Growing algae: opportunities in Flanders
The Flemish algae sector is at a turning point. New technologies, applications and collaborations are creating opportunities across the entire value chain. From food and health to biobased plastics, interest in microalgae and macroalgae as sustainable raw materials is growing. But innovation does not happen within a single laboratory or company. Successfully bringing new applications to market requires collaboration, knowledge sharing and strong partnerships. That is why the Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries, the B2BE Facilitator, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, the Flemish Aquaculture Platform and VLAIO are bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, innovation partners, clusters and policymakers on 19 November 2026 for an interactive networking day focused on algae innovation and valorisation.
What to expect?
During the event, you will discover how the Flemish algae value chain is taking shape and what opportunities are emerging for new applications, products and collaborations.
- Learn from real-world cases how growers and processors are working with microalgae and macroalgae.
- Gain insights into current challenges and market opportunities.
- Discover how Flanders' spearhead clusters view the future of algae valorisation.
- Meet organisations and experts who could play a role in your next innovation or valorisation project.
- Take part in an interactive brainstorming session.
During a VLAIO Turbo Talk, you can confidentially discuss your own challenge with experts and receive free insights to help you identify your next steps.
Who is it for?
This event is aimed at companies, entrepreneurs, researchers, knowledge institutions, innovation professionals, cluster organisations and policymakers that are active in or interested in the algae value chain.
The programme is particularly relevant for organisations working in food and ingredients, aquaculture, health and chemistry, biobased materials, the circular economy, industrial biotechnology and the blue bioeconomy.
Programme
- 09:00–09:30 Welcome coffee
- 09:30–09:35 Welcome by Hilde Crevits, Vice-Minister-President of the Government of Flanders and Flemish Minister for Home Affairs, Cities and Rural Affairs, Living Together, Integration and Civic Integration, Administrative Affairs, Social Economy and Sea Fisheries (video message)
- 09:35–10:05 Setting the scene (Agency for Agriculture & Fisheries | B2BE Facilitator | VLAIO | Thomas More)
- 10:05–11:15 Cases from across the value chain (OceanBites | Algaculture | Bloom Biotech | Axabio)
- 11:15–11:30 Coffee break
- 11:30–12:25 Panel discussion: the future of algae valorisation (Flanders FOOD | BIOVIA | De Blauwe Cluster)
- 12:25–12:30 Closing of the morning session and introduction to the afternoon programme
- 12:30–13:30 Networking lunch with opportunities for brainstorming
- 13:30–15:30 VLAIO Turbo Talks and continuation of the B2BE brainstorming session