We are interested in joining an international consortium as a non-profit private partner under the FutureFoods Call 2 contributing to project ideas within the topic 1 (mainly) and also for topics 2 and 3. I have hands-on experience in developing innovative food products based on circular processing principles. In particular, we have conducted R&D activities on the valorisation of thermal water and natural endogenous resources, aiming to increase added value and transform it into food-grade applications. Within this scope, we have developed a portfolio of food prototypes and products taking advantage of using such ingredients, determining its valorisation on the nutrient level but also physico-chemical properties, quality parameters, consumer acceptability and market value. This work has been supported and awarded under national R&D and innovation programmes (including Fundação la Caixa and Portugal2020 funding), and has resulted in multiple applications. We are interested in collaborating with universities, research institutes and public organisations, as well as industrial partners, on projects addressing circular food processing, sustainable valorisation of food processing by-products and food quality. We can contribute through pilot-scale development, data analysis, microbiological, analytical chemistry and chromatographic assessment methods, carrying a large number of public and private associates as potential partners for project development as well as for relevant technologic and scientific knowledge transfer.

AquaValor is a multidisciplinary centre focused on the subject of water, which offers services that the thermal water sector, based on advanced technological and scientific knowledge, namely through the development of innovative technological solutions to improve the production and capitalisation of natural and cultural goods and derived products. Located in Chaves, Portugal, Aquavalor has also major focus in R&D activities towards the valorization of natural endogenous resources through applications in food, nutrition, cosmetics, health aligned with the promotion of wellbeing and quality of life.