Success stories in microalgae
ALGOSOURCE is an innovative company specializing in nutraceuticals, offering preventive care (health nutraceuticals) and supportive care (clinical nutraceuticals). Operating at 3 sites in Loire-Atlantique, they have developed an innovative method of solvent-free cold bio-extraction of the most active substances of microalgae.
PHOSPHOTECH based in Nantes, transforms fish discards, such as skins, bones and livers, as well as shellfish shells and seaweed, which have nutritional virtues (omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D) into products that can be used in food supplements, which may have beneficial effects on bone density, skin quality, vision, the immune system and cognitive function. Founded over 20 years ago, the Nantes-based company PhosphoTech is growing at a rate of 15% per year and now has 15 employees.
BLU EAT : this startup formed in Saint-Nazaire in 2020 produces active ingredients made from microalgae that are then added to local fruit juices. "Be like you eat" is Blu Eat's slogan. In Saint-Nazaire, the entrepreneur found a cutting-edge ecosystem for marine bio-resources.
ALGOLIGHT in Saint-Nazaire is developing a photobioreactor for the production of microalgae, in partnership with the University of Nantes.
AGS MANUFACTURING is a young company based in Saint-Nazaire that uses microalgae to produce biologics.
A unique pioneering ecosystem
Entrepreneurs working in the marine bio-resources sector will find the Nantes and Saint-Nazaire area a fertile environment for growth. Unique in terms of its positioning and expertise, the GEPEA laboratory offers local businesses world-class research capacities and infrastructure. Ranked among the top 12 worldwide for microalgae research, this public laboratory with a staff of 220 people brings together several institutions (Nantes University, Oniris, IMT-Atlantique) and the CNRS and is renowned for its expertise in the field of process engineering.
"The world of innovation envies this unique microalgae ecosystem, which is all in one place, with real interactions on a human, scientific and entrepreneurial level."
GEPEA lab director Jérémy Pruvost and associate director Pascal Jaouen
Companies can test their transition to industrial scale production at research and innovation facility ALGOSOLIS located at the GEPEA lab. It hosts several startups in the development phase and is currently being expanded.
Currently in the test phase, the Health-Phase demonstrator project is developing innovative processes involving microalgae in order to meet the industrial production requirements for use in human health. This project is supported by the Pays de la Loire region.
In Nantes, Ifremer, the Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique, the incubator Atlanpole and Capacités, the University of Nantes spin-off, are also actively involved in most of the projects underway to develop marine bio-resources in Nantes and Saint-Nazaire.
A comprehensive offering of study programs
The University of Nantes offers a complete range of study programs from 3 to 8 years post-baccalaureate, with around one hundred license, bachelor and master degrees and 30 doctorates awarded per year.
3 years post-baccalaureate:
5 years post-baccalaureate:
- Master's Degree in Complex Systems Engineering
- Microalgae Bioprocess Engineering Master’s Degree (MBE)
- Master's Degree in Environmental Management
- Master's Degree in Biology and Health - M2 BBRT
8 years post-baccalaureate:
- Engineering and Systems Sciences (SIS) ED 602
- Plant, Animal, Food, Sea, Environment (VAAME) ED 642
- Biology and Health (BS) ED 605