CiQUS research group MetBioCat honoured at the GCiencia Galicia Spin-Off Awards

MetBioCat, a research group at the Singular Centre for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), part of the University of Santiago and a member of the CIGUS network- an initiative that brings together research centres recognised for scientific excellence —, has been honoured with the GCiencia Galicia Spin-Off Award.

Led by Oportunius Researcher and former centre director José Luis Mascareñas, MetBioCat has been selected as the winning Research Group in the ninth edition of these awards. The jury highlighted the team’s track record, which includes securing nearly four million euros in funding and registering 26 patents.

MetBioCat focuses on developing catalytic and synthetic technologies, as well as molecular tools designed to address biological and medical challenges. The group recently received an EIC Transition grant from the European Innovation Council, worth 2.5 million euros, to develop a ruthenium-based complex capable of targeting the metabolism of cancer stem cells. In this project, launched in 2025, the Santiago-based team is collaborating with two other research groups from Spain and Portugal and with two companies, with the commitment to create a spin-off.

The GCiencia Galicia Spin-Off Awards recognise the most innovative companies and research groups, highlighting how they apply scientific research to develop products and services. Established in 2015 to acknowledge university research and promote transparency, the awards are organised by GCiencia with the support of the Secretaría Xeral de Universidades, Unirisco and Gadis.

This year’s edition also acknowledged two technology-based companies emerging from the University of Santiago: AMS-Lab, winner of the Quality Seal category and originating from the Lugo campus, and Ventilatio Lab, awarded in the Emerging Idea category and created on the Santiago campus. All winners will receive their awards on 7 November.