On July 18 2025, DIARIO HOY published a report on CICYTEX and the High-Tech Incubator for Bioeconomy and Circular Economy in Mérida, highlighting its role in driving Extremadura’s transition toward a sustainable model based on bioeconomy and agro-industrial waste valorization.
The incubator turns innovative ideas into prototypes and eventually into operational biotech industries. According to researcher Sara Martillanes Costumero, “we support startups from the initial idea to industrialization, ensuring their projects are viable and sustainable.”
Projects span the agri-food, forestry, and livestock sectors, producing high-value products such as functional foods, probiotics, bioplastics, and cosmetics from by-products. Tomato, aloe vera, and merino sheep wool waste are transformed into new economic resources following a circular economy model.
As a node of the Extremadura Technology Incubator Network (RITEX), the incubator works closely with companies and regional innovation stakeholders to integrate research, development, and technology transfer, strengthening innovation and positioning Extremadura as a leader in biotechnology and sustainability.
