Skip to main content
European Union flag
EnglishEnglish
EU Aquaculture

Aquapurna: farming shrimp in Germany

From left to right, Aquapurna’s co-founders Florian Gösling and David Gebhard, with Marcus Thon (Head of R&D).
From left to right, Aquapurna’s co-founders Florian Gösling and David Gebhard, with Marcus Thon (Head of R&D).
© Aquapurna

The German company Aquapurna is transforming shrimp farming with a sustainable, technology-driven approach that leaves marine ecosystems untouched. Its pioneering land-based Smart Reef System reproduces shrimp’s natural habitat and yields locally grown, high-quality, antibiotic-free shrimp at affordable prices. 

Aquapurna’s shrimp are on the market under the name ‘Gamba Zamba’
Aquapurna’s shrimp are on the market under the name ‘Gamba Zamba’
© Aquapurna

Unlocking scalable, sustainable shrimp farming

Aquapurna was launched four years ago. At the company’s R&D centre – the only one in Europe dedicated solely to the sustainable and cost-efficient land-based farming of shrimp – Aquapurna developed its groundbreaking Smart Reef System.

It leverages eco-friendly recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) while reproducing the complex natural habitats where shrimp thrive. The tech-enabled, land-based aquaculture system includes a patented tank interior that allows three generations of shrimp to coexist, ensuring the secure and independent supply of locally grown, premium larvae.

Less stress and fast-growing, healthier shrimp

Aquapurna has succeeded in increasing shrimp density in a sustainable, animal-friendly manner. Robotics, automation and smart data eliminate manual handling to reduce stress, optimising both shrimp health and yield and leading to outstanding quality.


Aquapurna’s shrimp have long intact antennae and no wounds or scars. They eat eagerly, move actively, and swim in a controlled manner. They also grow quickly and have a high survival rate. The Smart Reef System enables harvesting every two days rather than three to four times a year as in conventional farming.

This is the L. vannamei species. The distinctive royal blue look is achieved through Aquapurna’s grow-out environment.
This is the L. vannamei species. The distinctive royal blue look is achieved through Aquapurna’s grow-out environment.
© Aquapurna

Reducing water and energy consumption

In addition to the water-efficient and closed-loop nature of RAS, using gravity to circulate the water has further reduced environmental impact by minimising the amount of energy input needed for water treatment processes. This one-of-a-kind filtration system has also lowered production costs.

Key support from the EU’s BlueInvest platform

The BlueInvest Readiness Assistance programme is an exclusive coaching programme targeting high-potential EU start-ups and SMEs in the blue economy sector. With the support of BlueInvest, Aquapurna successfully secured a substantial eight-figure investment and is now focusing on achieving maturity, maintaining steady growth and expanding into new markets.

“BlueInvest brought us valuable ideas and expertise on finance that we managed to transfer into reality during our fundraising journey,” Aquapurna CEODavid Gebhard said.