Nordkelp awarded 20 million krona Sproti grant to advance kelp processing technology

Nordkelp is honoured and delighted to announce that the company has been awarded a Sproti grant from the Technical Development fund run by the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís). The grant, of 20 million krona over two years, will support the next stage of Nordkelp’s technological development and commercialisation efforts.

The funding will be used to design and build a prototype kelp processing system specifically developed for Laminaria hyperborea. The prototype will incorporate imaging technology to analyse harvested kelp and guide automated cutting and separation of different plant sections for downstream processing. This will enable more efficient utilisation of the biomass and provide the foundation for future large-scale processing operations.

In addition to developing the processing prototype, the project will focus on optimising drying methodologies and establishing quality control specifications for dried kelp products. These activities are essential steps toward ensuring consistent product quality and supporting future commercial production.

The project represents a significant milestone for Nordkelp and aligns with the company’s vision of building a sustainable and innovative kelp industry in Iceland. By developing specialised processing technologies and refining production methods, Nordkelp aims to maximise the value of harvested kelp while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and resource efficiency.

Nordkelp is deeply grateful for the continued support of the Icelandic Centre for Research and excited to put this funding to work. The Sproti grant will play an important role in bringing the company’s vision of a sustainable kelp harvesting and processing facility in Ólafsfjörður closer to reality.