- Theme
- EU4Algae
Published on 31 October 2025
With extensive experience in event management and a strong background in economics, tourism, and environmental engagement, Mauro Delle Fratte has spent nearly two decades shaping the development of Ecomondo into a benchmark event for sustainability and innovation. Through his work, he brings together companies, institutions, and researchers to foster dialogue and collaboration around the circular and blue economies. In this interview, Mauro discusses his professional journey, the evolving role of Ecomondo in advancing algae-related industries, and his outlook on the sector’s growth in Europe.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and what led you to take on a leading role at Ecomondo, one of Europe’s flagship events for green and circular economy technologies?
My academic specialisation in economic subjects and my affinity for both tourism and environmental issues led me to organise synergistic events with local communities. The opportunity to join Ecomondo in 2007 through IEG was a fantastic and demanding challenge for me.
Successfully managing such an important event on the European stage is also an opportunity to integrate sustainability principles into Ecomondo's branding strategies, focusing on aligning the brand with sustainable practices on both environmental and social levels. These, together with an enormous love for my work, remain my strongest motivations in the role I hold.
2. As Exhibition Manager for Ecomondo, you play a key role in shaping the direction of the event. How do you see the role of major European expos like Ecomondo in driving innovation and visibility for emerging sectors such as algae?
Ecomondo, a European point of reference for the green, blue, and circular economy for 28 editions, offers in its Blue Economy District — one of the areas of the event to be held in Rimini, Italy, from 4-7 November 2025 — a specific section focused on marine resources, sustainable fishing, and the water cycle. In this context, the algae sector is considered one of the most dynamic segments of blue biotechnology, with technical discussions and international visibility.
3. Over recent years, have you noticed growing interest or participation from algae-focused companies, technologies, or research projects at Ecomondo?
Yes. In 2024, we hosted Algae Hub, attended by leading Italian and international companies, such as Itaca Soc. Coop, Allround Seaweed, Micoperi Blue Growth Srl, and Disva. These organisations, beyond spreading awareness of algae’s benefits, are engaged in research and development of new technologies and applications for algae.
We also staged the event “Algoculture for Harvesting and Life”, promoted by Ecomondo’s Technical Scientific Committee together with Legacoop Agroalimentare Nord Italia and the Cooperativa Itaca Ulisse Alga Italiana. The session brought together plant, food, and scientific companies, highlighting the sector’s potential and challenges — especially in relation to collection, processing, and daily use.
4. From your strategic viewpoint, how can an event like Ecomondo help raise awareness about the diverse applications of algae — from food and feed to bio-based materials, energy, cosmetics, and more?
Since its first edition, Ecomondo has brought together public, private, and research organisations through its conference programme and dedicated exhibition areas. In recent years, market interest in bio-based materials, water resources, sustainable fishing, agriculture, and packaging has grown. Algae intersect with all these areas, and their valorisation benefits from a trade fair context that embraces both technological experimentation and the interest of established industrial supply chains.
5. In what ways does Ecomondo help bridge the gap between algae innovators, investors, policymakers, and the wider public?
Ecomondo has long played this role across all aspects of the circular economy and sustainability, also thanks to its international reach. The participation of foreign delegations, sector networks, and the integrated presence of companies, public bodies, and research centres enables a structured exchange between innovation, regulation, and adoption. The event environment fosters encounters between technological solutions and tools that support growth.
6. How can large-scale platforms like Ecomondo contribute to accelerating partnerships, cross-sector synergies, and broader market uptake for algae-based innovations?
Ecomondo hosts an Innovation District and dedicated areas for start-ups and scale-ups, where success stories have already emerged across various sectors. This model — also applicable to the algae sector — enables young companies to interact with industrial operators, distributors, and financial partners, facilitating validation and integration processes in the market.
7. Are there specific sectors within the green and circular economy where you see high potential for algae to play a growing role?
The most immediate prospects concern bioenergy and food, where demand for innovative solutions is high and algae's properties are particularly well-suited. The growing interest in alternative protein ingredients, biofuels, and agricultural applications is creating new opportunities for industrial development.
8. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for how Ecomondo can continue to support and amplify the algae sector? Are there specific trends, initiatives, or collaborations you’re especially excited about in the coming editions?
Ecomondo will continue to promote innovations that enhance collective well-being, as demonstrated by the Circular & Healthy City District, which showcases solutions designed to improve environmental health. Even more relevant is the Blue Economy District, part of the Water Cycle sector, which showcases projects and companies operating in the ocean, sea, and coastal environments.
Algae, with their bioeconomic potential, are poised to become key players in the transition towards greener and more circular models. We will continue to support this process by expanding dedicated areas and thematic content.
Additional information
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