SARGEX joins marine biotechnology showcase in Ostend
University of Antwerp researchers shared the potential of marine bioactives with industry, policymakers and the public at an event marking the commissioning of a new 300-litre algae bioreactor at ILVO.
Marine organisms offer a rich source of compounds for research into nutrition and health. On 17 April 2026, an event at InnovOcean–ILVO in Ostend, Belgium, brought together researchers, businesses and policymakers to explore this potential and the technologies needed to take research forward.
Professor Wim Vanden Berghe, from SARGEX partner the University of Antwerp, introduced work across SARGEX and the related marine research projects ALGA-CARE and Thalassia. His contribution explored how compounds derived from microalgae and other marine organisms are being investigated for potential applications in liver protection, healthy ageing and cancer research.
The event marked the commissioning of a new 300-litre algae bioreactor at ILVO as part of the ALGA-CARE project. The facility supports efforts to scale up microalgae production, an important step towards developing consistent materials for research and potential commercial applications.
Around 50 delegates attended, with more than 200 viewers following online. Participants included representatives from the algae production, food supplement, formulation and fermentation sectors, alongside researchers, students and members of the public. National and local television coverage extended the event’s reach.
For SARGEX, the event provided an opportunity to introduce its research within the wider marine biotechnology landscape and engage with stakeholders interested in the potential uses of marine-derived compounds.
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