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.
Aquaculture, aquariums, zebrafish research facilities and raw materials for pet feeds and supplements
Nutrient-rich future food and nutraceutical solutions
Quality Manager
Food Engineer, MSc in Food Engineering. Experience in Quality Control and Food Certification..
In love to provide joy and sensations through my passion for cooking! Life is good when we taste the right flavors!
Production Manager
Biologist, MSc. in Sustainable Aquaculture.
Ninja soap crafter and master croissant baker! Family is what I value the most!
Member of the Board
Marine Biologist. MSc. in Aquaculture. Expert in Microalgae Biotechnology.
Music and Cinema, and family, family, family!
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.
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.
Project 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.
Lab Technician
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.
Innovation Technician
Biologist, MSc. In Biotechnology. Interested to learn all about microalgae and all the process behind the industrial production and projects.
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.
Quality Assistant
Marine Biologist and Biotechnologist. Large experience in aquaculture, sea bream and sea bass.
Interested in learning and sharing knowledge, all the time!
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.
Project number: 101086437
Objectives:
Period: January 2023 to December 2026
Funding Scheme: Horizon Europe
Referência: C644915664-00000026
Objetivos:
Período: julho de 2022 a dezembro de 2025
Funded by PRR – Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência and the Next Generation EU European Funds
Grant agreement ID: 101000501
Goal: Algae4IBD aims to develop functional food and medication against pain, inflammation and IBD from marine and freshwater micro and macroalgae (seaweed).
Period: June 2021 – May 2025
Funding Scheme: Horizon Europe
Grant agreement ID: 101060991
Goal: REALM will transform nutrient-rich drain waters from soilless farms into value, by producing microalgae at reduced costs while treating water and capturing CO2 from the air. This concept will increase the circularity and profitability of microalgal production and soilless farming.
Coordinator: Necton
Period: July 2022 – June 2026
Funding Scheme: Horizon Europe