Fundación Cepsa and Fundación General CSIC, working together to promote bioplastics, biofuel, and green hydrogen

• Fundación Cepsa and the FGCSIC meet to learn first-hand about ComFuturo projects
• In 2018, Fundación Cepsa began its collaboration with the ComFuturo program, aimed at creating a pool of researchers that combines outstanding scientists with initiatives in innovation and entrepreneurship
• "At Fundación Cepsa, we want to contribute to transforming society. Through this program, we encourage young research talent and support project development at CSIC centers, with the aim of promoting a fair and inclusive ecological transition for all," said Teresa Mañueco, vice president of Fundación Cepsa

Fundación Cepsa and the FGCSIC have organized a meeting to learn first-hand about the projects being developed by some of the researchers in the third edition of the program ComFuturo; specifically, research focused on capturing atmospheric CO₂ and converting it into biofuel, led by Gustavo Javier Chacón; research by Carlos del Cerro into producing bioplastics through biotechnological applications; and research by Jonathan Ruiz that is attempting to use new materials in electrolyzers that will allow green hydrogen production to be scaled in an optimized way.

Fundación Cepsa began collaborating in 2018 in the second edition of this program, created and managed by FGCSIC since 2014. Its purpose is to encourage young research talent and make it possible for them to find solutions to society’s major challenges through their ideas and projects. The aim of this program is to create a pool of researchers that combines outstanding scientists with innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities and initiatives.

“At Fundación Cepsa we promote programs that enhance research development, employability, and education. Through ComFuturo, we encourage young research talent and support project development at CSIC centers, with the aim of achieving a fair and inclusive ecological transition for all," said Teresa Mañueco, vice president of Fundación Cepsa.

Ramón Torrecillas, general director of the FGCSIC, said that "being able to count on the commitment of entities like Fundación Cepsa is essential. Coming from the industrial sector, they support and complement the professional development of ComFuturo researchers, offering them specialized training and the possibility of doing short stays at their facilities."

The day ended with a visit to the Cepsa Research Center facilities. Fundación Cepsa was represented by its vice-president, Teresa Mañueco; its director, Cristina Ortiz; and its head of Coordination and Reporting, Rocío Navarro. Representing the FGCSIC was its director general, Ramón Torrecillas, and the director of Science, Strategy, and CSR, María Sanz. Rafael Larraz, Cepsa's R&D director, also participated in the meeting, together with Joana Frontela, who, as its director, represented Cepsa's Research Center. Among others, Charo Rodríguez, coordinator of the Energy Transition area, was also in attendance.

"Fundación Cepsa has made pursuing a fair ecological transition the cross-cutting theme of our strategic lines, which are focused on promoting social, scientific-educational, and environmental support projects," said Mañueco. "Our positioning is aligned with Cepsa's 2030 Strategy 'Positive Motion,' with which our founder wants us to become a benchmark in the energy transition and a leader in sustainable mobility and energy."

The collaboration between the two entities is not only limited to the ComFuturo program. Another initiative jointly spearheaded by them is Conectamos I+I, which promotes connecting academic research and industrial interests and strengthening the alignment between the needs and benefits of the public and private sectors.