The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has recently disclosed the ten startups selected for the Amazon BioStartups Programme, an initiative that drives innovation in the Amazon bioeconomy. Chosen from 138 exciting proposals from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, the successful startups were: Awá Nutrition, Bioingred Tech, Biojorvial, Ecoproducts, FORESLAB, NanoMOF, Neofibers, Quassia Labs, Swebol Biotech, Symbiont.

Over the coming months, the selected startups not only receive financial support; they will also benefit from specialised technical support regarding key aspects of entrepreneurship: business models, market development, financing, certifications, quality, etc. ZBM are honoured to have been invited by the IDB to collaborate with the programme by giving advice regarding IP to the startup companies during their incubation period. Bernabé Zea will give advice on strategic protection, Carolina Janer on Biotechnology, Reyes Garcia on trademarks and Yahel Contreras on legal issues and contracts.

Launched by the Competitiveness, Technology and Innovation Division (CTI) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in 2023,the main objective of Amazon BioStartups initiative is to foster projects that harness science and technology to convert renewable biological resources from the Amazon region into sustainable innovations that benefit the region environmentally and economically, with an emphasis on social benefits for the local community. The Amazon’s biodiversity has the potential to be a major force behind sustainable development, and the IDB is dedicated to helping those who are trying to make this a reality. ZBM are proud to be a part of shaping this reality.