Aim: develop sustainable and effective biofertilizers (biostimulants) harnessing the potential of seaweed extracts.
Leader: Ficosterra
We transform seaweed into fertilizers and biostimulants that promote the maximum development of crops We produce biofertilizers, biostimulants, soil activators and nutrient fixators 100% animal-free and suitable for ecological and conventional agriculture. Ficosterra is a marine biotechnology company applied to organic and conventional agriculture. We apply our knowledge and biotechnology experience developing prebiotic and probiotic products (biostimulants, biofertilizers and soil activators) based upon different species of seaweeds and microorganisms that favor the development of crops and plants while reducing the planet carbon foot print.
As part of the I3-4-SEAWEED project, Ficosterra (Spain) is scaling up the development of seaweed-based biofertilizers and biostimulants to support more sustainable and productive farming. By combining seaweed extracts with beneficial microorganisms, Ficosterra’s Maré product line helps improve crop yields, boost plant resilience, and regenerate soil health—offering farmers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers.
The company is also advancing a unique technology to extract natural phytohormones (auxins) from seaweed, providing a sustainable substitute for synthetic growth stimulants. With these innovative solutions, Ficosterra aims to lead the shift toward greener agriculture while contributing to a fast-growing biofertilizer market. This business case also includes piloting and demonstrating the technologies at scale, and supporting other SMEs looking to enter the biofertilizer sector with seaweed-based solutions.