Microalgae

Spirulina, chlorella… microalgae are rich in proteins and possess a wide range of properties, though their potential remains largely underexplored. Used to boost immune defenses, treat water, reduce carbon footprints, or feed fish in arid regions, their applications are vast. In Saint-Nazaire, a growing ecosystem is developing around this “green gold,” supporting innovative young companies.

Success stories in microalgae

ALGOSOURCE

An innovative company specialising in nutraceuticals, dedicated to preventive healthcare and clinical therapy support. Based across three sites in Loire-Atlantique, Algosource has developed an innovative solvent-free, cold bio-extraction process to extract the most active substances from microalgae.

PHOSPHOTECH

Based in Nantes, PhosphoTech valorises seafood by-products such as fish skins, bones, livers, crustacean shells, and seaweed. These co-products are rich in nutrients (Omega-3, Vitamin D) with health benefits including bone density improvement, skin quality, eyesight, immunity, and cognitive functions. Founded over 20 years ago, PhosphoTech has achieved 15% annual growth and currently employs 15 people.

ZENI

Founded in October 2023, Zeni offers an innovative, natural treatment solution for industrial effluents using microalgae. Through photobioreactors, the company purifies water and valorises biomass, offering turnkey installations for industrial clients.

ALGOLIGHT

Based in Saint-Nazaire, Algolight is developing a photobioreactor for microalgae production in partnership with Nantes University.

AGS MANUFACTURING

A young company located in Saint-Nazaire, focusing on the use of microalgae for the production of biopharmaceuticals.

A globally unique pioneer ecosystem

Entrepreneurs working with marine bioresources find a fertile environment in Nantes and Saint-Nazaire for their development. This ecosystem is unique worldwide, combining expertise and infrastructure. At the heart of this is the GEPEA Laboratory, offering research capabilities and high-quality facilities. Ranked among the world’s top 12 research centres on microalgae, GEPEA is a public research lab uniting several institutions (Nantes University, Oniris, IMT-Atlantique) and the CNRS, with a team of 220 people. The lab is internationally renowned for its expertise in process engineering.

Located within GEPEA, the Algosolis research and innovation platform enables companies to test industrial-scale production, and currently hosts several startups in development phases. It is also undergoing expansion.

Currently in the testing phase, the Health-Phase demonstrator project aims to develop innovative processes dedicated to microalgae, ultimately meeting industrial production standards for human health applications, with support from the Pays de la Loire Regional Council.

In Nantes, institutions such as Ifremer, Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique, Atlanpole incubator, and Capacités (the innovation transfer subsidiary of Nantes University) play an active role in most marine bioresource valorisation projects in Nantes and Saint-Nazaire.

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