The principal aim of the Seafarm Future Workshop was to bring together stakeholders, partners and researchers, to share and discuss ideas or experiences in the cultivation, refining and uses of algae in Sweden. The participants were split into four groups to hold intimate discussions and the event was split into three parts: a problem identification phase, a creative sharing phase and a future-oriented planning phase. For a more detailed account of the workshop process, see the news update from the 24th of April: Brainstorming med klara ramar stakar ut vägen framåt. By the end of the workshop, each group had produced posters containing valuable input covering the four focus areas (FA) of the Seafarm supply chain: cultivation of macroalgae (FA1), storage & preservation (FA2), bio-refining (FA3) and energy production (FA4) aspects.

Economic viability of the concept is likely to depend mostly on the products identified for the biorefinery in FA3 research, as well as careful supply chain development to minimize costs and overhead expenses.

There is a lot of hype surrounding algae research at the moment; it should be addressed strategically for the long-term good of the Swedish algae industry.

If you might be interested in participating in an upcoming Seafarm Future Workshop, please contact Jean-Baptiste Thomas - jbthomas@kth.se