"Icelandic marine algae are an underutilized resource, at least here in Iceland, but there are many things going on related to algae and they are relevant in many areas in our research," says expert Jón Trausti Kárason, who is one of those related to algae research at Matís.
Jón Trausti says that about eight researchers at Matís work primarily on algae research, although more are related to those projects in one way or another. Among the recent products based on algae research by Matís scientists are skin products that the start-up company Marinox has launched, but they contain bioactive antioxidants that are made from seaweed and are considered particularly good for the skin.
Among other products expected to be on the market in the near future, Jón Trausti mentions, among other things, seaweed milk and barley pasta that is enhanced with algae. "Actually, it was a group of students who were with us last summer that started the development of the algae syrup, and the product competed on behalf of Iceland in Ecotrophelia, which is a student competition with ecological innovation in food production. This went so well that the development work continued and now the algae bloom is coming. Here is a food product that is based on curd and kelp flour but flavored with blueberries and honey," says Jón Trausti.
Jón Trausti, along with others at Matís, is a representative of the young generation. He came to Matís before he finished his studies, then in projects related to his studies. As a result, opportunities were created where the gap between industry and the scientific community was bridged, and Jón Trausti, together with other Matís employees, is an important link in that value chain. For the young generation, it is an exciting task to be in the middle of a whirlwind of food production in Iceland, but with a large interface with the education system. The ideal of this young generation is lofty and exciting. It is, among other things, strengthening Iceland's position as a food-producing nation, but changes in the environment have created conditions that mean that we Icelanders see opportunities for great progress in the production of raw materials, which may not have been considered for decades.
For further information Jón Trausti Kárason at Matís.