Our team is made up of a group of like-minded people united by a passion for exploring the countless possibilities that technology offers.
Although we come from different backgrounds and specialize in different fields, we share a passion for Smallops. Meet the people who make Smallops a great company.
We develop nanotechnology solutions to improve the efficiency of converting waste into renewable energy, contributing to the decarbonization of the energy sector.
We revolutionize biogas production through nanotechnology, with the goal of improving the world for future generations.
With a background in business and finance, Iñigo has led international projects in China, India, and the United States since 2016. Co-founder of Smallops, he combines his experience in business management and sustainability to position the company as a benchmark in nanotechnology applied to the agro-industrial sector and environmental remediation. Recognized by Forbes Europe on its 30 Under 30 list, he is an active member of the Mondragon Team Academy.
With a specialized background in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Management and Water Technologies, Rubén is an expert in waste recovery and nanoparticle production. He designed the first nanoparticle production plant from olive oil waste in 2018 and brings his deep technical knowledge and innovative spirit to the development of Smallops’ technological solutions. Like his founding partners, he has been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe.
A specialist in business management and digital marketing, María has a distinguished track record in project management and business strategy since 2016. Her experience includes key roles as co-founder and president of GO&ON, where she managed projects in countries such as Spain, Finland, San Francisco, China, and India. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe and a member of the Mondragon Team Academy (MTA), she leads Smallops’ planning and operational development, ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of its processes.
With a background in industrial chemical engineering, Isabel specializes in quality control, production management, and chemical formula development in the agri-food and chemical industries. Her career began developing detergent product formulas and industrializing them. At Smallops, she leads production management and ensures process quality, combining technical efficiency and sustainability.
A PhD cum laude in Chemical Engineering, Jorge began his career leading research in magnetic catalysts and waste recovery. With over six years of experience in R&D projects, he has published seven scientific articles and has an approved patent. Specializing in the optimization and development of catalyst and nanoparticle use, at Smallops, he applies his expertise in biodigestion and sustainability technologies to develop new applications.
With a background in law and finance, he began his career in asset management and investment banking. In the early 2000s, he became involved with renewable energy projects until he founded Biogastur, which would eventually become the largest biogas plant in Spain, in partnership with Central Lechera Asturiana, where he served as CEO. Founding partner and CEO of Aurea Green Gass, he is one of Spain’s leading experts in biomethane and non-electric renewable energy.
An agricultural engineer by training and manager of Troil Vegas Altas, José has more than 20 years of experience in the olive oil sector. A specialist in the collection, management, and treatment of olive oil waste and byproducts, he has led key projects in the valorization of these materials, establishing himself as a leader in the field of sustainability and innovation within the sector.
Founder and CEO of Disruptive Biotrading, Nicki is an expert in product trading in the biogas sector. With extensive experience in market management and the marketing of specialized products, his innovative approach and strategic vision have positioned him as a leader in the field of biogas and energy sustainability.
Revolution is innovation; it’s applying new technologies to transform the way we produce and use energy. With our focus on nanotechnology, we aim to change the game in biogas production.
Biogas is our value proposition. Through advanced and sustainable solutions, we optimize the use of organic waste to generate clean energy, contributing to a carbon-free future.
Improving the world is our ultimate goal. We focus on the present while building a more sustainable, accessible, and clean future for all.
They are the engine that drives our way of working for the world we want to achieve.
Smallops is a technology-based company with significant R&D potential. We are dedicated to the recovery of olive oil waste into biogas and carbon-encased iron nanoparticles using a zero-waste method.
Our story begins on February 15, 2018, when Rubén and Iñigo saw the opportunity to combine their experience and knowledge to develop a process for managing olive oil waste and producing nanoparticles for environmental purposes. Faced with this opportunity, they decided to bring in a third partner, Maria, who could contribute experience in developing environmental projects.
After our merger, Iñigo and Maria dedicated the last two years of their university studies to researching the market and beginning to understand the numerous opportunities available. Rubén continued to develop the nanoparticle production method and its application in anaerobic digesters while graduating in Chemical Engineering and completing a Master’s degree in Sustainable Management and Water Technologies.
Based on the metrics obtained in the laboratory and the data we had collected while studying the market, we conducted an economic assessment of the business’s potential and then decided on the most strategic location for the venture (Badajoz). And on March 2, 2020, we decided to establish the company, Smallops, with our main objective of providing a solution to olive oil waste management by creating high-value products with environmental applications.
Despite the pandemic, we managed to continue moving forward little by little, and along the way, we received various recognitions and awards for our work, which continued to motivate us and indicated that we were on the right path.
Accessible and sustainable nanotechnology to transform your waste into industrial and environmental solutions.
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