Dominican Republic launches first blue biotechnology company

The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step towards innovation and sustainability with the launch of its first blue biotechnology company, SOS Biotech. This new entity emerges from SOS Carbon, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-originated organization that has been tackling the sargassum issue in the Caribbean with its Coastal Collection Module (LCM), designed to collect sargassum at sea before it reaches coastlines.

Under the leadership of CEO Eng. Andrés Bisonó León, SOS Biotech aims to turn environmental challenges into sustainable business opportunities on a global scale. The company focuses on creating industrial products from sargassum and other marine materials, addressing ecological issues while boosting economic development.

SOS Biotech has introduced two pioneering products: MarineSymbiotic, an agricultural biostimulant, and MarineBlossom, a preservative for home flowers. MarineSymbiotic enhances soil health, increases plant resistance to diseases, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, leading to a 43% increase in agricultural production. MarineBlossom extends the life of fresh flowers, showcasing the versatility of marine resources and promoting sustainable use.

The company aims to advance agricultural practices by reducing synthetic fertilizer use by over 10% and improving yields by 15%, while also mitigating the sargassum crisis in the Caribbean. SOS Biotech’s launch marks a milestone in SOS Carbon’s commitment to sustainable solutions, positioning the company as a leader in blue biotechnology both regionally and globally.