AEP-Pulse is a cross-border research project that focuses on circular production in three innovative sectors: aquaculture, insect farming and plant cultivation.
These sectors face challenges such as raw material scarcity, environmental pressure and staff shortages. AEP-Pulse develops and demonstrates the Aqua-Entomo-Ponics system, in which residual streams from one sector serve as raw materials for another. This leads to more sustainable, more efficient and socially acceptable production methods.
At the beginning of October, a co-creation session took place at SYNTRA AB in Antwerp with two working tables.
Table 1: from research to market
- Innovation only breaks through when scientific substantiation, practical applicability and economic added value come together. Three priorities emerged:
- Demonstrating economic feasibility: growers want to know what it costs and what it yields. Cost-benefit analyses in research and trial reports receive the highest priority.
- Independent knowledge and practical validation: reliable results, field trials and clear application guidelines build trust. Companies are open about the conditions under which their product works.
- Sharing knowledge and training: demonstration projects, manuals and a learning network help crop advisors and users apply biostimulants correctly.
Table 2: knowledge and skills
The foundation is a broad scientific base (biology, chemistry, water quality, nutrient cycles), complemented by technology and process management, such as sensors, automation and monitoring. In addition, an entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge of laws and regulations, and practical skills such as experimenting and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential. Not everyone needs to be a specialist: broad basic knowledge, supplemented by specific expertise and practical experience, is the key.
The results form the basis for the next phase of AEP-Pulse: practical validation, improved knowledge sharing and translating competency needs into existing or new training programmes.
On behalf of HZ, the Aquaculture in Delta Areas research group (lectoraat) is involved in the project. Want to know more about AEP-Pulse? Visit this page.
