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.
Tânia Magina
Biologist, MSc. In Microbiology. Experience in analyzing pathogenic and non-pathogenic contaminants.
Quality manager
In love with nature and extreme sports. Always looking for new challenges!
Inês Povoa
Biologist, MSc. in Sustainable Aquaculture.
Production Manager.
Ninja soap crafter and master croissant baker! Family is what I value the most!
João Navalho
Marine Biologist. MSc. in Aquaculture. Expert in Microalgae Biotechnology.
Member of the Board.
Music and Cinema, and family, family, family!
Patrícia diogo
Marine Biologist, PhD in Biological Sciences, Large experience in aquaculture, zebrafish and bivalves and project management Research and Development Officer. R&D Officer
Alexandre Rodrigues
Research and Development Coordinator. With a 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.
Mariana Carneiro
Purchases and logistics
Thinking, trying, failing, improving and repeating.
Benjamin Schmid
R&D Technician. Master of marine biology with a focus on microalgae as potential feedstock for biostimulants and biopesticides in the field of sustainable agriculture.
Born and raised in Austria, I moved to Portugal to obtain a master degree in Marine Biology. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, fishing, scuba diving, photography and playing the guitar or the piano.
Bruno Alex Pinto
Biologist, MSc. In Biotechnology. R&D Technician
Interested to learn all about microalgae and all the process behind the industrial production and projects
Ana Coelho
Chemical Engineer, Ph.D in Biological Sciences. Extensive experience in Food Tehcnology and Quality Management.
Processing Manager.
Walking. Reading. Talking. Not at the same time.
Helia Carvalho
Marine Biologist and Biotechnologist. Large experience in aquaculture, sea bream and sea bass.
Quality assistant.
Interested in learning and sharing knowledge, all the time!