The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF), a Juneau, Alaska, U.S.A.-based nonprofit, announced it will sponsor a new round of research and development projects with funding from the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC).
This round of Joint Innovations Projects is the third such round launched by the nonprofit, with AFDF saying in a release that it’s designed to “partner with the private sector to accelerate innovation, address barriers to growth, and stand up Alaska’s emerging mariculture industry.”
This cohort totaled USD 377,775 (EUR 321,188) in funding, and many of the projects within the cohort focus on how to use Alaska’s kelp in innovative ways, while others focus on researching market trends on the economy.
Nine companies were selected in the cohort.
Kodiak, Alaksa, U.S.A.-based Alaska Ocean Farms will receive funding to develop and test kelp dumplings, and Cordova, Alaska, U.S.A.-based Greenwave and Noble Ocean Farms will use five different kelp species to make cosmetic and nutraceutical products.
Juneau, Alaska, U.S.A.-based Barnacle Foods will research the communications and visual strategies surrounding mariculture products that help drive engagement and consumer behavior.
Cordova, Alaska, U.S.A.-based Prince William Sound Economic Development District will research the utilization of salted processing to help improve supply chains.
Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.A.-based Saltwater will research kelp production and distribution as a way to “improve the bottom line.”
Port Orchard, Washington, U.S.A.-based Pacific Hybreed will receive funding for developing an Alaska broodstock program for Pacific oysters.
Cordova, Alaska, U.S.A.-based WildBlue Solutions will research how to reshape the future of plastics.
Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S.A.-based Pacific Kelp Company will look into how Alaskan kelp can serve as a bio-stimulant and become a staple in the market.
Juneau, Alaska, U.S.A.-based Sea Quester Farms will get funding to build a standardized pilot processing system to develop a salmon/kelp burger.
The Joint Innovation Projects first started in August 2023, and the second round received funding in July 2024. With the addition of this year’s nine, AFDF has funded 38 innovation projects since the program’s start. The project is a part of AMC, which receives its funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge grants.
Eligible participants submit proposals if they operate in Alaska or with Alaskan team members. They can also submit proposals if they work with Alaskan nonprofits, Tribes, Native corporations, communities, or universities.
