SPIRULOR - Techno-economic feasibility study for the production of the microalgae Spirulina in Morocco’s Oriental region

The objective of this project is to assess the potential to produce the microalgae Spirulina in the Oriental region in Morocco. Spirulina production could innovate the agri-food industry and generate much-needed income and jobs in the region. Spirulina production would increase the sustainability of the sector by increasing resilience to climate change and decreasing reliance on protein imports. Using expertise from both the Flemish and Moroccan partners, the project will realize a demonstration-scale production facility to assess the technical potential to produce Spirulina. Research activities will be focused on minimizing the water footprint of Spirulina production, which is crucial in the arid Oriental region. The economic potential of Spirulina in the Oriental region will be assessed through collaboration with stakeholders, with emphasis to use Spirulina as a supplement in chicken feed or as a nutritional supplement. In collaboration with a local start up studio, we will attempt to transfer expertise from the local research institute to entrepreneurs with the ambition to create a start-up company that produces Spirulina in the Oriental region.