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Operational Launch of the DigiATLA Project

S2AQUA – Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture – leads DigiATLA – Building Digital Capacity for Innovation in Atlantic Aquaculture, a European project co-funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme 2021–2027, with a total budget of €2.1 million, 75% of which is financed by the European Union (ERDF). 

DigiATLA, which aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the aquaculture sector in the Atlantic region, formally began in January 2026, with its operational launch marked by a kick-off meeting held on 3 and 4 February in Olhão. At this meeting, the consortium partners aligned their strategic objectives, work plans and initial actions to be developed.

Atlantic Partnership for Digital Innovation in Aquaculture

DigiATLA's main objective is to strengthen the digital capabilities of the aquaculture sector, promoting more sustainable practices, precision nutrition and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. The project responds to structural challenges in Atlantic aquaculture, namely the reduced integration of digital solutions, production inefficiencies and the environmental impact of the activity, factors that affect the competitiveness and resilience of the sector.

The DigiATLA consortium comprises seven partners from different countries in the Atlantic region, bringing together research and innovation entities and companies: S2AQUA (project leader), IPMA – Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere – , the Algarve-based company SPAROS, the Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM) – University of Vigo (Spain) – , the University of Galway (Ireland), INRAE (France) and the Institut Agro Rennes-Angers (France).

Training, Innovation and Sustainability

As consortium leader, S2AQUA is responsible for the overall coordination of the project, ensuring coordination between partners, as well as technical, administrative and strategic monitoring of activities throughout the 30 months of implementation, between January 2026 and June 2028.

Various actions will be developed, including training, pilot activities, training sessions and dissemination initiatives, with the aim of bringing digital innovation closer to the real needs of the productive sector and contributing to a more efficient, sustainable Atlantic aquaculture that is prepared for future challenges.