10179760Establishing the Feasibility of Novel Low-Temperature Solid-State Microwave Vacuum Drying for Use in Processing UK Seaweed SpeciesClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKDespite the volume of wild seaweed in UK waters, farmed seaweed production in the UK is in relative infancy, and estimates of total UK seaweed harvested for food production, animal feed, nutraceutical, agricultural biostimulant, and cosmetic use cases as of 2024 indicated a manufacturing yield of 25,000-40,000 tonnes of wet harvest per year (2,000--3,000 tonnes when dried). Meanwhile, the UK's macroalgae sector relies on importing 95% of its seaweed from Asia. Drying is a key bottleneck in seaweed processing: traditional methods are slow, energy-intensive, and can damage valuable compounds. Seaweed is highly perishable and its commercial value (hinging on combined nutrient, bioactive, and safety characteristics) depends strongly on how and how quickly it is stabilised after harvest. Many macroalgae start degrading within hours of harvest. So, drying and immediate stabilisation are the most critical multiplier on maximising usable yield. Everything downstream is contingent on the drying process' efficiency and efficacy. For high-value markets, losses quickly make operations unjustifiable; addressing this upstream attrition point is the most impactful catalyst to the industry. Mildtech's proposed solution will turbocharge seaweed processing, leveraging a proprietary solid-state microwave and vacuum-drying system that enables rapid, energy-efficient, low-temperature drying for heat-sensitive natural ingredients like macroalgae. This project entails validating the feasibility of converting an existing technology to assist the scaled production of UK seaweed as a new application. The end-goal is enhancing macroalgae yield, product quality, and resource value by retaining key nutrients and reducing contaminants. The effort will bring socioeconomic benefits to coastal communities Scotland, Wales, and Western England, complementing governmental priorities toward revitalising coastal economies.