#NewAseBioMember | “AseBio represents credibility, sector cohesion, and a unified voice”

AseBio. What does your company's work bring to the table and what is its strength?

Miguel Rodríguez-Villa Förster. Macami Biotech was founded with a very clear purpose: to bring microalgae biotechnology into the field of human health through advanced nutraceutical solutions. Our strategy is based on applying deep scientific knowledge about the potential of this biotechnology to a sector that has, until now, been dominated by isolated ingredients, opacity, commercial narratives, and trends with limited scientific grounding.

Spain is a global leader in microalgae biotechnology, a position that allows us to develop our projects within a privileged scientific ecosystem. Our strength lies in combining top tier academic expertise with industrial processes specifically designed to preserve the integrity of microalgae bioactive compounds—an essential requirement when translating biotechnological innovation to the final consumer. For instance, 99% of the spirulina consumed in Europe comes from Asia and is often cultivated in poorly controlled environments, which means it arrives in Europe already irradiated with cobalt. We aim to raise awareness about the importance of quality and transparency by showing cultivation processes and highlighting the standards behind the raw materials we work with.

In addition, we collaborate with a strong scientific ecosystem that includes CSIC researchers with outstanding international reputations in food science and biotechnology. These collaborations ensure rigor, precision, and a research-driven framework that guides everything we do.

Our goal is to carve out a dedicated space for biotechnology within a supplement market saturated with fads and redundant marketing. We aim to offer nutraceutical solutions supported by solid, well-founded nutrigenomic arguments, not by passing trends.

AseBio. What is AseBio for you?

Miguel Rodríguez-Villa Förster. AseBio is the meeting point of the Spanish biotechnology ecosystem and a platform that fosters dialogue, public–private collaboration, and visibility for a sector that is strategic for the country.
For us, it represents credibility, sector cohesion, and a unified voice. At a time when health and biotechnology are increasingly present in public discourse, having an association that ensures rigor and institutional backing is essential. Credibility, in the field of health in particular, is a fundamental pillar, and AseBio plays a crucial role in reinforcing it.

AseBio. When did you first hear about AseBio?

Miguel Rodríguez-Villa Förster. More than a decade ago, during our early biotechnology projects in other sectors and with other companies. AseBio has always been a reference point in industry and a natural meeting place for biotech companies.

AseBio. What do you expect from being part of an association like AseBio?

Miguel Rodríguez-Villa Förster. We want to contribute to strengthening Spanish biotechnology and actively participate in initiatives that promote responsible innovation, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer.
This is a particularly relevant moment for the sector: Spanish science is experiencing an unprecedented level of social recognition. The public response to advances led by Dr. Mariano Barbacid, along with recent data from the BBVA Foundation showing that scientists are the most valued group among citizens, demonstrates that science now occupies a central place in society.

In this context, we believe that “wearing the AseBio hat” is more important than ever. We want to contribute our experience while also being part of a collective effort that is elevating Spain’s position in global biotechnology.

AseBio. What is the biggest challenge facing the biotech sector or your company?

Miguel Rodríguez-Villa Förster. For Macami, the main challenge is building credibility and trust in the nutraceutical sector - an industry in which we are a new brand, yet supported by a team with more than 20 years of experience in microalgae biotechnology.
Our challenge is to translate that trajectory into a clear value proposition for consumers: solutions that originate from biotechnological research, backed by evidence, and produced through processes that guarantee real quality. Bridging the gap between the laboratory and people’s everyday lives is both a complex and an inspiring task.

For the biotech sector more broadly (and this is not new) one of the major challenges is accelerating regulatory and societal adoption of biotechnological innovations while maintaining scientific rigor. Biotechnology is advancing at great speed, but to have real impact it requires updated regulatory frameworks, sustainable funding, and an ecosystem that values long term applied science.