How Will the Global Expo Shape India’s ‘Seaweed 2030’ Growth Vision?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kochi is hosting the 7th India International Seaweed Expo and Summit on January 29-30, 2026.
- Event aims to position India as a global leader in sustainable seaweed production.
- Participation expected from numerous countries, indicating strong global interest.
- Focus will be on technology transfer and developing new market opportunities.
- The summit aligns with India's ambitions for a thriving Blue Economy.
Kochi, Dec 1 (NationPress) - Kochi is poised to emerge as a global hub for the burgeoning marine biotechnology sector, as it prepares to host the 7th India International Seaweed Expo and Summit (IISE&S) 2026 on January 29–30.
This significant event is being organized in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI). It will gather leaders from industry, academia, government, and international markets.
Regarded as one of the largest conventions focused on seaweed business and research in the region, the summit is anticipated to attract participants from countries including Brazil, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Sweden, and various others.
Delegates from Latin America, South Asia, and Europe have expressed strong interest in forming cross-border partnerships, facilitating technology transfers, and creating new market connections.
A highlight of the summit will be the ‘Seaweed 2030’ panel — an ambitious national strategy aimed at establishing India as a global forerunner in sustainable seaweed cultivation, processing, and the manufacturing of high-value products.
As global demand for marine algae rises in sectors such as health, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, agriculture, and biofuels, India is looking to seize a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity.
The expo will include technical sessions on government policy frameworks, financing and market development, supply chain optimization, biotechnology, and bioprospecting.
Discussions will center on utilizing seaweed to enhance coastal livelihoods, expand the marine value chain, and further the nation’s ambitions for a Blue Economy.
“With a coastline exceeding 11,000 km and a variety of marine ecosystems, India is on track to become a pivotal hub for seaweed farming, processing, and biotechnology,” stated CMFRI Director Dr. Grinson George.
ICC Director General Dr. Rajeev Singh remarked: “This event is set to stimulate new investments, foster R&D collaborations, and boost India's competitiveness in high-value seaweed products.
The summit arrives at a time when the global seaweed market is projected to experience significant growth, presenting India with an opportunity to construct a resilient and innovative Blue Economy.