Astrofood, founded by Zakaria along with Carine and Julien, emerged from a shared passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to address nutritional deficiencies in European populations. Inspired by Zakaria’s research on microalgae-based food products during his business studies, Astrofood embarked on a mission to develop and commercialize nutrient-rich products using fresh Spirulina. With a focus on micronutrient-rich shots and future macronutrient-rich products, the company aims to fill gaps in dietary intake while catering to specific sub-populations like vegans and the elderly.
Astrofood’s journey is not limited to Earth; the company harbours ambitions to contribute to food technology for space applications. By aligning with ESA’s MELiSSA program, Astrofood seeks to develop sustainable solutions for food production and resource utilization in space missions. Through mentorship programs and research collaborations with institutions like the University of Liège and the University of Mons, Astrofood aims to advance its production facilities and explore alternative microalgae species for nutritional enhancement. By leveraging ESA’s expertise and resources, the company endeavours to refine its research, optimize bioreactor design, and validate the nutritional value of microalgae. Ultimately, Astrofood’s partnership with ESA represents a synergistic exchange of knowledge and technology, paving the way for advancements in microalgae production and applications both on Earth and in space.