FAM Foundation - Winners | GRANTS 2025_2026
- FAM Foundation
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
SUBMITTED PROJECTS
The FAM Foundation Grants 2025/26 Finalists Pitch Day brought together 20 outstanding finalist projects from Portuguese research centres, universities and sustainability organisations, selected from a total of 67 proposals submitted by 13 institutions. Dedicated to SDG 14 – Life Below Water, the event highlighted the strength of Portuguese marine science and the urgency of developing practical, science-based solutions for ocean conservation.
FAM GRANTS EVALUATORS
Following the Pre-Finalists Pitch Day in October, which brought together top researchers from prestigious universities and marine research centers across Portugal in Lisbon, an evaluation process was conducted to assess the 20 shortlisted projects. This event served as a dynamic platform for project presentations, knowledge exchange, and networking among leading experts in marine science and conservation. After a rigorous assessment, five outstanding projects were selected as winners, recognizing their innovative contributions to advancing ocean sustainability under SDG 14.
Innovation experts and leading experts in marine science, conservation, and sustainable development, oversaw the assessment process, ensuring a rigorous and objective selection of the most impactful projects.
A panel of esteemed evaluators, composed by the FAM Foundation Board:
Ana Menéres Mendonça, FAM Foundation Founder & Board of Directors;
Luís Vasconcelos, FAM Foundation Board of Directors;
Joana Meireles, FAM Foundation Board of Directors;
José Archer, FAM Foundation Board of Trustees;
Ricardo Arcos, FAM Foundation Board of Trustees.
and, the expert evaluators composed by, the impact investment and sustainable development operational expert's from FAM Foundation complemented by Marine Science and Conservation experts:
Nuno Frazão, FAM Foundation Operational Manager & Positive Benefits Founder;
Mafalda Sarmento, FAM Foundation & Positive Benefits Consultor, Sustainability Officer Executive Director at Pacto para a Gestão da Água em Portugal, Researcher and Consultant AT Center for Responsible Business and Leadership at CATÓLICA-LISBON;
José Sarmento, FAM Foundation Consulter, Inclita Seaweed Solutions Business Developer, Web Summit Startups Coordinator;
Raquel Gaião Silva, Faber Ocean /Climate Tech Associate, BlueBio Alliance Executive Board Member.
WINNING PROJECTS OF THE FAM GRANTS 25_26
The five selected projects for the FAM Foundation Grants 2025/26 represent innovative and science-driven approaches to some of the most pressing ocean and sustainability challenges of our time. From regenerative seaweed farming and next-generation water desalination technologies to the valorisation of invasive marine species for health applications, these initiatives combine environmental protection with technological innovation and societal impact.
The projects also address critical issues such as marine pollution prevention, the impact of plastics on fishery resources, and the integrity of subsea infrastructures, contributing to healthier and more resilient marine ecosystems. By integrating engineering, marine science, biotechnology and sustainable blue economy solutions, the selected initiatives reinforce Portugal’s growing leadership in ocean innovation and support the development of scalable solutions aligned with SDG 14 – Life Below Water and broader sustainability goals.
Led by Hope Zones Foundation, this project develops a science-based regenerative seaweed farm on the Atlantic coast of Nazaré. By cultivating native kelp species, it aims to restore marine habitats, promote biodiversity, assess blue carbon potential and create sustainable opportunities for local fishing communities.
Developed by QCE – Centro de Química Estrutural at Faculdade de Ciências, this project advances next-generation water desalination through engineered nanoporous carbon electrodes. It seeks to improve water treatment efficiency while contributing to more sustainable and resilient solutions for water scarcity and marine resource management.
Led by CCMAR – Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve at the University of Algarve, this project transforms the ecological challenge of the invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae into an opportunity for health innovation. It explores the potential of this marine biomass as a source of natural Vitamin K1 and novel bioactive compounds.
Developed by CIVG – Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama at EUVG, this project assesses the toxicity of plastic pollutants and their effects on fishery resources, ecosystem health and food quality. By studying how plastics impact aquatic organisms, it contributes to stronger scientific evidence for marine pollution prevention.
Led by CENTEC – Centre for Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, this project focuses on structural monitoring and integrity analysis of subsea pipelines. By combining engineering tools and digital monitoring, it aims to prevent marine pollution and improve the safety of critical offshore infrastructure.
FAM Foundation is committed with the sustainable development goals.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
