“The Agri-Food Incubator allows us to accelerate our entire research process”

The company, which emerged from the Orizont agri-food accelerator and is based at the Tudela Agri-Food Incubator, is working on a circular economy model that will enable the sector to better compete with imported, low-quality honey.

No one knows for sure what is happening to our bees. Some blame pesticides. Others blame climate change. Whatever the case may be, their disappearance is putting not only our ecosystems but also the entire food chain—and even human survival—on the line. Fortunately, thanks first and foremost to Orizont and CEIN’s Agri-Food Nursery in Tudela, Bee Standards presents itself as a viable solution to reverse, to some extent, the dangerous trend we’ve just described. That’s what we all hope for, and to that end, what better way than to meet the promoters of an idea as brilliant as it is important for our future, right?

How would you describe your business idea?

Bee Standards combines technological innovation with social action, which we implement on the ground to restore natural pollination levels in our ecosystems—and, in particular, to support our bees.

When did you get started, and what motivated you to do so?

The reason is clear. We wanted—and still want—to solve the problems facing our bees. Too many of them are dying everywhere, which is why, in 2017, we began experimenting with various solutions based on the circular economy. Armed with the results we obtained, we applied to the Orizont agri-food accelerator in 2018, were selected, and incorporated the company.

What stage is your project currently at, and what are your plans for the future?

We are going to present an innovative product that is covered by two patents. It is a machine designed to transform beekeeping processes within the circular economy, with the aim of reducing costs and improving honey quality. Our goal is to export our system throughout Europe so that the industry can better compete with imported, low-quality honeys.

PROFESSIONALS AND FACILITIES

What has the Incubator meant for your company?

This has been a tremendous help, as it has made our entire research process easier and allowed us to speed it up.

And which service have you valued the most?

The professionals who make up the Incubator are a great help, as are the facilities we have here in Tudela, especially the laboratory and its equipment.

Do you have any recommendations for innovative startups just getting started?

I hope they’ll be encouraged to keep working on their projects and enter competitions like Orizont.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Year Founded: 2018

Founders: José Luis Guillén and Sergio Sáez Guillen

Sector: R&D in beekeeping