, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Innovative solutions were also presented for the use of algae as biofertilizers and feed for aquaculture activities.
Among the initiatives promoted, the incubation program of the IAT BIOASIS Gran Canaria was one of the main highlights. This space, located at the ITC’s facilities in Pozo Izquierdo, provides scientific-technical support and ideal conditions to develop and validate projects in blue biotechnology and aquaculture. In addition, strategic projects were presented such as:
- NATUR-EXT, which promotes the energy recovery of biological resources for industrial purposes under a circular economy model.
- ACUICONECTA, a project for the sustainable development of aquaculture in outermost regions and African countries.
- THINKINAZUL, an initiative that brings together key stakeholders in marine sciences in the Canary Islands to address challenges in marine monitoring, climate change, and economic diversification.
- ALGASAL+, focused on macroalgae aquaculture using brine from desalination plants, contributing to sustainable water management.
- CALYPSO, which promotes the sustainable production and use of algae to diversify the economy and meet the objectives of the European Green Deal.
The ITC played a prominent role in expert panels, where Flavio Guidi, Head of the Biotechnology Department, presented the activities of the IAT BIOASIS Gran Canaria incubator, highlighted projects led by the ITC, and showcased success stories in the development of marine plant extracts. During his presentation, he emphasized the importance of initiatives such as spirulina cultivation in seawater, which contribute to economic diversification and sustainability.
ORIGIN NATURA 2025, organized by the company Pomona Keepers with the support of the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha and the Provincial Council of Ciudad Real, aims to become a benchmark space for the sector of bioactive compounds derived from nature.
With its outstanding participation, the ITC reaffirms its leadership in the development of blue biotechnology as a driver of economic diversification.