MetBioCat, the research group at the Singular Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) led by José Luis Mascareñas, has been recognized in the research group category at the GCiencia Galicia Spin-Off Awards, now in their ninth edition. The jury highlighted the group's trajectory, marked by securing nearly four million euros in funding and registering 26 patents.
MetBioCat focuses on developing catalytic and synthetic technologies, as well as molecular tools to address biological and medical challenges. Among its most recent achievements is securing a Transition project from the European Innovation Council (EIC), funded with 2.5 million euros, to develop a ruthenium complex that targets the metabolism of cancer stem cells. This project, launched in 2025, involves collaboration with two academic groups from Spain and Portugal and two companies, and includes a commitment to create a spin-off.
The jury for the GCiencia Galicia Spin-Off Awards in this edition included researcher Cintia Folgueira; Irene Bonome, Deputy Director General for Scientific Promotion and University Technology of the Galician Government; Pablo Mosquera, Investment Director at Unirisco; Carlos Cobas, R&D Director at Mestrelab; and José Manuel López Vilariño, President of the Bioga cluster. Pablo López, Director of GCiencia, participated with a voice but no vote. During deliberations, the jury noted the high quality of the candidatures submitted in the Emerging Idea and Research Groups categories, while in the Quality Seal category, the jury members themselves presented the corresponding proposals.
The awards also recognize two technology-based companies emerging from the USC: AMS-Lab in the Quality Seal category, originating from the Lugo Campus, and Ventilatio Lab in the Emerging Idea category, born on the Santiago de Compostela campus.
The GCiencia Galicia Spin-Off Awards distinguish the most innovative companies and research groups that stand out for using research to develop their products and services. Previous winners include Alén Space, Mestrelab, Hifas da Terra, the BioFarma group at USC, and the Database Laboratory at UDC.
Created in 2015 to recognize university research and technology transfer, the awards will be presented on November 7 at the Pazo de San Roque in Santiago. The Galicia Spin-Off Awards are organized by GCiencia and supported by the General Secretariat of Universities, Unirisco, and Gadis.
