about us
we know about microalgae
Necton is specialised in the cultivation and commercialisation of microalgae.
Our scientific, technological and market knowledge is focused on several applications: speciality feeds for Aquaculture and Aquarium, Cosmetics, Food, and more recently in Bioenergy and Engineering.
Our natural attitude towards Partners, Customers, and Suppliers is to continuously excel ourselves through our quality standards and innovative practices.
Our company has a unique and distinctive experience in designing and operating different microalgae cultivation technologies, both for freshwater and marine microalgae, ranging from open to closed systems. The research and development team has developed extensive industry knowledge which allows us to produce more than 10 different types of microalgae genera.
After several years of research and development in the Portuguese Catholic University, Necton was established in 1997. As microalgae need sunlight, the company was set on an ideal location to grow those organisms – the South of Portugal (Europe).
Since its establishment, Necton has been located in a 23 ha salt marsh in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa.
Apart from the microalgae production facility, this fortunate location impelled the start-up of another business in the year 2000. The company began to exploit the salt marshes to obtain sea salt and “flor de sal” just like the Romans did. At this moment, Necton operates two different business units: Microalgae Business Unit and Salt Business Unit.
The history of Necton is above all based on a creative endeavour that has resulted in several new businesses. Some more successful than the others! The company Alnatural was created in 1996 with the primal purpose of using a microalgae extract in the formulation of a sun protection cream. Even though creams were excellent, as they only used natural ingredients in their formulation, the business was soon wiped out from the market by pharmaceuticals products. Another spin-out of Necton, Alangulata, dedicated to cultivation of Portuguese oyster, was established in 2005 and is still in operation. More recently, in the year 2007, another spin-out A4F was created to develop and deliver bioengineering projects for the industrial production of microalgae.
Let us go forward in this battle fortified by conviction that those who labour in the service of a great and good cause will never fail.
feeds · cosmetics · food & nutraceuticals
Our products
Our products are organized by category. As experienced microalgae producers, we have a pretty good idea of what our microalgae are used for, but the innovative character of our customers never ceases to surprise us. So, if you can’t find what you are looking under a specific category, make sure you check our full catalog or contact us directly.
Aquaculture, aquariums, zebrafish research facilities and raw materials for pet feeds and supplements
Nutrient-rich future food and nutraceutical solutions
Algae team
With a total staff of 58 collaborators, 12 of us work in the Microalgae Business Unit, including 3 MSc’s and 4 PhD. Visiting researchers from several Universities also contribute to the research and development activities.
João Navalho
President of the Board & Innovation Director
Marine Biologist. MSc. in Aquaculture. Expert in Microalgae Biotechnology.
Music and Cinema, and family, family, family!
Alexandre Rodrigues
Innovation Coordinator
PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Alexandre is focused in project applications, implementation and reporting.
A walk in the beach with family gives energy for the whole week.
Helia Carvalho
Quality Manager
MSc. in Aquaculture, Biologist and Biotechnologist. Large experience in aquaculture, sea bream and sea bass.
Interested in learning and sharing knowledge, all the time!
Ana Coelho
Processing Manager
Chemical Engineer, Ph.D in Biological Sciences. Extensive experience in Food Tehcnology and Quality Management.
Walking. Reading. Talking. Not at the same time.
Inês Povoa
Production Manager
Biologist, MSc. in Sustainable Aquaculture.
Ninja soap crafter and master croissant baker! Family is what I value the most!
Patricia diogo
Innovation Manager
Marine Biologist with PhD in Biological Sciences, focuses on project management and development of new microalgae products, and internships coordination in Necton.
Reading, dancing and living adventures with family and friends give me the joy of life.
Mariana Carneiro
Innovation Manager
With a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, focuses on project management and optimisation of microalgae cultivation and processing.
Thinking, trying, failing, improving and repeating.
Natacha Coelho
Innovation Manager
Biotech Engineer, PhD in Biological Sciences. Project management. Large experience in plant biotechnology.
Discovering the world, little by little.
Catarina Anjos
Innovation Manager
PhD in Marine, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Running and challenging gym sessions help me relieve stress, and the joy and companionship of friends bring harmony to my life.
Inês Costa
PhD Student
Biotechnologist; MsC in Marine Resources Biotechnology; Experience in quality control and product development.
Passionate about the sea and looking for fossils, I ended up working with microalgae. So, who knows?
Bruno Várzea
Innovation Technician
MSc. in Microbial and Molecular Biology.
The sea, fishing, and microbiology fuel my passion for microalgae and environmental science, guiding me toward the microscopic life that sustains our planet. Nature is my home.
Inês Maia
Innovation Manager
Biologist, MSc. in Microbial and Molecular Biology.
–
Photography
Gonçalo Bastos
PhD Student
Marine Biologist, MSc. in Marine Resources Biotechnology. Experience in Bivalve Aquaculture and Seaweed and Microalgae cultivation.
Scuba diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking and discovering new places are pure energy to my soul.
Andreia Silva
Lab Technician & Scale-up Manager
BCs Zoology; MSc Aquaculture and fisheries. Experience in aquaculture research and nutrition, mainly with crustaceans.
Charging my batteries with plane rides, nature walks, dog cuddles, some tennis, and diving along the way.
Bruno Pinto
PhD Student
Biologist, MSc. In Biotechnology.
Interested to learn all about microalgae and all the process behind the industrial production and projects.
Rubén Ramos
Business Development
MSc. in Molecular Microbiology, MSc in Biotechnology.
Reading, writing, and tabletop games.
Mariana Machado
Innovation Technician
MSc. in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology
Guided by curiosity and an adventurous spirit
Carolina Oliveira
Innovation Technician
MSc. in Marine Biology
Turning my passion and curiosity for the ocean into purpose by exploring the power of microalgae, while life outside the lab is filled with diving, beach days, dancing, and moments with the ones I love.
