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
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
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
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
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.