TU Dublin and BioAtlantis Launch EU-Funded VASEACAD Project to Valorise Fish By-products and Advance the Circular Economy

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and BioAtlantis have announced the launch of an innovative new research initiative, VASEACAD (Valorising Seafood Side Streams, Residues, Unwanted Catches and Discards). The project is funded under the EU-SBEP-2 Call (Second Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership) and is supported by the Marine Institute.

With a total funding award of €1.6 million, including €299,525 granted to TU Dublin, the VASEACAD project brings together a consortium of 10 partners from across the EU. The project aims to transform fish processing by-products (materials that are typically discarded), into bioactive protein hydrolysates and other high value biomolecules through state-of-the-art bioprocessing techniques. The goal is to create functional and sustainable ingredients for commercial use, supporting a circular and resource-efficient bioeconomy.

Leading the research at TU Dublin is Dr Azza Silotry Naik, Principal Investigator, lecturer and expert in food biotechnology and marine byproduct valorisation who stated:

‘This project represents an exciting opportunity to develop sustainable solutions for marine by-products by leveraging bioprocessing to create ingredients with functional and commercial potential. I’m proud to collaborate with BioAtlantis and grateful to the Marine Institute for recognising the importance of this work in supporting both sustainability and innovation’

Dr Naik brings substantial expertise to the initiative, having previously worked on several EU and nationally funded marine research projects, and led the development of functional ingredients in both academic and commercial R&D environments.

Headquartered in County Kerry, BioAtlantis is a pioneering biotech company specialising in bioactives derived from marine and terrestrial sources. It is home to the largest seaweed extraction facility in Ireland and Britian and has a long track record of collaborating with academic institutions. Discussing the partnership, John T. O’Sullivan, CEO of BioAtlantis said:

‘BioAtlantis is delighted to partner with Technological University Dublin in the VASEACAD project, focusing on converting fish by-products into valuable ingredients utilising bioprocessing techniques for different market segments. This project not only supports the circular blue bioeconomy, but also aligns with our commitment to developing sustainable, science-based solutions’.

The Marine Institute, Ireland’s national agency for marine research and innovation, welcomed the project’s alignment with national priorities for sustainability and resource efficiency. Veronica Cunningham, Research Funding Office Manager; Marine Institute commented:

‘We are pleased to support the VASEACAD project under the EU Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership. Valorisation of marine side streams is critical to reducing waste, supporting innovation, and strengthening Ireland’s marine bioeconomy. Projects like this demonstrate the strength of collaborative research in delivering solutions that benefit the environment and provide opportunities for industry too.’

The project is also receiving strategic support from Professor Christine O’Connor, Head of Research and Innovation, Faculty of Sciences and Health at TU Dublin. Prof O’Connor, with her expertise in waste valorisation and chemical analysis, will act as a senior advisor on the project, helping guide its scientific direction and impact.

VASEACAD reflects TU Dublin’s commitment to research with real-world impact, combining academic expertise, industry collaboration, and sustainability driven innovation to contribute to a more resilient and circular blue economy.

The VASEACAD project is carried out with the support of the Marine Institute funded by the Government of Ireland under the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership co-funded by the European Union, and co-branded by the UN Decade of Ocean Science 2021-2030.