The INNOAQUA project is pleased to be part of AQUACLUSTER, a collaborative initiative bringing together five Horizon Europe projects (CURE4AQUA, GRINNAQUA, IGNITION, INNOAQUA, and LOCALITY), that share a common focus on biosecurity, hygiene, disease prevention, and animal welfare in aquaculture.
AQUACLUSTER aims to enhance the impact and reach of each project by:
- Promoting cross-project communication through the exchange of relevant news and updates
- Organising joint events, including webinars and workshops
- Identifying synergies and supporting networking between the participating teams
- Including dedicated slots in each project’s progress meetings to share updates and foster alignment
This coordinated effort contributes to a more cohesive and visible research community and supports the development of sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices across Europe.
About the projects
Cure4Aqua
CURE4AQUA aims to strengthen health and welfare in European aquaculture by co-developing and validating innovative technologies for early disease detection, sustainable disease prevention, and improved animal welfare. The project supports the development of alternatives to pharmaceuticals (such as bio-based treatments and vaccines), promotes selective breeding strategies, and contributes to establishing high welfare standards tailored to various species and production systems.
Grinnaqua
GRINNAQUA works to enhance the research and innovation capacity of CIIMAR (Portugal) in sustainable aquaculture. The project builds on scientific excellence and international collaboration to advance fish health management through improved diagnostics, vaccination strategies, functional feeds, and genetics. GRINNAQUA also addresses institutional gaps and supports the Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork policy goals.
Ignition
IGNITION focuses on enhancing animal welfare and health in aquaculture in the context of climate change. The project combines molecular research, functional feeds, vaccination strategies, and genomic tools to reduce stress and improve disease resilience. It also develops non-invasive biosensors and IT-based tools to monitor animal welfare and support decision-making in aquaculture operations
Innoaqua
INNOAQUA promotes the integration of algae-based solutions in inland aquaculture systems. The project demonstrates innovative approaches for food and feed production, circularity, digitalisation, and environmental performance. Its goal is to diversify EU aquaculture, reduce waste, and introduce new algae-based seafood products while promoting their societal acceptance and market uptake.
Locality
LOCALITY develops sustainable and circular algae-based value chains in the North Sea and Baltic Sea regions. The project leverages nutrient-rich waste streams from agriculture, aquaculture, and textile industries to cultivate algae and produce bio-based products such as food, aquafeed, fertilisers, and textile additives. LOCALITY also works to ensure consumer acceptance and develop viable market strategies.