PowerALGAE: new opportunities for agriculture from microalgae
Studying microalgae to develop new solutions for agriculture. This is the aim of PowerALGAE, a research project focusing on biostimulants and the bioeconomy of agricultural ecosystems.
The challenge: more resilient crops
Environmental conditions affect plant growth and crop yields. Climate change makes it increasingly important to identify tools that can support resource-use efficiency and crop adaptation.
Against this backdrop, research into biostimulants explores molecules of agronomic interest that can support plants' responses to environmental stress and nutrient uptake.
The role of microalgae
PowerALGAE aims to synthesise biostimulant peptides in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The project explores a biological platform for producing high-value molecules, with the aim of contributing to the development of sustainable fertiliser solutions.
From production to evaluation
The project includes studying the formulations and evaluating their effects in the soil–plant system. The work also includes phenotyping agricultural species: observing plant characteristics to analyse their response to treatments.
The research also examines the potential use of algal biomass as a soil amendment, in relation to the physical properties of soil and plants' responses to abiotic stress.
Project facts
- Field: plant biostimulants, microalgae and the bioeconomy.
- Programme: iNEST ecosystem, Spoke 7 — Smart agri-food.
- Planned duration: 15 months.
- Funding: project co-funded by the European Union through Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
The project connects the production of molecules through microalgae with the evaluation of their potential agricultural applications.
Read the iNEST PowerALGAE project factsheet — PDF ↗
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Zuccato HC achieves gender equality certification
An organisation's growth also depends on its ability to recognise and value people. In 2025, Zuccato HC obtained certification of its Gender Equality Management System in accordance with the UNI/PdR 125:2022 reference practice.
Differences as a resource
For Zuccato HC, equal opportunities and respect for people are part of its corporate culture. Different skills, experiences and perspectives contribute to effective collaboration and provide new ways to address the needs of an evolving organisation.
Valuing diversity therefore concerns both people's development and the company's organisational and strategic growth. Recognising this value means considering each person's contribution an asset to the shared work.
A dedicated management system
Certification formalises the company's commitment through a gender equality management system. The recognition covers measures adopted in the workplace in relation to the activities included within the certificate's scope.
The IMQ document lists the marketing and rental of anti-decubitus devices, systems for the prevention and treatment of skin lesions and related accessories, along with technical support, maintenance, reconditioning and sanitisation services.
Certification at a glance
- Reference practice: UNI/PdR 125:2022.
- Certification body: IMQ S.p.A.
- Certificate number: 1445.2025.
- Initial certification and current issue: 11 December 2025.
- Stated expiry: 10 December 2028, subject to annual surveillance and system review as specified in the certificate.
The annex identifies the operating sites concerned in Verona, Gatteo, Reggio Emilia, Corropoli, Albissola Marina and Bari. The full document provides the scope of the recognition and its references.
Responsibility and quality of work
The gender equality initiative forms part of Zuccato HC's vision of corporate responsibility: an organisation that recognises the value of people and considers their participation an essential element of its development.
This commitment complements the focus on process and service quality, documented by ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications, each with its own specific scope of application.
View the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certificate — PDF ↗
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