INNOECOFOOD WPL Month 27 Meeting, Highlights and Progress Across All Work Packages
The INNOECOFOOD Project convened its Month 27 Work Package Leaders (WPL) Meeting on 8th and 9th April 2026, bringing together partners across Africa and Europe to review progress, address challenges, and align on the next phase of implementation.
Held online and coordinated by CIIMAR, the two-day meeting provided a comprehensive overview of achievements across all work packages, reinforcing the project’s mission to deliver eco-innovative solutions for sustainable, nutritious, and inclusive food systems.
Day 1: Advancing Core Research and Infrastructure (WP1–WP5)
The first day focused on progress across Work Packages 1 to 5, beginning with an update on overall project coordination and management. Key milestones included progress toward upcoming deliverables due by Month 30, strengthened collaboration opportunities with continental initiatives such as the EU-AU FNSSA Partnership, and confirmation of a six-month project extension from UKRI.
Partners were also invited to prepare for the upcoming 36-month consortium meeting scheduled for November 2026 in Mwanza, Tanzania.
Significant strides were reported in the construction and operationalization of ECOHUBs under WP2, with production optimization expected to begin between May and June 2026 across different partner sites.
Technical enhancements, such as the near-completion of the ice-making system for Kenya, signal readiness for scaling production activities. Under WP3, progress in aquaculture research was evident, including the stocking of fingerlings in Living Labs and ongoing data collection, alongside preparations for scientific publications. Discussions also emphasized the need for coordinated data management systems across hubs.
Work Package 4 highlighted continued advancements in spirulina production, while WP5 showcased progress in insect-based innovations and related activities. Across these work packages, partners addressed implementation challenges, shared lessons learned, and outlined clear next steps to ensure timely delivery of results.
Day 2: From Innovation to Impact (WP6–WP9)
The second day shifted focus toward product development, capacity building, dissemination, and ethics, covering Work Packages 6 to 9. Notably, partners presented promising developments in the creation of high-protein, low-cost nutritious food products derived from sustainable sources such as insects, fish, and spirulina.
These innovations are central to addressing malnutrition while promoting environmentally sustainable food production.
Updates from WP7 emphasized ongoing efforts to refine product development and value chains, ensuring that innovations are both market-relevant and scalable. Meanwhile, WP8 highlighted progress in training and capacity building, including the approval of training plans by the external ethics committee.
Discussions also addressed practical challenges, such as limited access to smartphones among trainees, prompting the need for context-specific training approaches.
The importance of making training materials widely accessible through the project website and digital platforms was strongly emphasized.
Work Package 9 provided updates on ethical compliance, with plans underway for the next Ethics Committee meeting in June 2026. Ensuring adherence to ethical standards remains a cornerstone of the project’s implementation, particularly in areas involving community engagement and animal welfare.
The Month 27 WPL Meeting reaffirmed the INNOECOFOOD Project’s steady progress toward its objectives, from research and infrastructure development to product innovation and stakeholder engagement.
With ECOHUBs nearing full operational capacity, novel nutrient-rich food products advancing, and knowledge-sharing platforms expanding, the project is well-positioned to deliver lasting impact.
As preparations begin for the 36-month consortium meeting in Tanzania, partners remain committed to strengthening collaboration, accelerating innovation uptake, and contributing to resilient, sustainable food systems across Africa and beyond.
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