Four of the five awards of the eighth edition of the awards of the Bio Cluster of the Valencian Community (BIOVAL) have been awarded to staff and entities linked to the University of Valencia Science Park (PCUV)
The eighth edition of the Awards of the Bio Cluster of the Valencian Community (BIOVAL), which were given at the ceremony of the Nit Biotec 2025 in the Biohub VLC of La Marina de València, has distinguished different people and entities linked to the University of Valencia Science Park (PCUV).
The Value Proposition Award has been awarded to Evolving Therapeutics, a spin-off of the University of Valencia located in the PCUV business area, for its pioneering approach to phage therapy, a natural alternative to combat multi-resistant bacteria. Founded in 2023 by Marisa and Pilar Domingo Calap, the company works under the One Health paradigm, developing innovative and environmentally safe solutions that improve the health of people, animals and plants. Its global leadership in this field positions it as a benchmark for disruptive biotechnology and the transfer of knowledge from academia to market.
In the Dissemination and Scientific Communication category, the award went to journalist Kristin Suleng, responsible for Communication and Marketing at the University of Valencia Science Park Foundation (FPCUV). Her exemplary track record in scientific and environmental communication, both in public media and academic institutions, has made her a key voice for bringing science to society with rigour and creativity. Its work has helped to strengthen the link between research and citizenship, making Valencian innovation visible within and outside the academic sphere.
The Women’s Leadership Award has been awarded to Mª Carmen Collado, researcher at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA), located in the scientific-academic area of the PCUV, for her outstanding scientific work on the study of microbiota, food and human health. Her work, focused on key stages such as pregnancy and lactation, has had a decisive impact on knowledge of maternal and child nutrition and women’s health. With a solid track record in research and a strong commitment to equity, Mª Carmen Collado is a leader in science with a gender perspective and an example of leadership in Valencian biotechnology.
The Bioval Recognition Award went to José María Lagarón, IATA researcher and founder of several biotech startups. Pioneer in the development of advanced materials and bioplastics, Lagarón has been able to take its research to market through innovative business initiatives in the areas of sustainability, food and health. His dual scientific and entrepreneurial profile makes him a key figure in the consolidation of the Valencian biotechnology ecosystem.
A night to highlight the Valencian biotec sector
These awards were delivered within La Nit Biotec 2025, organized by Bioval, in the Biohub VLC of La Marina de València, consolidating as the great annual meeting of the Valencian biotechnology ecosystem. A well-attended edition also presented the Biotec 2025 Report, which confirms the sustained growth of the sector and its role as one of the pillars of scientific and economic development in the Valencian Community.
The Biotec 2025 Report identifies 317 active companies linked to biotechnology, of which 125 are pure biotechnological (CNAE 7211 and 7219). Overall, the ecosystem generates an estimated Gross Added Value of 1,022 billion euros, equivalent to 0.73% of Valencia’s GDP, and employs more than 20,600 people. The turnover generated by this sector is estimated at over 4,953 million euros.
For Ángela Pérez, president of Bioval and president of the Social Council of the University of Valencia, it is "essential to distinguish all those who, by their excellence, by their impulse to innovation and by their leadership in regional biotechnology give us growth" and added: "With the report we try to take a fixed picture of what biotechnology is and how it grows every year and our goal is to make these awards represent an annual milestone for Valencians".
About BIOVAL
Bioval is the association of companies and entities that constitute the Bio cluster of the Valencian Community. The environment in which Bioval’s work is framed is that of biotechnology, or more broadly the Bio sector, understood as such those activities related to life sciences and bioeconomy which include the disciplines of biomedicine, Agro-biotechnology, agro-food, environmental, marine and industrial biotechnology, mainly. It was created in 2006 and since then has energized the sector acting as an interlocutor among its more than 125 partners, including companies, Technological Institutes, Research Centers, Universities and others.
Congratulations from the University of Valencia Science Park to all people and entities awarded!
Source: Bioval
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