Pélagos: A New Marine Reforestation Spin-Off in the Canary Islands

A pioneering marine reforestation initiative is set to become the latest spin-off of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). Pélagos, a newly established company, is seeking official recognition as a ULPGC spin-off, positioning itself at the forefront of marine conservation and sustainable development in the Canary Islands and beyond.

Pélagos specialises in marine and coastal restoration projects, aligning its mission with the Canary Islands’ Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) for the blue economy. The company emerges as a strategic player in fostering biodiversity conservation and promoting sustainable industries in the region. By tackling critical environmental challenges through marine reforestation, Pélagos not only contributes to ecosystem restoration but also leverages marine resources to support economic growth and innovation.

The company has strong ties to the research community, with several of its founding members coming from the Biodiversity and Conservation Group (BIOCON) at the Institute of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Research (ECOAQUA) of ULPGC. This collaboration underscores Pélagos’ commitment to scientific excellence and practical solutions for marine conservation.

With its focus on the Canary Islands, the Macaronesia region, and international marine ecosystems, Pélagos aspires to become a key reference point in the blue economy sector. As the fourth ULPGC spin-off, it represents a significant step forward in translating research into real-world impact, reinforcing the university’s role in driving sustainable innovation.

Recently, Pélagos’ team met with stakeholders to present its business plan, addressing final questions before its completion. This marks a crucial milestone in the company’s journey, as it moves closer to full operational launch and recognition as an official ULPGC spin-off.

By pioneering marine restoration efforts, Pélagos is not only safeguarding marine biodiversity but also positioning the Canary Islands as a leader in sustainable economic development through the blue economy.

This progress has been made possible through the activities carried out via the EXPER Project on Piloting Spin-off Supporting Services, in which Atrineo is responsible for overseeing these processes.