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Pierre Calleja
Odontella CSO, Directeur Scientifique.
Professional Background
Dr. Pierre Calleja is a highly experienced biologist and a pioneer in aquaculture with a robust focus on the innovative application of microalgae. His journey in this vital field began in the early 1980s, driven by his conviction in the significant potential and unique properties of microalgae for various production applications.
Initially, Dr. Calleja commenced his career at Montpellier, France, with France Aquaculture (IFREMER research institute) where he dedicated himself to developing advanced larval breeding techniques crucial for marine farms. As he delved deeper into his area of expertise, Dr. Calleja became increasingly fascinated with microalgae, which prompted him to shift his focus in 1992. With a vision to enhance larval feed nutrition, he founded Kurios, a company dedicated to developing innovative nutritional supplements tailored for optimally breeding larval fish. Under his stewardship, Kurios saw incredible growth, achieving doubled revenues year-on-year by 1999, with exports representing an impressive 80% of the company’s sales.
In 2000, recognizing the opportunity for greater impact and collaboration, Dr. Calleja sold Kurios to a global leader in larval fish nutrition. He then returned to France Aquaculture, engaging in a fruitful collaboration from 2000 to 2005 on a groundbreaking R&D project focusing on the mass production of microalgae under heterotrophic conditions, a venture that further established his reputation as a leading expert in the field.
In 2007, building on his decades of expertise, Dr. Calleja secured several patents linked to the farming of microalgae, laying the groundwork for the establishment of Fermentalg in 2009. This pioneering venture holds rights to produce fatty acids and phycocyanin, marking a significant advancement in marine biotechnology. Fermentalg achieved another milestone in 2014 when it was successfully introduced to the stock market, further solidifying Dr. Calleja's influence in aquaculture and microalgae research. Currently, Dr. Calleja is at the forefront of developing Odontella, the first range of food products based on marine microalgae, driving innovation through sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Calleja’s academic journey laid the foundation for his impressive career. He studied at the Université des Sciences de Montpellier, obtaining a solid grounding in the biological sciences pertinent to his future pursuits in aquaculture. He further advanced his education by earning a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC), a distinguished institution known for its rigorous approach to technology and science.
His accomplishments extend across various sectors within marine biotechnologies, making significant contributions to sustainable aquaculture practices. Throughout his career, Dr. Calleja has been a part of numerous organizations, holding various prominent positions.
Notably, he served as:
- Directeur scientifique at ODONTELLA, driving the scientific direction and innovation at the company.
- Formerly Fondateur at FONDATION PLANET FOREVER, a testament to his commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Former Président at Aquitaine Croissance Verte, providing strategic leadership to promote green growth in the region.
- Formerly Fondateur at Fermentalg, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to advancing marine biotechnology.
- Formerly CEO & Directeur scientifique at Tyca, where he led initiatives to enhance the aquaculture sector.
- Several consultative roles, leveraging his expertise as a Consultant Expert in Aquaculture Marine and contributing to various projects focused on knowledge transfer and innovation.
His intermediate roles at Ademix, Kurios, and France Aquaculture have only added to his rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments within the fisheries and biotechnology sectors.
Achievements
Dr. Pierre Calleja has made notable strides in the field of marine biotechnology and aquaculture, with achievements that resonate well beyond the scientific community. He is regarded as a thought leader and innovator, contributing to the marine aquaculture industry's development and sustainable practices. Highlights of his work include:
- Development of innovative larval feeding techniques, contributing to heightened survival rates and healthier fish stocks in aquaculture.
- Pioneering mass production methods of microalgae, which are crucial in developing sustainable aquaculture feeds, animal nutrition, and even food products for human consumption.
- Presenting several patents that not only enhance industry practices but also drive new research avenues in microalgae farming.
- Successfully founding and leading companies that have both contributed to scientific advancement and generated significant economic growth, both domestically and internationally.
- Transforming research insights into commercial success, exemplified by his work with Fermentalg, which established itself as a key player in marine biotechnologies and was officially listed on the stock market in 2014.
With passion and integrity, Dr. Calleja continues to influence the future of aquaculture and microalgae applications, promoting sustainability and innovation at every turn. He remains actively engaged in pushing the boundaries of what is possible with marine resources, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the rich opportunities these organisms present.
