Automated Seeding and Deployment of Novel Seaweed Spores (ASDNSS)

UK aquaculture SME Seaweed Generation's (SeaGen) focus is on creating technology and infrastructure that can unlock the potential of seaweed in the global battle against climate change. Our belief is that automation, robotics, data and a innovation can hold the key to a scalable and sustainable future for seaweed aquaculture and for the planet.

UK horticultural SME, Microgrow Systems (Microgrow), are industry leaders in high quality LED lighting systems that have the potential to save energy while optimising plant growth and health.

This project is a partnership between Seaweed Generation and Microgrow to establish feasibility for the UK's first commercial seeding system for Dulse, a highly desirable red seaweed that could become a viable plant based protein alternative both in the UK and globally in the next five years.

Climate change presents a global crisis that impacts people, environments and economies worldwide, with more severe impacts for those who have the least resources to combat them.

To halt warming, we will need to reduce emissions by 75% and massively increase biodiversity across the planet. For our food chain this means eliminating emissions wherever possible, and finding sustainable sources of protein for food and animal feed without water and land needs. We will need to rehabilitate our soils, bio-diversify much of our agricultural land, and continue to offer appropriate nutrition to the world's population.

Seaweed offers us an opportunity to grow high protein, nutrient dense biomass in the UK, without the need to commit more land to crop production. This feasibility study will allow full assessment of seeding techniques and practices for Dulse - a particularly tasty (umami) and protein-rich red seaweed that has proved challenging to grow.

SeaGen and Microgrow will develop an automated seeding system that can reliably produce Dulse spores for large scale cultivation practices.

The industry currently relies largely upon wild harvesting which is unpredictable and potentially unsustainable. This project aims to create a system for reliable seeding stock, allowing the seaweed food industry to develop in the UK, ultimately becoming a viable and cost effective plant based protein source.