Context: Wastewater management and Blue Bioeconomy
In the Blue Bioeconomy, the optimization of biological processes such as microalgae cultivation requires precise and continuous data to monitor system performance and health.
The integration of a digital optical sensor will allow for automated, data-driven decision-making, eliminating the need for manual sampling and laboratory-based testing. This enables a shift from traditional, reactive approaches to more proactive and dynamic management, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, real-time data accessibility via digital platforms will enable better communication, reporting, and regulatory compliance, driving digital transformation in the sector.
Additionally, the sensor system can be linked to broader data infrastructures, supporting advanced analytics, AI algorithms, and machine learning models. This allows for the collection of valuable insights on system dynamics, predictive capabilities, and optimization strategies, further advancing digitalization in the industry. By digitizing the way wastewater treatment and bioresource management are monitored, this project will promote the implementation of Industry 4.0 practices in the Blue Bioeconomy.
Wastewater management is increasingly important for a more sustainable world, but also for human health and cost reduction. Therefore, more and more innovative processes are needed in this field and Zeni wants to be part of this change.
The Challenge: A new way forward for wastewater treatment
Zeni, a French startup founded in 2023, specializes in utilising microalgae for industrial wastewater treatment. Building upon their nature-inspired approach, Zeni is now focusing on integrating data-driven decision-making into their microalgae-based systems.
With the help of the Blue Shuttle project, they are looking to develop an advanced algorithm for real-time data analysis to monitoring and optimise key culture parameters such as temperature, pH, aeration, effluent flow rate, and light intensity. This innovation will be designed to enhance process efficiency, reduce operational costs, and minimize human intervention, fostering a more technologically advanced and data-centric approach in the sector.
The integration of digital tools in microalgae-based wastewater treatment is a multidisciplinary endeavour, combining biotechnology, data science, automation, and environmental engineering. It encourages collaboration among experts in wastewater treatment, artificial intelligence development, and industrial process optimization. Beyond wastewater treatment, this approach has potential applications in biofuel production, CO₂ capture, and bioproduct synthesis, making it relevant across various sectors within the Blue Bioeconomy.
By leveraging digital technologies for optimized bioprocess management, Zeni’s initiative represents a significant step towards a smarter, more sustainable Blue Bioeconomy.
What is Blue Shuttle?
Blue Shuttle is a European project co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme, implemented by a consortium of seven organizations from Spain, Portugal, France and Ireland. It aims to foster innovation in the blue economy by connecting real-world environmental and sustainability challenges with cutting-edge solutions from startups and SMEs. Through expert mentorship, real-life testing, and cross-border cooperation, Blue Shuttle accelerates the transition toward smarter, greener, and more resilient ocean-based economies.
Ready for the challenge?
If your startup or tech company is working on IoT, AI, digital farming or environmental monitoring, this is your opportunity.
Apply now to the Blue Shuttle Open Call and become the next innovation partner. The deadline to apply is April 30th.
Applications are open to startups and SMEs from the Atlantic Area (Portugal, Spain, France, and Ireland).
