The POLYALGAE project is based on a patent-pending joint UGent/ILVO invention on a new and improved gelation and emulsification process of microalgae with additional benefits for high-value industrial applications. Microalgae-based products receive more and more attention for their positive characteristics in many high-end application fields, like cosmetics and food. However, their widespread adoption by the market has been hampered by some challenges due to the high cost of harvesting and their unstable nature. With the proposed technology, POLYALGAE can meet these challenges. 

The main aim of POLYALGAE is to develop this discovery further into a marketable technology for the most suitable and promising market applications in food and cosmetics. In addition, this project will allow to collect further data to substantiate the claims of the submitted patent application within the first year of filing. 

More specifically, POLYALGAE will:  

1. Perform a more in-depth market analysis with company interviews 
2. Strengthen the IP position 
3. Benchmark POLYALGAE against different industry applications