The NOVAFOODIES Project’s aquaculture training course concludes successfully.

November 5, 2025

Empowering Future Aquaculture Leaders with Hands-On Knowledge and Sustainable Practices.

On Friday, October 24th, the Aquaculture Training Course under the NOVAFOODIES project, funded by the European Commission, successfully concluded. Over the past two weeks, participants strengthened their technical skills in aquaculture and entrepreneurship.

The CTAQUA team guided the students through the fascinating world of macroalgae, promoting an understanding of cultivation methods and the exploration of their multiple applications in the food, energy, and environmental sectors. In addition, participants had the opportunity to visit CTAQUA’s facilities and pilot plant, where they learned first-hand about the processes and technologies developed by the organization.

In the final days of the course, the training moved to the macroalgae cultivation facilities, where participants carried out direct observation of in situ techniques and practiced measuring key physicochemical variables essential for process control. This experience allowed the students to consolidate their practical skills and apply some of the concepts covered during the theoretical sessions.

The course counted on the collaboration of the project partners IDENER, ANFACO, HOLOSS, and ITENE, who joined one of the sessions to present to the participants the objectives of NOVAFOODIES and the role each of their organizations plays in relation to the aquaculture sector. Their contributions ranged from the development and implementation of new devices and techniques for algae cultivation and utilization, to the creation of tools and systems that ensure transparent traceability and a trustworthy environment, as well as the analysis and evaluation of environmental, economic, and social impacts throughout the entire value chain.

During the entrepreneurship sessions, participants were introduced to market research and the application of innovation methodologies such as the Value Proposition Canvas, aimed at generating entrepreneurial ideas and designing differentiated value initiatives. Likewise, they strengthened key skills such as creative thinking, persuasive communication, and empathy, which are essential for addressing challenges and transforming opportunities into sustainable initiatives within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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