Thelma Gonzalez
Chemist, Biotechnologist & Entrepreneur. The purpose of my life is to end with plastic pollution worldwide. As a Biotechnologist, I am working with plastic-degrading bacteria & fungi, with the objective of creating a bio-recycling system to reuse discarded plastics and have more options than landfills. Focused on the creation of a Plastic Waste Management Plant using Biotechnology to transform plastic waste into high-added value products and sustainable energy. I founded Spootnik, a startup where we create edible cutlery, plates and glasses to stop the use of disposable single-use plastics. I am part of Allbiotech, an organization aimed to foster biotechnology initiatives and young leaders in LATAM industrial, entrepreneurial, government and educational sectors.
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Allbiotech
How Latin America is Building Biotech Power-Hubs
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Latin America is rapidly emerging as a promising region for synthetic biology innovation, with a growing number of startups developing impactful technologies across agriculture, health, industrial biotech, and environmental sustainability. In this panel, we will explore the unique potential of Latin American synbio startups and the ecosystems that support them. Join the conversation as we dive into real-world success stories and lessons learned. The panel will examine different startup creation models, highlight national ecosystems in Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, discuss the region's competitive advantages, investment opportunities, and the strategic role Latin America can play in shaping the future of synthetic biology globally.
