{"id":51177,"date":"2026-04-10T09:05:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:05:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/experiencias\/poliedra\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T09:29:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:29:16","slug":"poliedra","status":"publish","type":"experiencias","link":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/","title":{"rendered":"Poliedra"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Tell us what your business has to offer<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poliedra is a startup dedicated to the research and development of innovative products and services based on microalgae.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We took our first steps as part of the Competition for Innovative Initiatives to Promote the Bioeconomy in Enkarterri, funded by the Basque Government through the Hazi Foundation. In this initial stage, we developed our own cultivation technology (an initial photobioreactor prototype) and established a preliminary protocol for cultivating microalgae in effluents from the Laugar Brewery, in collaboration with the University of the Basque Country (UPV\/EHU), the Plentzia Marine Station (PiE), and San Viator Sopuerta. We are currently continuing to optimize this technology while moving toward new lines of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today we are in the R&amp;D phase, focused on marine bioluminescence: the phenomenon whereby phytoplankton, when agitated, produces flashes of blue light through a chemical reaction. This is what happens when the sea glows in the dark\u2014what we here call the \u201csea of fire\u201d\u2014a fleeting and unpredictable spectacle comparable to the Northern Lights, but one whose appearance can attract massive crowds that ultimately damage the ecosystem that makes it possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This line of development aims to make this experience accessible in a sustainable and controlled manner. We are creating an innovative product capable of replicating marine bioluminescence in tourist and artistic spaces, resulting in immersive, multisensory experiences with a strong emotional and scientific component. Furthermore, the blue light associated with this phenomenon has measurable physiological effects, as it influences the circadian rhythm, promotes relaxation, and improves cognitive processing. All of this is centered on sustainability and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What is your unique selling point?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our new line of products based on bioluminescence is a global first; there is currently no product on the market like the one we are developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our goal is to bring an experience\u2014one that today occurs spontaneously in only a few corners of the planet\u2014to new environments, doing so safely and sustainably, without disrupting the ecosystems that make it possible. It is also a solution that incorporates measurable physiological benefits associated with exposure to blue light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, we believe in the circular economy and in the revaluation of waste (whether CO\u2082, effluents, or other materials) as the basis for creating high-value-added products\u2014an approach we will progressively integrate into our developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Who are the people behind \u201cPoliedra\u201d?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poliedra is currently comprised of two co-founders: Carlos Andr\u00e9s Mari\u00f1o Quintero, CTIO (Chief Technology and Innovation Officer), and Mar\u00eda Margarita Arenas, CEO (Chief Executive Officer). In addition, we have collaboration agreements with scientific and business advisors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What have been your biggest challenges over the past few months, and how have you overcome them?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the main challenges has been venturing into biotechnology, an exciting sector that has changed and will continue to change the world, but one characterized by long and complex development cycles, heavy regulation, and a longer, deeper \u201cvalley of death.\u201d All of this takes place in a context where markets and the geopolitical landscape change very quickly\u2014sometimes in a matter of days. Working on something that may take years to reach the market creates constant uncertainty. Learning to navigate this ocean with calm has undoubtedly been one of the greatest challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What new projects are you working on?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are currently in the midst of the R&amp;D phase. We expect to have a proof-of-concept (PoC) ready between the end of this year and the beginning of next year, with the goal of beginning its validation in hospitality and arts settings in the Basque Country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the future, this technology (based on the extraction of luciferin and luciferase from dinoflagellates) will enable the development of various applications, particularly in the field of molecular biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong>How do you envision the company in 10 years? (product line, markets, employees, etc.)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the next ten years, we aim to establish a well-established product line in the market, with strong commercial momentum and a presence in several international markets. For a biotechnology company, reaching this level of development within that timeframe would represent a significant milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are particularly interested in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments, with a focus on markets such as the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, where we plan to grow progressively and selectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On that basis, our long-term vision is to continue exploring new opportunities. Microalgae offer extraordinary potential: they can grow in various types of water, do not compete with agricultural land, capture CO\u2082, and have a highly versatile chemical composition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>How has the Basque public sector helped you?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The public sector has been there for us from day one. We came to the Basque Country through Bizkaia Talent, an organization that provided us with guidance and support throughout our relocation and integration process, even before we took the leap into entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The University of the Basque Country, through the MBAe3 master\u2019s program, was essential for us: it helped us integrate and get to know the Basque Country\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem (public and private institutions, technology centers, mentors, other entrepreneurs). In fact, it was thanks to the master\u2019s program that we met the Hazi Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hazi Foundation has entrepreneurship advisors who help you connect with the local community and solve problems. It offers grant programs aimed at the rural sector, and in our case, we participated in a competition for innovative initiatives to boost the bioeconomy in Enkarterri organized by them. As I mentioned at the beginning, this was our starting point in the world of entrepreneurship. The foundation also offers Kabia, a platform with forums, relevant news, and opportunities to connect with other players in the ecosystem. Entrepreneurship Thursdays provide highly engaging training sessions, and they also have an online course platform. The amount of support they offer is truly impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Itzasgarapen, which focuses on the fishing and aquaculture sector in the Basque Country, has also been very important to us: it has helped us build valuable contacts and offers a wide range of programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for the project we\u2019re developing, the support from the University of the Basque Country through the Plentzia Marine Station (PiE) was equally crucial, as was that of San Viator Sopuerta and Enkarterrialde.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we decided to formally launch our business, we also had the backing of Zitek (the UPV\/EHU business incubator), BEAZ, and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. Thanks to Zitek, we were able to access workspaces (entrepreneurship classrooms, workshops, laboratories), high-level events, access to the BAT Tower, and a very enriching entrepreneurial ecosystem, in addition to training courses and ongoing support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through BEAZ, we have also gained access to training and support. We recently joined BIC Bizkaia, one of its incubators, which allows us to access top-tier facilities (laboratories, high-tech equipment) through subsidized rent\u2014facilities that would normally be out of our reach as entrepreneurs. Added to this are mentoring, training, and support services at different stages of the project. We have also recently applied to BEAZ\u2019s Area 1 program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we currently have a collaboration agreement for internships with CIFP Santurtzi, and it has been a very enriching experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I realize that I\u2019m not doing justice to the situation by listing everything, but the truth is that the amount of support available has made a huge impression on us. It\u2019s a privilege that we perhaps appreciate even more because we\u2019re from out of town. We consider the Basque public sector to be a true driving force behind entrepreneurship, and we hope that all this support will translate, in the near future, into many flagship projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What advice would you give to someone just starting out?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A traditional job may seem like the most comfortable and secure option, but many current jobs could disappear overnight with the rise of AI and automation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting a business is risky, but it\u2019s also a way to blaze a trail and take advantage of the opportunities that change brings. Plus, there\u2019s never been a better time to start a business; new technologies (including artificial intelligence) let us create almost anything at an unimaginable speed. I\u2019d tell them to go for it, not to wait until they know everything or have everything figured out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong>What trends do you foresee in the microalgae sector in the Basque Country?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We believe this is a very promising time for the microalgae sector. New specialized hubs are emerging, such as Algakin here in the Basque Country; there is a solid foundation of decades of research; and the technology is becoming increasingly accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Microalgae, as is already happening, will gradually replace many of the current applications of petroleum derivatives: fertilizers, fuels, food additives&#8230; Furthermore, they are an extraordinary source of protein and Omega-3, and they have a high capacity for CO\u2082 capture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be bold to say, but when we analyzed the growth curves of the oil market in its early days and those of microalgae, the resemblance is striking. In a context marked by geopolitical and environmental crises, I believe this sector will take center stage and become one of the major drivers of change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Added to this is a very significant competitive advantage: microalgae do not compete with agricultural land, they can grow in various water sources, and their composition (depending on the strain) is extraordinarily rich and bears a striking resemblance to that of oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong>In which areas is innovation currently needed in the microalgae sector (technological, regulatory, social, etc.)?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest challenges (and the industry\u2019s main Achilles\u2019 heel) remains production costs. Reducing these costs is key to ensuring that microalgae-based solutions can truly compete in the market.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other major challenge is the regulatory framework. I am a strong advocate for regulation (in fact, I work in this field), but when it becomes overly rigid and bureaucratic, it can turn into an almost insurmountable barrier for a startup. The sector needs a more agile regulatory environment that is better adapted to the realities of entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":51163,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","experiencia":[126,127],"class_list":["post-51177","experiencias","type-experiencias","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","experiencia-entrepreneurship","experiencia-innovation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Poliedra - onekin.eus<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Poliedra - onekin.eus\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Tell us what your business has to offer Poliedra is a startup dedicated to the research and development of innovative products and services based on microalgae.&nbsp; We took our first steps as part of the Competition for Innovative Initiatives to Promote the Bioeconomy in Enkarterri, funded by the Basque Government through the Hazi Foundation. In [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"onekin.eus\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-10T07:29:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Poliedra-material.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/\",\"name\":\"Poliedra - onekin.eus\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Poliedra-material.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-10T07:05:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-10T07:29:16+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Poliedra-material.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Poliedra-material.jpg\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1280},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Esperientziak\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/es\/experiencias\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Poliedra\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/\",\"name\":\"ONekin!\",\"description\":\"Punto de encuentro para todos los agentes de la cadena de valor de la alimentaci\u00f3n, la madera y el desarrollo rural y litoral de Euskadi\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"ONekin!\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#organization\",\"name\":\"ONekin!\",\"alternateName\":\"ONekin!\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cropped-favicon-onekin-300x300-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cropped-favicon-onekin-300x300-1.jpg\",\"width\":300,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"ONekin!\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Poliedra - onekin.eus","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Poliedra - onekin.eus","og_description":"Tell us what your business has to offer Poliedra is a startup dedicated to the research and development of innovative products and services based on microalgae.&nbsp; We took our first steps as part of the Competition for Innovative Initiatives to Promote the Bioeconomy in Enkarterri, funded by the Basque Government through the Hazi Foundation. In [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/","og_site_name":"onekin.eus","article_modified_time":"2026-04-10T07:29:16+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1280,"url":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Poliedra-material.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/","url":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/","name":"Poliedra - onekin.eus","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Poliedra-material.jpg","datePublished":"2026-04-10T07:05:21+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-10T07:29:16+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Poliedra-material.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Poliedra-material.jpg","width":1920,"height":1280},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/experiences\/poliedra\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Esperientziak","item":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/es\/experiencias\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Poliedra"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#website","url":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/","name":"ONekin!","description":"Punto de encuentro para todos los agentes de la cadena de valor de la alimentaci\u00f3n, la madera y el desarrollo rural y litoral de Euskadi","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#organization"},"alternateName":"ONekin!","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#organization","name":"ONekin!","alternateName":"ONekin!","url":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cropped-favicon-onekin-300x300-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cropped-favicon-onekin-300x300-1.jpg","width":300,"height":300,"caption":"ONekin!"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/experiencias\/51177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/experiencias"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/experiencias"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"experiencia","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onekin.eus\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/experiencia?post=51177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}