The Canary Islands Science and Technology Park Foundation (FCPCT) of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), founded by the ULPGC and the Island Council of Gran Canaria, manages and promotes R&D&I and provides specialized services, stimulating the flow of knowledge and technology between the University, R&D&I entities, and businesses. ULPGC carries out cutting-edge research in Marine Sciences, a priority area within its smart specialization strategy. The Spanish Algae Bank (BEA) is a ULPGC infrastructure managed by FCPCT, accredited as an International Depository Authority for Microorganisms. Its mission is the isolation, characterization, and bioprospecting of algae and cyanobacteria, and biomass valorization for applications in blue biotechnology, all within a framework of sustainable exploitation of biodiversity and fair benefit sharing from national genetic resources, in line with the Nagoya Protocol. The Aquaculture Research Group (GIA) of the University Institute of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (IU-ECOAQUA) at ULPGC has extensive experience in aquaculture through international R&D&I projects, generating knowledge aimed at sustainability, improving the production of key species, and delivering education and training programs. Its collaboration with industry enables the development of an innovative aquaculture sector with an ecosystem-based approach.
FCPCT ULPGC in ACUICONECTA: FCPCT ULPGC is a key player in this proposal and, through BEA and GIA, will contribute to achieving all project objectives. BEA, in collaboration with GIA, will conduct studies to determine the optimal cultivation conditions for promoting endogenous production and/or accumulation of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LC-PUFA, mainly EPA and DHA) in macroalgae and microalgae, and their inclusion in new diets for other aquaculture species. Additionally, they will pilot the cultivation of new macroalgae species, their incorporation into new final products for various sectors, and their integration into multitrophic systems.Furthermore, BEA and GIA will play a significant role in the actions related to Objective 3, promoting new aquaculture products and contributing to their integration into the value chain, expanding the “Guide for the establishment of aquaculture enterprises” (THINKINAZUL capitalization); consolidating a scientific-technological ecosystem to support knowledge transfer and public dissemination through the creation of the SH.A.PL.A. platform (Sharing Aquaculture Platform in the eastern Atlantic); supporting the implementation of Sandboxes (regulatory testbeds) and Technological Free Zones (ZLT); and training students and trainers in the innovative techniques developed during the project.