Success for Scots seaweed

The award was presented by John Swinney MSP, Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, at a ceremony in the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

Working in partnership with the Scottish Association for Marine Science, MARA Seaweed has developed commercially viable tank-based seaweed cultivation. Seaweed is referred to as ‘the superfood of the sea’, and is the most highly mineralised vegetable on earth. Seasoning derived from seaweed is being used increasingly by chefs as an alternative to salt, for both its nutritional value and flavour.

The judges commended the Edinburgh-based company for their relationship with their partners, and on their combined efforts to secure increasing amounts of funding, underlining their mutual commitment to the partnership. It was also noted that it is sound business strategy to be investing in the cultivation of seaweed in controlled conditions and that this was the key innovation of this project.

John Swinney said: “Innovation plays a vital role in driving productivity and sustainable economic growth. Interface is a key partner in supporting businesses accessing knowledge from our fantastic research base.

“The Interface Excellence Awards highlight the outstanding contributions and successes of business and academic collaborations throughout Scotland. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their ingenuity, industry and creativity.”