Innovation in Biotechnology: A Conversation with Helena Moralejo

At the Bankinter Innovation Foundation we are very proud of the alumni who have participated in our Akademia programme.

The design and execution of the program distinguish it from others: from the meticulous selection of students, the approach to the content of the classes, to the quality of the teachers who offer them. This results in our students being individuals who are passionate about innovation, willing to provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions in their areas of expertise.

On this occasion we interviewed Helena Moralejo, a former student of Akademia, a Chemical Engineer from the University of Santiago de Compostela and with a PhD in Environmental Biotechnology. She is currently Director of Bioprocesses at Ceres Biotics, a biotechnology company applied to the agricultural sector specialized in sustainable solutions based on beneficial microorganisms, called probiotics, as an alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers. With facilities in San Fernando de Henares (Madrid), the firm is dedicated to developing innovations aligned with the demands of sustainability and the Circular Economy strategy of the European Union, promoting environmentally friendly agriculture and soil regeneration.

Below, we reproduce the interview we had with Helena:

After your time at Akademia, did your way of seeing innovation and how to carry it out change?

After my experience at Akademia, it definitely changed my perspective on innovation. Before, I had the idea that innovating was simply waiting for a brilliant idea to come along. However, I now understand that innovation is not a passive process; it is learned and requires a specific methodology. It’s not just about sitting around waiting for inspiration, it’s about actively working on it. I was shocked to discover the importance of asking yourself the right questions to identify needs and how to address them. What transformed my vision the most was understanding that there is knowledge and structure behind innovation, and that it is essential to apply them to innovate effectively.

What did you like most about the program and why?

My experience in the Akademia program was very enriching. I really liked the diversity of disciplines and backgrounds of the group of students. Until that moment, I had always surrounded myself with people with a similar profile to mine, mainly chemical engineers, and we all shared a very similar way of thinking and analyzing. However, at Akademia, I was able to appreciate different perspectives and ways of approaching problems, which I found fascinating. This experience showed me the reality of professional life, where we interact with people from different backgrounds and experiences, and the importance of reaching agreements with them.

I also liked the format of the program a lot. Before the sessions we had to prepare the topics, dedicating hours to reading and analyzing the documentation provided. It was very interesting to see how, despite arriving with a preconceived idea, it could change drastically during the session when listening to other points of view or the interventions of the experts who gave them.

Finally, I loved the topics that were addressed, especially because they were different from my usual training. Discussing countries such as China and India, which 12 years ago were beginning to be a trend, gave me the opportunity to delve into emerging realities and learn from experts in these fields. In short, the Akademia Program offered me a broad and diverse vision that I value greatly.

What has been your career since you finished your degree until today?

With my degree in chemical engineering already finished, I was doing my PhD, which was a shared program between the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands and the University of Santiago, when I had the opportunity to participate in Akademia, specifically between 2010 and 2011. Once I finished my PhD, I spent a year as an R+D project manager at CETaqua. Subsequently, I decided to move into industry to apply my knowledge in R+D in areas with more tangible applications. I worked in the field of biofuels with Abengoa and, later, in another company focused on industrial biotechnology, where my specialty was oriented towards the pharmaceutical and food industry.

Since 2018, I have assumed the role of Plant Manager at Ceres Biotics, a company dedicated to the production of probiotics for agricultural applications, such as biofertilizers and biostimulants.

What does Ceres Biotics do?

At Ceres Biotics we provide biotechnological solutions for sustainable agriculture. The main activity is the production of bacteria and yeasts that, when applied in the field, promote plant growth in a sustainable way. In order to carry out this production, we have a very powerful R+D component that consists of the search for candidate strains to be part of products applicable in the field.

You are Director of Bioprocesses, what does your work consist of?

My current job as Plant Manager at Ceres Biotics is extremely dynamic and challenging; no day is the same as the previous one. I was fortunate to join the project from its inception, which allowed me to be part of its evolution from conceptualization to realization. One of my first tasks was to select the right location to build the plant. It’s really rewarding to have been a part of this project from being just a concept on paper to seeing it become a fully functioning factory serving globally.

As a Plant and Process Manager , my main responsibility is to ensure that everything is running smoothly. This involves making sure that the lab can operate smoothly, that production is aligned with sales forecasts, and that rigorous quality controls are performed. Since we work with microorganisms, sterility and quality are crucial aspects that we must handle with great care. My main function is to coordinate the entire human team, ensuring that we meet the production objectives and always maintaining the quality standards that are required.

What is the staff of professionals like in a production plant like Ceres Biotics?

The staff of professionals is truly multidisciplinary. In our technical team, 30% have a doctorate in various areas. We have doctors in microbiology, biotechnology, plant biotechnology, biologists and agronomists. From the beginning of the process, with the strain that is in the cell bank, where the competence falls mainly on biologists, to the transfer to the plant, where engineers intervene, and finally in the field application with an agronomic perspective, where agronomists take the lead. What I would highlight most about our team is the training and diversity of disciplines that are required to carry out the project in its entirety. It is essential to conglomerate a lot of talent and understand that we work sequentially, where each one adds value at a specific stage of the process.

What R+D projects are you involved in at Ceres Biotics and what are their objectives?

The first step of our R+D is to launch projects focused on the search for candidate strains, both bacteria and yeasts, which are found in the natural environment and can have a positive impact on plants. Our process begins with the collection of samples in the field, followed by an isolation and screening of these candidate strains. We always make sure that these strains are safe for both humans and the environment. Once identified, we work on characterising their behaviour in plants, their resistance to climate and other factors, with the aim of finding an optimal strain to be introduced into our products.

One of the key aspects we focus on is the resistance of these strains. We look for strains that can survive in harsh environments, taking into account factors such as soil salinity or their ability to withstand periods of drought. In short, we look for strains that are efficient and effective in their function.

Given the increasing restriction on the use of chemicals in agriculture, we see a very promising outlook for our natural products, which have already proven to be beneficial in improving harvests.

Our products empower regenerative agriculture. By applying microorganisms to the soil, we contribute to creating healthier soils that are rich in diversity. Not only does this improve plant yields, but it also cares for and preserves soil health, a resource that is finite. Therefore, through our research and products, we seek to promote practices that result in healthier and more productive soils.

In this R+D work, we have both our own projects and collaboration projects with different Spanish and European universities and research centers.

What innovations in the agritech sector do you think will be most revolutionary?

I consider the application and recognition of the ability of microorganisms in soil to promote plant growth to be highly innovative. For years, we’ve known about the importance of these microorganisms, but what’s truly revolutionary is how we’re using this information. For example, we are focusing on the capture and fixation of nitrogen present in the atmosphere, which is the largest reservoir of nitrogen in nature, constituting 79% in the form of nitrogen-gas. We work with microorganisms that can transform this nitrogen into ammonium, making it accessible to plants. However, this is not the only innovation. We are also exploring how to mobilize other nutrients trapped in the soil and how to produce substances that stimulate plant growth, such as phytohormones. In addition, protecting plants from pathogens by introducing beneficial microorganisms into the soil is another promising strategy. Just as we have recognized the importance of the microbiome in human health, we are seeing how this idea is transferable to the plant world, which has transformative potential for agriculture.

What are the current challenges and opportunities in biotechnology for the agrifood sector and, especially, in Spain?

One of the main challenges in biotechnology lies in the complexity and uniqueness of microorganisms. When we refer to bacteria, we find different genera, species and strains. It is essential to understand that each strain is unique and, therefore, its behavior in the field is also unique. This uniqueness means that for each biotech product to be brought to market, it is necessary to develop in-depth knowledge and conduct extensive research. Each product requires a detailed study and the intervention of highly qualified professionals. Therefore, the development of these solutions requires a considerable investment in time, talent and economic resources.

As for Spain, I note that biotechnology is still at an early stage, especially with regard to the production of biotechnological solutions. There are few manufacturers in the country dedicated to agricultural, food or pharmaceutical applications. Although I see great potential and room for growth in this sector, we are still in the early stages of development.

Compared to other European countries, such as the Netherlands, where I had the opportunity to work and do my PhD in biotechnology, job opportunities in Spain for professionals specialized in industrial biotechnology are limited. In the Netherlands, biotechnology is more advanced, especially in the use of microorganisms for production processes. In contrast, Spain still has a long way to go to catch up with its European neighbors in this area.

Thank you very much Helena! And many successes!

If you want to know the testimonies of other Akademia alumni, you can see them here.

If you want to know more about the Akademia program, we invite you to visit the Foundation’s website.