About Mirá Biotech
An IndieBio San Francisco Batch 13 company, Mirá Biotech is a transformative start-up dedicated to Powering Our Planet through sustainable energy solutions, with a global presence spanning the United States, South America, the EU, and the UK. We are reshaping energy consumption in critical industries such as cement, electricity, and steel, where reliance on fossil fuels presents significant environmental challenges. By utilizing our proprietary enzyme technology, we produce advanced biofuel pellets from agricultural waste, delivering exceptional performance and sustainability. Committed to reducing carbon emissions and production costs, Mirá Biotech is focused on facilitating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape, today.
Our Vision is Clear...
Our Mission is Transformative...
Transforming Energy: Mirá Biotech's Leadership on Sustainable Biofuels
Featured here is a brief excerpt from the interview with Mirá Biotech's leadership team.
CEO Gustavo Candelaria, CTO André Candelaria, and CMO Jude Davies share insights about their mission to develop sustainable biofuels from agricultural waste byproducts.
They discuss their innovative PhytoCy technology, which effectively combines these materials to create high-performance biofuel pellets that can serve as an alternative to coal.
They also present strategies for securing a dependable raw material supply, tackling challenges in scaling their technology, and ensuring transparency in their sustainability efforts to attract investors and stakeholders.
Who is Mirá Biotech?
CEO and Co-Founder, Gustavo Candelaria: Mirá Biotech is an innovative company focused on creating sustainable biofuel solutions from agricultural waste byproducts, aiming to disrupt traditional energy sources like coal through high-performance biofuel pellets.
What motivated you to start Mirá Biotech?
Gustavo: Our motivation stemmed from both a passion for innovation and a commitment to environmental management. We recognized the urgent need to address the fossil fuel reliance in energy-intensive industries and the lack of viable alternatives. By leveraging agricultural waste byproducts, we saw potential in creating biofuel pellets that could disrupt the coal market and provide a more sustainable solution.
CTO and Co-Founder, André Candelaria: We understood that the agricultural sector produces vast amounts of waste, and by transforming this waste into valuable biofuels, we not only help reduce emissions but also promote a circular economy. This dual impact of enhancing energy sustainability while optimizing agricultural resource inspired us to launch Mirá Biotech and pursue a cleaner energy future.
Can you explain how your technology works?
André: Our proprietary enzymatic technology, PhytoCy, bonds agricultural feedstocks, specifically targeting materials like sugarcane bagasse, to create high-performance biofuel pellets. This approach enables us to reduce dependence on coal and wood/torrefaction pellets while fitting seamlessly into existing industrial infrastructure.
What sets Mirá’s BioTerra biofuel pellets apart from other solutions?
CMO and Founding Member, Jude Davies: Our pellets offer improved moisture resistance, easier integration with current systems, and reduced costs compared to agricultural biofuels, which are often impractical. We focus on disrupting thermal coal usage rather than competing with agricultural methods that may not be sustainable or economical.
How does Mirá contribute to broader sustainability goals?
Jude: Our goal is to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions significantly while providing eco-conscious fuels for heavy industries. Our mission aligns with global sustainability efforts, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility—this is essential for our shared future.
Executive Team
André Candelaria
Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder
André Candelária is a distinguished biologist with over 15 years of expertise in phytochemistry, providing critical scientific insight as a co-founder of Mirá Biotech. Having previously managed the orchid micropropagation laboratory at Bras Cubas University, he oversaw advanced botanical research and propagation techniques. André is also the primary inventor on two innovative patents related to enzymatic treatments of biomass, specifically for MDF and pellet applications. His groundbreaking work in biomass treatment significantly advances Mirá's mission of promoting sustainable biofuel alternatives, establishing him as a thought leader in the realm of bio-based industrial innovations.
Gustavo Candelaria
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
Gustavo Candelária is a seasoned economist and a co-founder of Mirá Biotech, where he spearheads the creation of innovative and sustainable biomass solutions. Holding a master's degree in economics, he brings over a decade of experience in real estate development, having successfully managed large-scale projects aimed at the re-urbanization of favelas in Brazil, benefiting over 1,000 homes and fostering social impact and community revitalization. His deep expertise in economic strategy and sustainable development drives Mirá's mission, establishing it as a forward-looking leader in the renewable energy sector. Renowned for his strategic vision and commitment to meaningful change, Gustavo combines economic acumen with a strong focus on social responsibility in his leadership at Mirá Biotech.
Jude Davies
Chief Marketing Officer
Jude Davies is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience in corporate and marketing communications, M&A, investor relations, and brand management across the technology sectors. Her background spans a variety of company sizes, from early-stage startups to established multi-billion dollar corporations worldwide. As the CMO of Mirá, she drives sustainability-focused marketing initiatives that align with the company's mission. Her leadership roles at Infineon Technologies and Advantest Corporation demonstrate her talent for enhancing brand visibility in complex markets. Additionally, Jude is committed to community service, having served on the boards of several San Francisco Bay Area non-profits, including the SF SPCA, Raphael House, and the Always Dream Foundation, founded by U.S. Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. Her strategic insights and industry acumen are vital for effectively navigating the evolving landscape of technology.
Maybelline
Chief Puppy Officer
As an energetic and dynamic canine team player, Maybelline spends her summer days exploring nature, trekking hiking trails, and paddleboarding on serene lakes. In the winter, she thrives in the snow, running through frozen fields and embracing the chill of the outdoors. These different adventures have inspired in her a deep appreciation for nature and an instinctive awareness of the importance of a healthy, sustainable planet. With a heart full of love, Maybelline brings her firsthand experiences to the company, reminding us daily that a brighter, greener future is worth wagging our tails for!