The project results were so interesting that it was decided to transfer the knowledge acquired during the research development to real life. To carry out this transferring project, a Start-up was created with the support of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in December 2023.
The Start-up was named Algarikon Mar Menor S.L. and it will be used as an instrumental tool to carry out a proof of concept. With the proof, the economic viability of the system to valorise the algal wracks as nutritive preparation for mushroom cultivation will be evaluated. Other processes will be also sequentially implemented until ´zero residue´.
Algarikon Mar Menor participated in the II Science4Industry (S4I), an innovation trade fair where patents and ideas were presented and contacts between start-ups, funding entities and investors were established. Stands were visited by public institutions, Universities and research centres, regional and national administrations as well as general public, chemistry and food experts and journalists.
Within the stand of Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), the mushroom substrates where several mushroom fruiting bodies were growing became one of the most popular prototypes. The materials used to prepare the cultivation substrate were also shown (wheat straw, a mixture of Caulerpa prolifera and Cymodocea nodosa and also filamentous algae accumulated on Mar Menor shores).
During the 2 days of the fair, Algarikon stand got many visitors. Within the interested persons, the UAM Chancellor, the Spanish Minister of Science, Innovation and Education and Regional Councillors from Madrid and Navarra showed their interest and tested chocolate mushrooms offered to thank for their attendance.
The Start-up was officially presented in a special UAM event that took place at the Faculty of Sciences and was emitted in streaming. The lectures were introduced by UAM Vice-Chancellor, the Faculty Dean and the FUAM director (UAM foundation to promote knowledge beyond the University).
Other leaders participated in the event such as the Director of the DGMM (Dirección General del Mar Menor) and the President of the Association of mushroom growers from La Rioja, Navarra and Aragón.
Lecturers described Mar Menor problems and progresses achieved to regenerate the sea lagoon. They also remarked the importance of the mushroom sector for Spanish economy and their actual problem with the increase of raw material prices. Later on, the Start-up cofounders and CEOs explained how Algarikon might contribute to reduce both problems.
After a coffee break, the researchers from the different research institutions involved in the Algarikon project presented their most relevant discoveries until now.
The event was closured by the project leader.
Algarikon Mar Menor S. L. received one of the four grants financed by Santader bank for Start-ups promoted by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
Algarikon Mar Menor S.L. and its project has the support of the regional Department for Environment, Universities, Research and Mar Menor lagoon of Murcian Community.
Participating in another Innovation Fair: South Summit! to talk about our project with interested people, extend contacts and look for financing programs
Algarikon Mar Menor S.L. has been awarded with the Incubation Prize by the FPCM (Fundación Parque Científico de Madrid).
Therefore, we have a coworking place for one year at the PCM to organize our research and project management.
Algarikon Mar Menor was awarded within the 7th edition of Mares Circulares Awards as «Innovative Business Initiative». Mares Circulares is a program promoted by the Chelonia Association and Coca-Cola Europacific partners to promote ocean cleanliness and environmental awareness.
The Algarikon Mar Menor S.L. co-CEOs participated in the discussion group of the session ¨The importance of the Start-ups¨ in the Innovation & Knowledge Transfer Forum UAM-Empresa Madrid Norte.
Algarikon Mar Menor was again awarded within the 2025 edition of Santander X Program. We thanks Santander and UAM for the award, it encourages us to continue working until we transfer the designed technology to society.
Our efforts have been rewarded! Algarikon Mar Menor has won another award: 1st prize in the «Knowledge and TechTransfer Innovation Awards 2025»
Proyecto Algarikon 