Promethenzwas founded by Dr. Lorena Betancor, a professor at the School of Engineering, and Dr. Valeria Grazú, a research professor at the CSIC’s Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon.
The initiative, led by ICEX Spain Export and Investment, brings together six spin-offs affiliated with Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC) and aims to strengthen innovative projects in the fields of life sciences and biotechnology through training, mentoring, and networking with key players in the UK innovation ecosystem.
Promethenz was one of six startups selected from among the 24 applications received to participate in the first edition of Desafía Ciencia UK, placing the company among a select group of science and technology initiatives chosen by the program.
Promethenz’s selection involved a competitive process that included a written project proposal, responses to questions related to various aspects of the business, and a personal interview following a pitch to innovation experts at the St John’s College Innovation Center in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
“It represents recognition and validation of our proposal,” Lorena said regarding the group’s participation in this first edition of the program.
Training at the UK's leading biotechnology hub
Challenge Science UK offers an immersive experience in the innovation ecosystem of Cambridge, Oxford, and London—known as the UK’s Golden Triangle and considered one of the world’s leading hubs for biotechnology and the life sciences.
The in-person phase of the program will take place from June 15 to 26, 2026, and will include activities in Cambridge, Oxford, and London—cities that are home to some of the key players in the British scientific and biotechnology ecosystem.
During the program, the Promethenz team will participate in training sessions to strengthen their value proposition, personalized coaching sessions on business development, and meetings with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, investors, regulatory agencies, and research institutions.
In addition to gaining access to specialized training, the experience will give the startup a first-hand look at how one of the world’s most significant ecosystems for applied scientific innovation operates. Lorena will travel to the United Kingdom on behalf of the startup to participate in the immersion program and the activities planned as part of the program.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Transfer
Promethenz is a company dedicated to developing innovative biotechnology solutions. It was founded on the basis of scientific research and the transfer of knowledge to the private sector, an area in which Lorena Betancor and Valeria Grazú are actively involved through their work in academia and applied research.
Participation in Desafía Ciencia UK positions the company within an international innovation network and opens up opportunities to forge strategic partnerships with key players in the global biotechnology sector.
According to the CSIC, the program aims to promote the internationalization of science and technology startups and facilitate their connection with high-impact markets and innovation ecosystems.