#NewAseBioMember| “AseBio is a key meeting point for the biotechnology ecosystem in Spain”

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

Daniel Ramón Calvo. DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence specializes in the exploration and application of microbial biodiversity to develop innovative solutions in sectors such as health and nutrition, biosolutions, and sustainability. Our strength lies in our advanced bioprospecting capabilities, which allow us to discover and characterize microorganisms with high-value applications in industry. Unlike other companies, we are not limited to existing collections but actively explore natural and extreme ecosystems to identify new strains with unique properties. 

Furthermore, we have proprietary technological platforms, such as MOSAIK, our innovative 4D culturomics platform, which allows us to cultivate microorganisms in highly specialized conditions adapted to their natural environment. Thanks to our approach, we facilitate the development of new biotechnological products and processes, from functional probiotics to biocontrol strategies for agriculture, and bioremediation solutions to combat environmental pollution. Our capacity for innovation, combined with a strategy of open collaboration with companies and scientific institutions, positions us as a benchmark in the industrial application of microbiology, helping us advance toward a more sustainable, biotechnology-based economy.

AseBio. What is AseBio for you?

Daniel Ramón Calvo. For DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence, AseBio is a key meeting point for the biotechnology ecosystem in Spain. It is a platform that allows us to connect with other companies, research centers, and entities in the sector, fostering collaboration and the development of innovative projects. AseBio is also a key platform for raising awareness of biotechnology and its impact on society, facilitating dialogue with government authorities and promoting a regulatory framework that drives the sector's growth. Its work in the internationalization of Spanish biotechnology is essential, helping to position national companies in the global market.

AseBio. When did you first hear about AseBio?

Daniel Ramón Calvo. I have worked my entire career in the field of microbial biotechnology, which has allowed me to closely understand the impact and evolution of the sector in Spain. I first heard about AseBio in the mid-2010s and, since then, I have closely followed its work as a key platform for the growth and visibility of the biotechnology ecosystem. Over the years, I have participated in various initiatives and activities organized by the association, which has allowed me to appreciate its fundamental role in representing and promoting the sector. 

When I joined DARWIN, it was very positive to see the company's involvement in AseBio. It could be summed up as being part of this community allows us to share knowledge, identify synergies, and strengthen our national and international reach.

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

Daniel Ramón Calvo. We hope that being part of AseBio will provide us with greater opportunities for collaboration and networking with other companies, research centers, and key players in the biotechnology sector. We believe that the exchange of knowledge and synergies within the association can drive innovation and open new avenues for the development of strategic projects. We also value AseBio's role as a liaison with public administrations and regulatory bodies.

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

Daniel Ramón Calvo.  The biotechnology sector's greatest challenge is consolidating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and the scalability of biotechnology solutions, ensuring their economic viability and positive impact on society. This involves overcoming regulatory barriers, encouraging investment in R&D, and strengthening synergies between academia and industry to accelerate the arrival of new technologies to market. In the case of DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence, our main challenge is to expand the application of microbial bioprospecting in key sectors such as healthcare, sustainability, and the agri-food industry. Microbial biodiversity is an inexhaustible source of solutions, but harnessing it requires advanced technology, feasibility studies, and a strong commitment to knowledge transfer. 

Furthermore, regulations surrounding bioprospecting and access to genetic resources, such as the Nagoya Protocol, pose challenges in terms of regulatory compliance and international collaboration. Clear and flexible frameworks are essential to enable the responsible and ethical development of microorganism-based solutions without hindering innovation. 

Therefore, working on dissemination, process standardization, and the creation of strategic alliances will be key to overcoming these challenges and consolidating bioprospecting as a driver of sustainable innovation