Objective
Building up on a successful Phase 1, the French SME MICROPHYT has demonstrated its ability to industrially over-produce specific marine bioactive compounds from selected microalgae. Through innovative and patented processes, it delivers unequalled concentration of these compounds which have already shown preliminary positive effects in the nutrition & health domains. Leveraging the company initial knowledge and expertise, the SMILE program aim at delivering a ready-for-market and highly effective microalgae-based ingredient for food supplement and nutraceutical applications. This ingredient will target weight management and preservation of cognitive function, two current major societal challenges, through a differentiated and sustainable approach. The successful commercial launch of SMILE Ingredient will depend on its ability to create added-value to the industry customers and to demonstrate full safety and efficacy for the end-user. As outcomes of Phase 2, MICROPHYT will deliver demonstrated and reliable information on the future ingredient and will have secured regulatory compliance in order to market SMILE ingredient in the EU and the USA. SMILE project is of strategic importance for MICROPHYT since it allows the company to extend its expertise from microalgae culture to downstream processes, and thus to market a higher added-value product, addressing consumers’ needs for natural and safe ingredients. As the new MICROPHYT’s “star product”, SMILE is essential to foster company’s competiveness and to strengthen its position on attractive and profitable market segments. At mid-term, this disruptive innovation has the potential to change the dynamics of food supplement market. With at least two new patents filed, SMILE will represent more than 85% of MICROPHYT’s sales and create 30 jobs by 2022, accelerating and sustaining the company’s growth internationally.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.2.5. - Cross-cutting marine and maritime research
- H2020-EU.3.2.3. - Unlocking the potential of aquatic living resources
- H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument
Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
34670 Baillargues
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.