PhotoUP, a project that developed a biogas purification technology using microalgae, is the big winner of the fifth edition of BluAct. The programme was organised by Matosinhos City Council, with the support of UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, INDAQUA Matosinhos and Conservas Portugal Norte.

The PhotoUP project is developing a biological technology that purifies biogas into biomethane using microalgae, promoting energy transition. The purification system created by the PhotoUP team is carbon neutral and low cost, converting greenhouse gases into biomethane, a renewable natural gas with commercial value for the aquaculture and biofertiliser sectors.

The overall winner of BluAct 2025 won €5,000 awarded by INDAQUA Matosinhos, as well as four months of incubation at UPTEC Mar and a premium subscription to UPTEC’s pre-incubation programme, the School of Startups: Foundations.

Also noteworthy was the GluMar project, a macroalgae food supplement for glycaemic control, which came second in the competition. The HydroClean project, which came third and won the €2,500 prize awarded by Conservas Portugal Norte, created a technology for disinfecting wastewater using antimicrobial microparticles without biocides. Finally, VINOVA, a wine wastewater treatment system using microalgae, won a free entry to the next edition of School of Startups, UPTEC’s acceleration programme.

The grand final took place at the Matosinhos City Council Building and was attended by Manuela Álvares, Councillor for Matosinhos City Council, Maria Oliveira, Business Director at UPTEC, Tiago Fragata, Managing Director at INDAQUA Matosinhos, and Sérgio Real, Managing Partner at Conservas Portugal Norte.

05 December 2025