Project BYTHOS, Biotechnologies For Human Health and Blue Growth, co-financed by the Interreg Italia-Malta Programme and of which the University of Malta is a member, is among the 5 finalists in the category “A competitive and smart Europe” of the European RegioStars Award.

The project, which sees the participation of Sicilian and Maltese partners, was selected among the 262 applications received.

BYTHOS utilised side streams from the fish processing industry to create ingredients for human and animal wellbeing. Bioactive molecules with health-promoting properties were extracted for use in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmetics.

Through Bythos a laboratory was created at the forefront on the island of #Lipari for the transformation of waste from the pesticide sector into biotechnological products, reducing waste and creating economic value.

The five categories of this year’s RegioStars are:

1. A Competitive and Smart Europe: Promoting competitiveness, innovation and economic resilience
2. A Green Europe: The green transition as the enabler of regional development
3. A Connected Europe: Enhancing mobility and connectivity between regions
4. A Social and Inclusive Europe: Achieving a more inclusive Europe by harnessing regional talents
5. A Europe Closer to the Citizens: Fostering the sustainable development of all types of territories

All the finalists are listed online. Public voting starts on 2 September 2024.