SEAWEED SOLUTIONS AS

Their core work

Seaweed Solutions AS is a Norwegian SME specializing in the commercial cultivation and processing of seaweed for food markets. Their work spans the full value chain from developing high-yielding seaweed strains through large-scale aquaculture systems to food-grade processing and market entry. They operate at the intersection of marine biology and food production, applying integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) principles to make seaweed farming economically viable at scale. As a company that moved from biorefinery research into direct food product commercialization, they combine scientific grounding with a strong market orientation.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their first project (GENIALG, from 2017), Seaweed Solutions participated in a broad research consortium focused on genetic diversity, biorefinery science, marine enzymes, and sustainability assessment — a foundational, upstream position in the seaweed value chain. By 2019, with SeaBest, they had shifted decisively toward market execution: coordinating a commercial-scale food production and processing project with a much larger budget and a leadership role. The trajectory is clear — from research participant to commercial pioneer, from lab-scale biorefinery to market-ready food product.

Seaweed Solutions is moving toward full commercial food market entry, suggesting future collaboration opportunities lie in supply chain development, food safety certification, retail partnerships, or scaling production infrastructure rather than basic research.

How they like to work

Seaweed Solutions has demonstrated both roles — active partner in a large research consortium (GENIALG) and coordinator of a market-focused innovation project (SeaBest). Their 19 unique partners across 6 countries over just two projects suggests they engage with broad, diverse consortia rather than working repeatedly with the same circle. The jump to coordinator on their second project indicates growing confidence and project management capability, making them a credible lead partner for future seaweed-focused initiatives.

Despite only two projects, Seaweed Solutions has connected with 19 distinct partners across 6 countries, reflecting the international nature of European marine bioeconomy research. Their network likely spans Norwegian aquaculture institutions, food industry players, and EU research organizations.

What sets them apart

Seaweed Solutions stands out as one of the few EU-funded SMEs that has moved seaweed from research into a commercially operational food production system. Unlike academic or research institute partners who study seaweed, this company is building a real business around it — bringing commercial drive, market knowledge, and operational experience that pure research partners cannot offer. For consortium builders, they are the rare link between seaweed science and paying customers.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SeaBest
  As coordinator of a EUR 1.66M Innovation Action, Seaweed Solutions led the launch of what was positioned as the EU's first large-scale organic seaweed-to-food cultivation and processing operation — a landmark commercial milestone in the European blue bioeconomy.
• GENIALG
  This multi-partner research project placed Seaweed Solutions inside a genetic diversity and biorefinery consortium, giving them scientific credibility and connections across European seaweed research before they moved to lead their own commercial project.