Matilde De Las Rivas Email & Phone Number

Zaragoza, Es

Calatayud, Zaragoza, Es

As CEO of Levprot Bioscience, I lead the company’s strategic vision, operational execution, and global positioning in the Precision Fermentation sector. My mission is to ensure Levprot remains at the forefront of innovation in recombinant protein production, serving both the biotech and agrifood industries.Drawing on my extensive experience in R&D, product development, and international business, I align technological advancements with market demands, driving Levprot’s growth and impact. Overseeing a multidisciplinary team, I focus on developing innovative products, fostering strategic partnerships, and implementing sustainable growth strategies across the Life Sciences and FoodTech markets.In 2024, I consolidated Levprot’s reputation as a leader in Precision Fermentation technology, expanding our international client base more than tenfold and representing the company at over 50 global industry events. These efforts have been instrumental in launching groundbreaking products and strengthening our presence in competitive markets.Additionally, I oversee the construction of Levprot’s pilot plant, equipping the company with cutting-edge production capabilities that embody our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and scalability. Yeast, we can! ;)𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬-Expanded the international client base by over 10 times, solidifying Levprot’s presence in key global markets.-Developed and implemented a 5-year strategic plan, driving sustainable growth and aligning technological innovation with market trends.-Represented Levprot in 50+ global startup and industry events, boosting visibility and building strategic partnerships.-Led the construction of a state-of-the-art pilot plant, ensuring scalability and readiness for market demands, as well as for services offering.-Built and nurtured a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and operational excellence.

Calatayud, Zaragoza, Es

As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Levprot Bioscience, I led the coordination and supervision of the company’s most critical scientific and technological projects. I spearheaded the development of a new production facility (>5000 sqm), ensuring state-of-the-art capabilities for Precision Fermentation and recombinant protein manufacturing.During this period, I represented Levprot in over 20 international and national industry events, acting as the visible face of both the IVD and emerging Food divisions. I played a key role in positioning the company within the global market, launching innovative products such as rBSA and conducting successful pilot trials for Brazzein, a novel sweet protein.Additionally, I supported the business strategy by integrating cutting-edge biotechnologies into scalable processes, optimizing resources, and maintaining strong client and supplier relationships. My efforts contributed to the company’s transition toward market leadership in the Life Sciences and FoodTech sectors.𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:-Supervised the development of new production facilities, enabling the scale-up of Precision Fermentation and Recombinant Protein production technologies.-Launched the first FoodTech product, non-GMO animal-free rBSA, and successfully positioned Brazzein as an innovative sweetener through pilot trials.-Represented Levprot in over 20 national and international events, building strategic relationships with key industry players.-Integrated advanced Yeast Expression Systems to produce recombinant proteins, free of prokaryotic DNA, setting quality (ISO 9001, ISO 13485) and IP standards in the sector.-Supported the internationalization strategy, securing clients in Europe, Asia, and the US, expanding the company’s global footprint.-Coordinated multidisciplinary teams to ensure efficient project execution and resource optimization.

Calatayud, Zaragoza, Es

As Head of R&D at Levprot Bioscience since its foundation, I worked closely with the owner to shape the project from its earliest stages and bring the startup to life. Together, we defined Levprot’s mission and established its core research lines, combining his business expertise with my scientific background. We focused on fermentation-enabled high-value proteins, strain engineering, and cost-effective production systems, positioning Levprot as a leader in deeptech innovation within the Precision Fermentation field.I led the design and submission of groundbreaking biotechnological projects, securing funding and driving scientific and technological advancements. From day one, I mentored multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative culture and ensuring the company’s growth—both in technological capabilities and readiness to address current and future market demands.Within the first two years, we successfully developed and launched an international portfolio of enzymes and antigens for IVD and Life Sciences (https://levprot.com/buy-recombinant-proteins/). Our strategy centered on leveraging yeast expression systems to produce DNA-free recombinant proteins, setting new quality standards in the field.𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:-Strategic and scientific definition of Levprot’s core Research lines on alternative proteins.-Developed and launched an international portfolio of enzymes and antigens for IVD and Life Sciences.-Developed and optimized the Yeast Expression System in different strains and yeast families, with strong IP awareness to protect and leverage innovations.-Built and led multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative culture and ensuring technological and market readiness.-Established state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, optimizing USP, bioprocessing and DSP workflows for recombinant protein production.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I joined the biotech company CerTest Biotec to contribute to their internationally recognized efforts in developing efficient qPCR and rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2 DNA, Ag and Ab detection. My main role was to establish and oversee enzyme and antigen production in a newly created lab facility in Calatayud, designed specifically for this urgent mission.In just under four months, we successfully produced grams of over 10 functional antigens using bacterial, yeast and mammalian expression systems. This was a challenging yet deeply fulfilling time, as our work directly addressed critical diagnostic needs during the pandemic.𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 -Designed and set up a fully functional laboratory in Calatayud specifically for SARS-CoV-2 antigen and qPCR enzyme production.-Successfully produced over 10 functional antigens in under four months using bacterial, yeast, and mammalian expression systems.-Optimized antigen production workflows to meet stringent timelines and quality requirements.Played a crucial role in supporting the development of efficient qPCR and rapid diagnostic tests for DNA, antigen, and antibody detection.-Led a multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless laboratory operations and production goals.-Contributed directly to globally impactful diagnostic tools during a critical phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After completing my PhD, I took a few months to solidify my teaching credentials, explore new opportunities and reflect on the next steps for my scientific and personal development. During this time, I pursued specific training in education, finalized pending subjetcts in English Studies, and broadened my perspective through travel and exploration. It was a great summer!

Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Es

Delivered a formal university course in Chemistry for the Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Organization at the Defense University Center (CUD, Universidad de Zaragoza). Collaborated with the Chemistry Department to manage and lecture course content for over 120 students across three groups, adapting the curriculum to their diverse academic backgrounds and initial knowledge levels. Designed and supervised experimental practices, fostering critical thinking and scientific understanding in a particularly heterogeneous environment. Encouraged curiosity and engagement in a subject not directly tied to their professional goals, achieving a pass rate of over 90% in objective exams. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 -Taught Chemistry to over 120 first-year military university students, tailoring lessons to accommodate varying starting levels and motivating.-Designed, executed, and supervised experimental practices while managing course content.-Adapted curriculum to diverse academic needs, achieving a pass rate of over 90% in objective exams.-Mentored, coached and evaluated students, supporting their academic growth and engagement.

Zaragoza, Es

After defending my PhD thesis, I continued collaborating on research projects derived from my field of study, contributing to their development and impact. During this time, I also supervised junior researchers, guiding their experimental work and professional growth, while finalizing and submitting scientific articles for publication.

Zaragoza, Es

As a predoctoral researcher, I developed advanced expertise in biophysical, biochemical, and molecular biology techniques, contributing to the structural and functional characterization of a previously unknown family of proteins. My work focused on protein crystallization, ligand interactions (ITC, SPR), and structure determination, offering new insights into enzyme-carbohydrate relationships.I optimized workflows for protein production in bacterial (𝐸. 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑖 strains), yeast (𝑃. 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑠 strains), and mammalian systems (CHO, HEK293...), improving yield, purity, and stability. Additionally, I gained hands-on experience at X-ray diffraction synchrotron facilities (ALBA in Spain, DIAMOND in the UK) and published multiple Q1 and Q2 articles, as first or second author (ORCID ID 0000-0002-4563-6593).Beyond research, I contributed to university teaching, mentoring junior researchers and transferring technical knowledge.𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬-Succesfully designed, cultured and expressed proteins across multiple systems (bacterial, yeast, mammalian).-Designed and purified complex proteins using affinity, size-exclusion, ion exchange and alternative chromatography techniques.-Crystallized proteins and enzyme-ligand complexes, resolving high-resolution structures.-Engineered protein variants and conducted mutagenesis for functional studies.-Published more than ten Q1 peer-reviewed papers (0000-0002-4563-6593) and presented findings at national and international conferences.-Delivered university lectures and trained junior team members.

Executive Mba, Administración Y Gestión De Empresas, General

Specialist In Digital Transformation_Executive Program, Administración Y Gestión De Empresas

Chief Sales Officer_Executive Management Program, Ventas Especializadas, Promoción Comercial Y Actividades De Marketing

Curso Sobre Patentes, Intellectual Property

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

Bachelor'S Degree, English Studies

Master'S Degree, Teacher Training For Secondary Education (Physics And Chemistry Specialization)

Master Of Science - Ms, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

Bachelor'S Degree, Biochemistry

Bachelor'S Degree, Chemistry