Last week, the NOVAFOODIES consortium gathered virtually for its M36 Consortium Meeting, marking a key milestone as the project enters its final six months. Coordinated by IDENER.AI, the meeting brought together partners from across Europe to review progress, exchange insights, and align on the next steps towards delivering impactful results.

Over the past months, the project has made substantial technical advancements across all work packages. The meeting offered a comprehensive overview of the results achieved so far, highlighting the consortium’s strong commitment to innovation and sustainability in aquaculture and generally speaking in the food sector.

Among the most notable developments presented were advanced ecological modelling approaches, enabling a better understanding of environmental dynamics, as well as cost-effective biomass production methods, contributing to more efficient and sustainable resource use. Partners also showcased progress in cutting-edge drying technologies, designed to optimise processing and preservation, alongside the development of innovative functional food products that respond to emerging market and societal needs.

The M36 meeting also provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration beyond the project itself. The consortium engaged in constructive exchanges with related Horizon Europe initiatives, including Protein4Impact and Algovex, fostering synergies and knowledge sharing across complementary research areas. These interactions further reinforce the role of NOVAFOODIES within a wider ecosystem of projects working towards more resilient, circular, and sustainable food systems.

In addition to reviewing achievements, the meeting was instrumental in fine-tuning the project’s final milestones. Through open discussions and feedback, partners ensured strong alignment on priorities and upcoming activities, setting a clear path towards the successful completion of the project’s objectives.

The consortium’s collaborative spirit and high level of engagement were evident throughout the meeting. All partners contributed actively, presenting their work and sharing insights gained during the implementation phase. This collective effort continues to be a key driver behind the project’s progress and success.

As NOVAFOODIES now enters its final phase, the focus is firmly on maximising impact. With significant results already validated, the consortium is committed to translating research and innovation into tangible outcomes that support the transition towards more sustainable and circular food systems, particularly in the field of aquaculture and alternative food sources.

The coming months will be crucial to consolidate achievements, enhance dissemination and exploitation activities, and ensure that the project delivers lasting value to stakeholders, industry, and society as a whole.

The NOVAFOODIES journey is approaching its conclusion—but with strong foundations in place and a clear vision ahead, the best is yet to come!