Our journey

SEAentia (SEAentia-Food, Lda.) is a pioneering Portuguese startup, established in September 2017, focusing on sustainable aquaculture. Our mission is to produce high-quality corvina by integrating innovative production methods, cutting-edge technologies, and scientific research.
In 2021, we initiated a trailblazing pilot project in Peniche, focused on corvina aquaculture using Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). Given that commercial-scale meagre cultivation in RAS is unprecedented, this pilot stage is crucial for data gathering before escalating to larger production scales.
Supported by the MAR2020 program, we developed a RAS to collect essential zootechnical data and assess the project’s economic viability. Over three years, this pilot has been vital for identifying risks, devising mitigation strategies, refining cultivation processes, and training our team in RAS corvina production, laying a solid foundation for scaling up our operations while minimizing financial and operational risks.
SEAentia’s facilities now serve as a hub for our Research and Development (R&D) unit, facilitating collaboration on research projects with esteemed national and international partners. Learn more in our Projects section.
In our forthcoming commercial phase, SEAentia is set to lead in corvina production, managing the full cycle from hatchery to market size through a sustainable and environmentally friendly RAS. We place a strong emphasis on animal welfare and ecological sustainability, underscoring our dedication to the well-being of future generations and the health of our planet.
We aspire to become an international benchmark in aquaculture, venturing into new species with significant commercial potential and consumer appeal. Join us on our journey toward a responsible and innovative future in aquaculture!

The Founders

João Rito

João Rito

Master’s degree in Biology | University of Coimbra, Portugal
PhD candidate in Biosciences | University of Coimbra, Portugal

President of BlueBio Alliance, the Portuguese association for marine bioresources
Lectures Physiology, Nutrition and Feeding in Aquaculture at the Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal
Former President of the Student Group of the European Aquaculture Society
Position: General Manager

Nuno Leite

Nuno Leite

Master’s degree in Ecology | University of Coimbra, Portugal

Former Secretary and President of the Student Group of the European Aquaculture Society
Position: Operations Manager

John Jones

John Jones

Doctoral degree in Applied Chemistry | University of Texas, USA

Senior Researcher at the Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology | University of Coimbra,
Portugal

Sónia Rito

Master’s degree in Economic Sciences | University of Porto, Portugal

Lectures accounting and management at Coimbra Business School | Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração de Coimbra (ISCAC), Portugal

The Team

Ana Costa

Master’s degree in Marine Biology | University of the Algarve, Portugal
PhD candidate at Doctoral Program of Biology and Ecology of Climate Change | University of Aveiro, Portugal

Lectured Vertebrate Production Techniques at the Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal
Position: Project Manager and Business Developer

Diogo Alves

Master in Aquaculture | Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal

Position: RAS Technician

Nuno Coriel

Master in Aquaculture and Fisheries | University of Algarve, Portugal

Position: Hatchery Specialist

Patrícia Canhão

Master in Aquaculture | Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal

Lectured Vertebrate Production Techniques at the Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal
Position: RAS Technician

The Investors

All The Way Business Consulting

All The Way

Tax consultancy and financial advisory – Porto, Portugal

SEAentia’s strategic partner in optimising financial investments and tax efficiency.
ATW capitalises on the knowledge and experience of its founders, Bruno Monteiro and Tiago Ribeiro dos Santos, as leaders of a team with extensive professional experience in majorconsulting firms such as Deloitte and PwC.

Kalkin Capital

Venture capital company based in Aveiro, Portugal.