Spotlight: Meet João Cotter, founder of Aquaponics Iberia

Can land based aquaponics reform the future of food production?

Over the years, the Ocean Community has grown into a diverse network of members doing important and inspiring work across the blue economy and sustainability sectors. To give these changemakers the spotlight they deserve, we’re launching a new Member Spotlight Q&A-series where we ask them about their story and the impact they make. We’re excited to start with a company that is taking aquaponics to the next level by combining sustainable food production, digital technologies, and education: read on to learn more about their journey and vision for the future.

Please briefly introduce yourself and your company.

'We develop integrative aquaponics systems that combine sustainable food production with digital technologies and education. Our solutions operate at the intersection of innovation, climate resilience, and blue–green systems. In short, we are taking aquaponics to the next step. Aquaponics is already present in Europe, but it’s often seen as an alternative future solution. We believe it’s already a real opportunity to produce food sustainably and efficiently today.'

How did the idea for your company and aquaponics come about? Was there a gap in the market or a specific challenge that inspired you?

'It comes from the belief that future food systems must be integrated, resource-efficient, and close to communities. Aquaponics allows us to connect water, food, technology, and education into a single regenerative model. We’ve found a way to make this work technically, but one of our biggest challenges is convincing investors to follow us on this journey.'

What is your market and who is your target audience?

'Our market is mainly urban food production, which involves many different stakeholders. We also work increasingly with education, focusing on the blue economy, sustainability, innovation, and food systems. At the moment, we are advancing pilot projects and applying for new funding. We’re in an active scale-up phase and aiming for a big leap forward.

We’ve already implemented commercial units and want to operate our own commercial facilities, but that’s a major step. To bridge that gap, we are focusing on building our own demonstrators and pilots while raising funding for future commercial units.'

What were your top developments or achievements in 2025?

'In 2025, we focused heavily on educational projects, using aquaponics in schools. We received funding through a Horizon project, which allowed us to invest in technology integration, IoT sensors, and a digital learning platform - already operating in several schools.

Another major achievement is the digitalization and automation of our technology, including connecting it with AI. We expect this solution to be ready by August, which will strengthen our main commercial project.

We also explored a project with the Ocean Community related to developing new fish feed from local agricultural resources, although we didn’t invest enough energy into it yet. It’s something we may revisit in the future.

Additionally, I’ve been mentoring several initiatives, including one with the Ocean Community, and we are currently being mentored by the BlueInvest financing assistance program to support our funding goals.'

How has being part of Ocean Community helped your company?

'Ocean Community has played an important role as an accelerator. The Ocean Community Challenge and the network have been especially valuable, and I’m also a trusted ecosystem partner. Looking ahead, we see the Ocean Community as a key strategic ally for scaling impact-driven projects internationally.

I believe the most impactful work is still ahead. There’s a lot more potential in what our network can achieve together.'

Do you have an inspirational quote reflecting what your business stands for?

"I believe the most impactful work is still ahead. There’s a lot more potential in what our network can achieve together"

Read more about Aquaponics Iberia and their projects on the website: https://www.aquaponicsiberia.com/