PATRICIA AYMA

My journey has been shaped by resilience and a passion for science. Born with underdeveloped bronchi, I spent much of my childhood and adolescence battling respiratory illnesses. My memories from school involve always wearing a robe stained with green mucus and doctors saying, "pneumonia due to bacteria." These experiences sparked my curiosity about the microscopic world, especially bacteria, which eventually became the focus of my life’s work. I studied biotechnology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and later pursued a master’s in environmental engineering at the University of Barcelona. During this time, I discovered my passion for using bacteria to produce biodegradable bioplastics from organic waste. Loving this project so much, I submitted it to an entrepreneurship competition, where I met my co-founders, Jordi and Noelia. Winning the contest gave us the incredible opportunity to visit Silicon Valley, where we explored the world’s leading tech companies. The trip inspired us to the fullest and gave us the push to turn the idea into a reality. In 2018, we founded VEnvirotech. We are transforming the plastics industry with a plastic that doesn’t pollute. We have the first 100% biodegradable bioplastic made from organic waste with bacteria, which I like to call "the BIO-BIOplastic: From its origin to its end-of-life." Created from organic resources and designed to biodegrade and compost, it is engineered to protect the environment while meeting the demands of today’s market. As President and CTO of VEnvirotech, I lead the development of bacterial technology and oversee the optimization of processes that enable bacteria to efficiently produce bioplastics... I can say I am a bacteria trainer!!! My role involves not just advancing scientific breakthroughs but also driving their application in ways that contribute to a circular economy and reduce environmental impact. Beyond science, I’m deeply committed to inspiring others, particularly women, to explore careers in STEM and sustainable innovation. For me, biotechnology is more than a field... it’s a powerful tool to address global challenges, from waste management to climate change, and to create a better future for both the planet and society. There has been an agricultural and a industrial revolution, also a digital revolution, and the biotechnological revolution is yet to comei