Kochi set to become Seaweed innovation hub with International expo

Kochi is set to become a global centre of attention in the marine sector as it prepares to host the 7th India International Seaweed Expo and Summit 2026 on January 29 and 30. Organised by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in partnership with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and CSIR–Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), the event is expected to be one of the largest international gatherings focused on seaweed and marine algae.

The summit aims to unlock the potential of India’s rapidly growing seaweed sector, bringing together policymakers, scientists, global investors, start-ups, innovators and industry leaders under one roof. Participants from Brazil, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Sweden and several other countries have already shown interest, signalling strong international collaboration. Experts from Latin America, South Asia and Europe are also expected to take part, offering scope for technology transfer, cross-border partnerships and market expansion.

Seaweed is nutritious, valuable, eco-friendly and a major industry of the future — from food to medicine, from cosmetics to biofuel, it has huge potential worldwide and especially for a coastal nation like India.

A major attraction of the expo will be the ‘Seaweed 2030’ panel, designed to outline a national roadmap to make India a global leader in sustainable seaweed production and high-value product manufacturing. The initiative is expected to support India’s Blue Economy goals and strengthen the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Along with a large exhibition, the summit will include technical sessions covering a range of crucial topics: government policy and regulation, financing and market development, bioprospecting, biotechnology, supply chain management and product innovation. These discussions are aimed at expanding India’s seaweed value chain and boosting export capacity in high-value derivatives.

Experts believe that India’s 11,000 km coastline and rich marine biodiversity place it in a strong position to emerge as a future hub for seaweed farming, processing and marine biotechnology. CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said the event will accelerate efforts to build a sustainable seaweed industry. ICC Director General Dr Rajeev Singh added that the expo will likely attract new investments, promote research collaborations and enhance India’s presence in the global market.

With growing international interest, Kochi is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of seaweed-based industries and sustainable ocean development.