• Repsol, through its investment arm Repsol Corporate Venturing, has acquired a 21.43% stake in DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence, a Valencian startup that is a leader in biotechnology, focusing on bioprospecting and developing microbial solutions for the industry. 

• In this operation, in addition to providing capital to the startup, Repsol is transferring to it a pioneering technology for biodegrading microplastics through microorganisms, developed by a team of scientists from Repsol Technology Lab. 

• Scientists at Repsol’s R&D center have identified a consortium of microorganisms capable of significantly degrading the structure of polyolefins, promoting and demonstrating, for the first time, their biodegradation under laboratory conditions. This represents an innovative solution for bioremediation in water and soil treatment. 

• DARWIN will continue to advance this technology, which has the potential to transform plastic waste treatment, with the goal of ensuring its swift introduction into the market.

Repsol has acquired —through its corporate venture capital entity, Repsol Corporate Venturing— 21.43% of the share capital of DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence, a startup that originated from the University of Valencia. This startup focuses on bioprospecting and cultivating microorganisms to develop innovative solutions for industry and environmental biosolutions. 

Repsol’s investment in DARWIN’s capital demonstrates the multi-energy company’s commitment to biotechnology as a means of addressing the challenges posed by the energy transition. Since 2012, Repsol has employed a team of biotechnology experts focused on developing and implementing fermentation and anaerobic digestion processes using organic waste for low-carbon fuel production, as well as treating waste for renewable fuel production, among other initiatives. 

Scientists have identified a group of microorganisms with significant potential for bioremediating polyolefins in water and soil treatment. Over a four-year project, it has been demonstrated for the first time that these microorganisms can biodegrade and reduce the mass of polyethylene and polyurethane microplastics under laboratory conditions. 

The technology has been validated through numerous laboratory-scale tests and in microcosms. In this context, Repsol has decided to transfer its technology to Darwin, aiming to complete its development and facilitate its market introduction. 

Repsol has found the ideal partner in DARWIN to further develop its technology, as it aligns with the bioremediation vertical of the Valencian startup, which possesses the necessary technology, along with the technical and human resources to support its growth and market launch. Additionally, they have a commercial network and an established reputation in biotechnology that will aid in the swift introduction of the technology to the market, backed by promising projections. 

Repsol will transfer all industrial property rights for the assets developed in its initial project for the biodegradation of microplastics using microbial methods to DARWIN. Additionally, with this technology transfer and investment, DARWIN will be positioned to develop other use cases of this technology that are of interest to Repsol. This technology signifies a significant advancement in identifying microorganisms and biocatalysts suited for bioremediation, paving the way for new collaboration opportunities in various fields, including the development of biomaterials and bioproducts, as well as enhancing efficiency in biogas production. 

The operation is part of a capital increase in which Biozell, a Valencian investment fund focused on supporting innovative projects in health and biotechnology, also participates and has acquired a minority stake. 

About Repsol 

Repsol is a global multi-energy company engaged across the entire energy value chain and employs 25,000 people, distributing its products to more than 24 million customers in over 90 countries. Technology serves as a fundamental pillar of the company’s strategy to achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Since its launch, Repsol Corporate Venturing has analyzed over a thousand investment opportunities and currently participates in 22 companies. With an international focus, Repsol Corporate Venturing leverages a global network of connections, including incubators, universities, and the venture capital sectors of other companies. 

Repsol                                                                             

Communications and Brand Management                

prensa@repsol.com                                                       

www.repsol.com  

About DARWIN 

DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence is a microbial biotechnology company specializing in advanced bioprospecting to transform microbial diversity into solutions for industry. DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence seeks unique strains from diverse origins around the world and converts their potential into revolutionary solutions for the health and nutrition sectors as well as biosolutions. Its mission is clear: to innovate in biodiscovery by empowering the infinitely small. 

DARWIN

Marketing and Communication Department

media@darwinbioprospecting.com

www.darwinbioprospecting.com