Who we work with

Partners

What We Do

CIIMAR takes the lead in WP1, ensuring the effective organization and supervision of the INNOECOFOOD project. Responsibilities include coordinating activities, monitoring targets, facilitating communication between partners and the EC, and ensuring ethical, environmental, and gender considerations are addressed.

CIIMAR plays a pivotal role in WP6, dedicated to developing a diverse range of non-conventional value-added food products derived from fish waste, spirulina, and insects.

Furthermore, CIIMAR leads the tasks outlined in WP7, which focus on ensuring the quality and safety of products. CIIMAR team will also conduct evaluations of the environmental impact of fish, spirulina, and insect chains through Life Cycle Assessment methodologies.

Finally, CIIMAR leads WP9, dedicated to Ethics Requirements that the project must comply with.

CIIMAR, Portugal

CIIMAR, part of the University of Porto, excels in ocean and coastal research and training. It integrates physical, chemical, and biological insights to address environmental and human impacts. CIIMAR advances marine resource management, aquaculture, and biotechnological applications, tackling challenges like seafood quality, drug development, water quality, and ecosystem preservation. It provides innovative solutions for sustainable fisheries, oil spill mitigation, and ocean literacy.

Our role in the project

  1. To enhance sustainable food production using agroecology principles;
  2. To improve the nutritional quality and safety of food components and products;
  3. To use underutilised food by-products to make novel proteins, peptides and food thereby reducing waste and pollution
  4. to recycle water and
  5. To use sustainable energy sources and reduce the carbon footprint and
  6. Training and Dissemination
NKSB, funded by UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee Funding, is led by Professor Nazlin Howell, who coordinates the INNOECOFOOD project. NKSB oversees work packages related to novel product production through drying and extrusion, as well as quality, safety, and dissemination. It also engages in communication, ethics, industry advisory, and intellectual property committees, and collaborates with Cluster Projects and the JRC.

Our role in the project

 

In the INNOECOFOOD project, KMFRI is involved in coordinating WP 2 spearheading installation of Ecohubs and living labs in African Countries. Within the Ecohub  and living labs, the project research team in Kenya will be involved in sustainable production of fish, spirulina, and insects using climate smart technologies, processing and marketing of the products.

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, was established by the Science and Technology Act (1979), now superseded by the Science, Technology, and Innovation Act (2013). KMFRI conducts research across Ocean and Coastal Systems, Freshwater Systems, Aquaculture, and Socio-economics. Its mandate includes marine and freshwater research, supporting sustainable Blue Economy development and collaborating on training. institutions.

Our role in the project

Oversee sustainable feeds for catfish and tilapia: Ingredient screening: Ingredients, including fish by-products, insects, and spirulina, produced in the ECOHUBs (WP4, 5), as well as locally available plants, including agricultural waste, cereal bran, cassava, millet, maize, will be nutritionally assessed by using standard methods, Fish feeds formulation, Fish feeds selection and Feeds final preparation.

The Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, was established by Act No. 6 of 1980 and began operations in 1983. It fulfills its mandate to promote and coordinate fisheries and aquaculture research across mainland Tanzania. With four research centers and one substation, TAFIRI conducts ongoing research and monitoring to support government advisories and ensure sustainable fisheries management.

Makerere University is part of the Consortium implementing the INOECOFOOD Project under the following work packages:

1. WP 2: Scoping aquaculture practices in Uganda.

2. WP 3: Optimizing the production of eco-farmed catfish and tilapia, sustainable feeds, and post-harvest technologies; monitoring living labs in Lake Victoria.

3. WP 6: Up-cycling waste nutrients and making novel products from fish, byproducts, Spirulina, and insects using solar-powered drying and extrusion processes.

4. WP 7: Validating nutritional and sensory quality, microbiological and chemical safety, product acceptance, and certification of fish, Spirulina, and insect products for marketing and consumption. Creating a database and training youth/women in Uganda in the production, food quality and safety, business, and marketing of fish, Spirulina, and insect products, with extended training to community farmers including living labs.

5. WP 8: Disseminating project information via scientific/commercial publications, social media, and conferences.

6. WP 9: Taking part in ethics review processes.

The project is hosted by Makerere University's Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences in the College of Natural Sciences (CONAS). Established in 1922, Makerere is Uganda's largest and oldest higher education institution, comprising nine colleges and one school. It serves around 36,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates across diverse fields, aiming to generate and apply knowledge to enhance local and global livelihoods.

CSIR is part of the Consortium implementing the INOECOFOOD Project under the following work packages:

What We Do

CSIR-Food Research Institute is mandated to conduct applied market-oriented research into resolving challenges of food processing and preservation, food safety, food storage, marketing, distribution and utilization and also to advice government on its food policy. Food Research Institute was established in 1963 by the Government of Ghana and in 1965, was integrated into Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The Institute’s primary mission is to provide scientific and technological support for the growth of the food and agricultural sectors of the national economy in line with corporate prioritization and national objectives and secondly, to provide technical services and products profitably to the private sector and other stakeholders.

CSIR-FRI operates under three (3) pillars: Research and Development, Commercialization and CCST – MPhil and PhD in Food Science and Technology. The R&D component functions under four key thematic areas, these include Root and tuber products program; Cereal, grains and legumes products program; Meat, fish and dairy products program; Fruit, vegetable and spice products program.

CSIR-FRI leads WP7 of the INNOECOFOOD project, focusing on validating quality, acceptance, and certification of fish, spirulina, and insect products. WP7 aims to assess the nutritional, functional, microbiological, and chemical safety of these products, evaluate sensory attributes, and conduct consumer acceptance studies in rural communities. It also evaluates environmental impacts through LCA and designs a certification program to promote change toward sustainable and resilient food production systems.

Our role in the project

To develop value added food products from spirulina and fish using extrusion technology. To optimize aquaculture fish production using AI and IoT technologies

The University of Namibia (UNAM) is the country’s leading tertiary institution, with four faculties and 12 campuses nationwide. Its mission is to support national and international development through translational research, quality training, and innovation. UNAM provides higher education, conducts research, advances knowledge, and offers extension services. It promotes cultural growth, continuing education, and contributes to Namibia's social and economic development while fostering national and international relationships.

We'll build an Ecohub for producing fish from the most recent aquaculture system which is the In-pond Raceway System (IPRS) and spirulina from spirulina production ponds and make some processing for produced spirulina and for fish processing. We will use spirulina, insect-based protein, and fish by-product to create various fish feed substitutes for fish meal. and then will train beneficiaries on each component of these components.

The Central Lab for Aquaculture Research (CLAR) is under the Ministry of Agriculture. Our vision is to aid rural and desert communities by transferring aquaculture technology and sharing research. Our mission is to promote sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development in Egypt through research and training. CLAR has ten departments: Hatchery & Fish Physiology, Fish Production & Systems, Fish Nutrition & Feed, Fish Ecology & Biology, Fish Breeding & Genetics, Limnology, Fish Processing & Quality, Fish Health & Zoonosis, Fish Extension, and Fish Economics.

UDSM is part of the Consortium implementing the INOECOFOOD Project under the following work packages:

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Tanzania’s oldest public university, was founded on October 25, 1961, as University College Dar es Salaam and became a full university on July 1, 1970. Located on Mlimani Hill, UDSM has grown to include two constituent colleges, seven campus colleges, and numerous academic departments. It offers 370 programs, including certificates, diplomas, and degrees. With a strong focus on research and postgraduate training, UDSM follows Vision 2061 to enhance its role in innovation, development, and academic excellence.

Our role in the project

Objectives 1 to 7 of INNOECOFOOD

1. Scoping of aquaculture practices in local lakes and rivers (living labs) and establishing sustainable and innovative agribusiness rural ECOHUBS using renewable solar/wind energy for the production, processing, and marketing of aquaculture value chains (fish and selected Spirulina species) and insect species.

2. Optimization of the production of eco-farmed fish (catfish and tilapia) and selected Spirulina species, and selected insects; sustainable feeds, and post-harvest technologies using sensors, AI, and IoT technology in aquaculture ECOHUBS and living labs sites.

3. Scoping suitable plant products; upcycling fish-waste nutrients and making new products from fish and coproducts, Spirulina, and insects using solar-powered drying, extrusion with AI sensors, and IoT control.

4. Training 120 youth and 120 women in production, food quality and safety, and business and marketing of fish, Spirulina, and insect products to improve income, and training over five thousand community members and farmers through digital technology.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a public university in Juja, Kenya, 36 kilometers northeast of Nairobi. Established in 1981 as the Jomo Kenyatta College of Agriculture and Technology, it became a university in 1994 through the JKUAT Act, now operating under the Universities Act of 2012. JKUAT specializes in training, research, consultancy, innovation, and entrepreneurship with a focus on agriculture and technology.

In the INNOECOFOOD project, BMAEU (MAKU) is involved in coordinating and implementation of Work Package 4 on optimizing the sustainable production of selected spirulina species and post-harvest processing in four ECOHUBS. Spirulina species from lakes in different ECOHUB locations will be characterized by molecular biology techniques for useful high protein, anti-pollution and high phycocyanin content. The novel variants will be compared with a standard commercial control variety, Spirulina platensis. The local species with the optimum properties will be farmed and processed for food and feed using AI sensors and IoT.

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKU), founded in 2006, is named after the Turkish national anthem poet. Located in Burdur, it has 12 faculties, 4 institutes, 5 colleges, 13 vocational schools, and a conservatory. With 36,123 students and 1,080 staff, MAKU excels in technology and academics and is a pilot university for the Regional Development-Oriented Mission Differentiation Project.
Laboratory analysis of the quality and safety of Spirulina for use as a food and feeds additive.
 

The Denizli Governorship, under Turkey's Ministry of Interior, oversees local administration and works with 19 public institutions. It manages regional governance and coordinates international projects through its EU unit. Partnering with the Food Control Laboratory Directorate and the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, it conducts food safety analyses. The Food Control Laboratory, with 8 labs and 70 staff, ensures regulatory compliance.

Our role in the project

In the INNOECOOFOOD project, ICIPE will lead the optimization selected edible insect species production and postharvest processing. Together with other partners, icipe will contribute to the harmonization of policies in Africa to support edible insect sector; map organic waste to improve insect protein production; diversify insect species and strains to overcome the dependence on black soldier fly; and help to
automate insect farming systems to increase production; increase value-added consumer-driven food products to overcome disgust factor; address biosafety measures in insects food and feed; and provide
information through AI, IoT, web and digital solutions to rural farmers, including women and youth.
icipe, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, was founded in 1970 to address the challenges of insect diversity and its impact on Africa. The Centre uses insect science to improve food security, health, and sustainable development by developing eco-friendly pest control tools and strategies. icipe focuses on building research capacity, empowering women and youth, and collaborating globally to enhance agricultural productivity and address insect-related issues.

In the INNOECOFOOD project, B2E CoLAB is involved as a Partner in WP 8 activities of Communication, Dissemination of knowledge outputs. The work to be developed by B2E CoLAB, together with other consortium partners, involves producing and compiling into a manual educational content shared by project partners who are experts in fish, spirulina and insect production, making knowledge accessible and stimulating for those who will work in the Ecohubs, so that knowledge, methodologies and good practices can then be replicated by five thousand local workers.

B2E CoLAB is also going to develop educational videos and is also involved in the Communication Committee, which aims for efficient dissemination and close collaboration with key stakeholders in the project.

The Collaborative Laboratory for the Blue BioEconomy - is a non-profit uniting universities, research centers, and private companies. It aims to advance the Blue Bioeconomy by training skilled professionals and fostering job creation. B2E focuses on sustainable marine bioresource use, technological development in marine aquaculture and biotechnology, and knowledge transfer, driven by a multidisciplinary team skilled in science, communication, and economics.

Provide innovative solar powered multipurpose drier, as well as solar tunnel drier tunnels and portable solar SPARKY driers in different ECOHUBS for comparison for drying fish products and insects feeds and food products.

Sparky, Uganda

Sparky Social Enterprise Limited is an innovative force pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture and clean energy, with a transformative impact across Africa and global recognition, transitioning in 2024 to TechLiners.Inc for advanced agricultural IoT monitoring, diversifying products like Sparky Briquettes and Usakula for pest management, envisioning a future with a global presence and collaborative partnerships to empower farmers and promote sustainable practices.

Our role in the project

In INNOECOFOOD project, FSPN AFRICA coordinates WP 8 on communication, exploitation and dissemination of knowledge outputs and best practices on sustainable production, processing, marketing and consumption of fish, blue-green cyanobacteria spirulina, and selected insect value chains.


  1.  Conduct Baseline and Endline Survey,
  2. Develop Data/Knowledge Management Infrastructure,
  3. Design and development of training content and coordinating Training and Demonstration,
  4. Coordinating Collaboration with cluster projects,
  5. Develop Business model for the ECOHUBS

FSPN-Africa focuses on improving farmer welfare, particularly for smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. Collaborating with youth and women groups, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs), FSPN-Africa addresses household food and nutrition security. Their approach includes agricultural growth partnerships, empowerment, and nutrition education. By engaging stakeholders throughout the value chain, FSPN-Africa ensures fair compensation for farmers and improved livelihoods, recognizing that food security must also encompass nutrition security.

Our role in the project

Installation of multi-purpose dryer, Data management, Support on AI and IoT

INNOTECH has been active in food processing for over 30 years, specializing in energy-efficient drying equipment for agricultural and pharmaceutical products. INNOTECH’s equipment is used in over 110 countries, producing premium products. They collaborate with associations, development agencies, and universities, consulting on international projects. INNOTECH implements university-developed equipment in agriculture and operates a research lab for developing control strategies and building pilot-scale experimental plants.

Fraunhofer ISE is part of the Consortium implementing the INOECOFOOD Project under the following work packages:

Fraunhofer ISE as the leading solar research institute in Europe has outstanding knowledge and experiences in solar driven technologies both in photovoltaic and solar thermally driven system for cooling, heating, air-conditioning and energy supply. International cooperation in several projects and long-time research and experience enable this partner to contribute to the design and set up of solar-powered systems for cooling and drying, including storage technologies for thermal and electrical energy.

Our role in the project

FMV is mainly involved with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
Certification, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Food Control training. Additionally,
FMV also participates in multiple tasks on Work Package (WP) 1, WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5, WP6, WP7 and
WP8.

 

CIISA, the research centre of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon, commemorated its 25th-year jubilee in 2018. Throughout its history, it has been consolidating as the top-ranking Portuguese Animal and Veterinary Sciences research unit.

More recently, CIISA has taken a leading role in the coordination of national and international research networks and consortiums.

Our role in the project

Developing, producing, packaging and marketing of innovative products using alternative sources of
protein and come up with sustainable food production methods.

peche foods, Kenya

We are one of the leading exporters of chilled and frozen nile perch fillets. Peche foods is an EU approved ISO 9001 certified and HACCP fish processing factory in Kisumu-Kenya. We can supply Nile Perch (Lates niloticus ) and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as skinless fillets, skinon fillets, Loins, cubes, Head less and gutted and Steaks.

Our role in the project

Communication and dialogues with EU cluster projects, Government bodies, EU and AU policy makers and businesses on behalf of INNOECOFOOD.

The JRC provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society. 

 

JRC plays a key role at multiple stages of the EU policy cycle. It contributes to the overall objective of Horizon Europe.


Works closely with research and policy organizations in the Member States, with the European institutions and agencies, and with scientific partners in Europe and internationally, including within the United Nations system.