Vitor Verdelho

Vítor Verdelho is a Portuguese entrepreneur and deeptech innovator with a long-standing career in marine biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable technologies. He is currently the CEO, shareholder, and co-founder of Cell4Food, the first Portuguese startup focused on cellular agriculture and aquaculture.

Since 2018, Vítor has served as General Manager of the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA), after previously leading the organization as President from 2014 to 2018. Under his leadership, EABA has become a key European reference in algae-based biotechnologies.

He co-founded Necton in 1987, a marine biotechnology company specializing in microalgae production and traditional sea salt. He also co-founded A4F – Algae for Future, a company dedicated to industrial-scale microalgae production systems.

Vítor has over 30 years of experience developing and managing innovative businesses. He has worked as an advisor or shareholder in multiple startups, including PhytoBloom, InnoPhage, and Ecotlon, focusing on sectors ranging from health and environment to circular economy.

He is actively engaged in education and mentorship. As a visiting professor at Católica Porto Business School, he mentors innovation projects and teaches in MBA and executive programs. Over the past two decades, he has supported more than 150 entrepreneurial ventures.

Vítor played a key role in fostering biotech entrepreneurship at the Catholic University of Portugal, where he coordinated technology transfer and incubation programs for over a decade. He also contributed to national creative industries through ADDICT and worked with government agencies and universities on innovation strategy.

He holds a degree in Physics from the University of Porto and pursued postgraduate studies at the Catholic University of Portugal. His academic background blends hard science with business and innovation management.

Fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, Vítor is a frequent speaker on topics such as aquaculture, microalgae applications, and renewable bio-based industries. He is also co-author of scientific publications and holds a patent in the field of nutritional compositions.

As founder and member of the Board of the Portuguese Association of Applied Algology, he is furthering national engagement in marine biotechnology. With a strong European network and a deep commitment to sustainability, Vítor Verdelho is a driving force in the bioeconomy transition.