Upcycling Agro-Food Waste into Functional Bioactives

We focus on the upcycling of agro-food waste and side streams into high-value functional bioactive compounds, supporting health and sustainability goals across the food system.

Agro-industrial by-products such as fruit pomace, fermentation residues, cereal husks, and coffee grounds are rich in polyphenols, fibers, and proteins with strong potential for innovative applications. Instead of being treated as waste, these materials are valorized through eco-friendly extraction and processing methods to yield bioactives that support both human and animal health.

Our approach aligns with the goals of Horizon Europe in promoting environment-friendly food systems, boosting plant protein production, and improving animal robustness. Multi-functional compounds offering natural alternatives to antibiotics in feed and nutraceuticals. This contributes to animal health and welfare, particularly in breeding strategies aimed at resilience and adaptation to climate stressors.

A key complementary pathway in our circular model is the use of agro-food waste as a substrate for cultivating edible and medicinal mushrooms. These fungi are rich in high-quality and highly bioavailable protein and functional compounds, making them ideal for sustainable diets. They support the development of low-impact, plant-based food solutions aligned with the shift toward more resilient and health-oriented food systems.

Additionally, the remaining substrate after mushroom cultivation becomes a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that enhances soil health and supports regenerative farming practices. Through the integration of efficient, green extraction technologies, mushroom cultivation, and soil recovery, our initiative fosters a fully circular bio-economy model that benefits both agriculture and nutrition.

We are looking for partners interested in co-developing applied research an projects that bridge waste valorization, animal and human health, and sustainable strategies in the EU and beyond.