Phoenix Biosolutions and the Necton Group create PNA, an exclusive joint venture to lead the development of microalgae applications in agriculture
PNA, the new company, brings together more than 100 years of combined experience in microalgae – from R&D and production to commercialization pairing Europe’s largest microalgae production capacity with cutting-edge extraction technologies and proven market access to accelerate a new generation of biostimulants and sustainable agricultural solutions.
Madrid (Spain) and Olhão (Portugal), 6th October 2026.
Phoenix Biosolutions and the Necton Group have announced the creation of a strategic and exclusive joint venture dedicated to the development, production and commercialization of innovative microalgae-based solutions for agriculture. The alliance is unique in the sector: it unites, in a single vehicle, Necton’s upstream expertise in strain selection and high-tech industrial cultivation with Phoenix’s downstream strengths in extraction technology, regulatory affairs and global market access.
The new company, named PNA, will pool the complementary strengths of both organizations to rank, from day one, among the world’s leading players in microalgae for agriculture, with the vision of opening a new chapter in the biostimulants sector. Its mission is to drive the adoption of microalgae technologies that sustainably raise agricultural productivity, improve resource-use efficiency and contribute to a more resilient agriculture, putting the latest innovations within farmers’ reach.
Drawing on the deep R&D heritage of both partners, PNA will also serve as an innovation platform for developing new solutions and speeding up technology transfer from the laboratory to the field.
An alliance between two complementary leaders: upstream and downstream
Necton Group
Upstream partner
The Necton Group is the upstream partner of the joint venture and one of the world’s most respected organizations in microalgae biotechnology. It operates in aquaculture and human nutrition, sectors in which it has already established itself as a market benchmark, and owns two industrial production plants in Portugal. A pioneer of the industry, Necton is recognized as Europe’s first industrial microalgae producer. Founded in 1997, the company stands out after three decades of operation for its technological expertise and diversification, integrating tubular photobioreactors, vertical reactors, raceway systems and fermentation technologies.
Phoenix Biosolutions
Market-access partner
Phoenix Biosolutions is the market-access partner. The company contributes some of the most advanced enzymatic extraction technologies available, maximizing the recovery and functionality of microalgae-derived bioactive compounds. Its key differentiator is the automation of hydrolysis: proprietary process-control software, based on the same technological approach NASA uses for automated bioprocess control, which makes every extraction reproducible with industrial precision. Phoenix also offers a strong international presence and established access to the world’s main agricultural markets, thanks to its founders’ extensive experience in the global biostimulants sector. Two of the four past presidents of the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC) are among Phoenix’s founders, who were also global pioneers in introducing and commercializing microalgae for agricultural use more than two decades ago.
Products ready for market and a strong innovation pipeline
The joint venture starts from a privileged position, with CE-marked biostimulants ready for sale under the most advanced European regulatory framework. In addition, PNA is developing new generations of biostimulants and other disruptive microalgae-based solutions designed to tackle some of the key challenges facing modern agriculture, from nutrient-use efficiency to abiotic stress tolerance.
Thanks to this unique combination of industrial capabilities, intellectual property, regulatory expertise and international market access, the partners expect PNA to become the global leader in microalgae solutions for agriculture.
A market with strong structural growth
- USD 13.7 bn global microalgae market in 2025
- ~8% expected annual growth over the next decade
- USD 7.8 bn biostimulants market by 2030
- 10-12% biostimulants CAGR, depending on the region
The global microalgae market was worth around USD 13.7 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow by close to 8% a year over the coming decade, with crop nutrition among its fastest-growing segments (9-10% CAGR through 2030).
The biostimulants market, the joint venture’s main entry point, is growing even faster: from around USD 4.5 billion in 2025 to USD 7.8 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 10-12% depending on the region.
With these fundamentals in place, PNA enters the market at the right time and in the right position to lead the sector’s next stage of growth.
We have known Necton for decades through the world of microalgae research, and from that perspective I can say with confidence that they are probably the most relevant microalgae player in Europe. It is an honor for us to partner with an established group that, in addition to superb technologies and capabilities, shares the values and culture we have at Phoenix.
— Carlos Rodríguez-Villa, CEO of Phoenix Biosolutions
The Phoenix team brings unique market experience as the pioneers who introduced microalgae technologies into agriculture. They give us the expert resources we needed to diversify into this sector. The fit is perfect.
— João Navalho, CEO of the Necton Group
About Phoenix Biosolutions
Phoenix Biosolutions is a biotechnology company specializing in innovative microalgae-based solutions for agriculture. It combines advanced extraction and biomass valorization technologies with extensive international experience in the agrobiological inputs sector.
About the Necton Group
The Necton Group is an international leader in microalgae biotechnology and has Europe’s largest production capacity in the field. Backed by more than three decades of industrial experience, the group supplies innovative ingredients and solutions to a wide range of industries worldwide.
PNA
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