SSIA Annual Conference

Collaboration and innovation in Scotland’s seaweed sector

Team members from SAIC were pleased to return to Oban this month for the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association’s (SSIA) annual conference, held at Corran Halls from 11–13 November. The event brought together experts, innovators, and stakeholders from across Scotland and beyond to explore the future of seaweed and its global potential.

The conference opened with a welcome from SSIA's CEO Rhianna Rees, followed by a ministerial address from Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands. A keynote from Susan Løvstad Holdt, Associate Professor at the Technical University of Denmark and Vice President of the International Seaweed Association, set the tone for two days of knowledge exchange and collaboration.

This year's theme, 'Cooperation and collaboration' emphasized the power of collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities in marine biomass utilisation. Highlights included sessions on lessons learned from international knowledge exchange trips, cooperative business models, academic partnerships, and an exciting Seaweed Innovation Challenge, which awarded up to £17k to advance sustainable seaweed solutions.

SAIC’s Head of Research & Innovation, Sarah Riddle, chaired a roundtable on funding and investment opportunities and contributed to discussions on strengthening science–industry collaboration.

The conference closed with inspiring talks on industry partnerships and cutting-edge innovations shaping the sector’s future. SAIC was proud to support and participate in these conversations, reinforcing our commitment to Scotland’s growing seaweed industry.

A major announcement at the event saw SSIA confirm its rebrand to Seaweed Scotland, with Rhianna Rees continuing as its CEO - a move that reflects the sector’s ambition and evolving identity.

Congratulations to the organisers, speakers, and attendees for delivering such a valuable and forward-thinking programme. SAIC looks forward to continuing its role in driving innovation and collaboration across Scotland’s blue economy.

More about the 2025 conference