By Janet Kanters

Phoenix Biosolutions and the Necton Group have formed PNA, an exclusive joint venture focused on developing, producing and commercializing microalgae-based solutions for agriculture.

The partnership combines Necton’s expertise in microalgae strain selection and industrial cultivation with Phoenix’s extraction technologies, regulatory capabilities and international market access. The companies say PNA will focus initially on biostimulants while developing additional products aimed at improving nutrient-use efficiency and crop tolerance to abiotic stress.

Necton, founded in Portugal in 1997, operates two industrial microalgae production facilities and uses a range of cultivation technologies, including tubular photobioreactors, vertical reactors, raceway systems and fermentation. The company describes itself as Europe’s first industrial microalgae producer and says it has the continent’s largest production capacity.

Phoenix will contribute enzymatic extraction technology designed to recover functional compounds from microalgal biomass. Its proprietary process-control software automates hydrolysis, with the company saying the approach allows extraction processes to be reproduced at industrial scale.

The joint venture will also draw on the agricultural market experience of Phoenix’s founders. Two of the company’s founders are former presidents of the European Biostimulants Industry Council, and the group says its founders were among the early companies to introduce microalgae technologies to agriculture more than 20 years ago.

“We have known Necton for decades through the world of microalgae research, and from that perspective I can say with confidence that they are probably the most relevant microalgae player in Europe,” said Carlos Rodríguez-Villa, CEO of Phoenix Biosolutions. “It is an honour for us to partner with an established group that, in addition to superb technologies and capabilities, shares the values and culture we have at Phoenix.”

Navalho said Phoenix brings the agricultural market knowledge Necton needs to expand beyond its established markets in aquaculture and human nutrition.

“The Phoenix team brings unique market experience as the pioneers who introduced microalgae technologies into agriculture,” said João Navalho, CEO of the Necton Group. “They give us the expert resources we needed to diversify into this sector. The fit is perfect.”

PNA enters the market with CE-marked biostimulants already available for sale under the European regulatory framework. The companies also are developing additional microalgae-based products, with research focused on applications including nutrient-use efficiency and protection against abiotic stresses.

The partners say the joint venture will function as an innovation platform, linking research and development with industrial production and field applications. They expect the combination of production capacity, extraction technology, regulatory expertise and market access to support faster development and commercialization of new products.