Roka Furadada, a Catalan deeptech company specializing in the research and development of sun protection solutions, with the aim of reducing skin cancer, has reached an agreement to export its innovative smart sunscreen to France. This product, which adjusts its protection according to the intensity of UV rays, has captured the attention of the French market, marking an important step in the company's international expansion.
The company, founded by Judit Camargo in 2019, has developed a smart molecule that is activated when it comes into contact with natural light, adapting to environmental conditions to optimize protection against UVA rays. This technology offers protection for up to eight hours, with an efficiency that increases over time, according to in vitro research results. This advance has allowed Roka Furadada to sign a collaboration agreement with the French brand SeventyOne Percent, specialized in sun protection products for athletes and nature lovers, as reported by ACCIÓ in a recent news article.
Within the framework of this agreement, the emerging Catalan company supplies the active ingredients with which SeventyOne Percent has formulated a new range of sunscreens, including specific products for children. To begin its international expansion, the company has received the support of the Government, through ACCIÓ, and its Foreign Trade and Investment Office in Paris, which has been key to Roka Furadada's international expansion.
In addition, Roka Furadada actively participates in the Industrial Doctorate Plan of the Generalitat de Catalunya with four industrial doctorate projects. The majority of its 21 company members have doctoral training, which reinforces the innovative and scientific focus of the company. This involvement in research and innovation is essential for the development of advanced technological solutions. In a recent interview for the Industrial Doctorate Plan, the company's CEO Judit Camargo highlighted that, although each doctoral student works on a specific aspect of the product with their specialty, they all have a common goal: the launch of a molecule on the market. This diversity of perspectives has been crucial to achieving a high-quality final product.
On the other hand, the company has also donated its first batch of protective creams to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, reinforcing its commitment to society and applied research. In addition, the company presented the first cosmetic ingredient with lignin , a step forward in the prevention of skin cancer, thanks to its research within the framework of the Industrial Doctorates.
Roka Furadada has been recognized as one of the Catalonia Exponential Leaders during 2023, a recognition from ACCIÓ that identifies the most disruptive companies in Catalonia, reaffirming its leadership in technological innovation and its contribution to improving sun protection, as well as the fight against skin cancer.
The product is available in various physical points of sale throughout France and also through digital channels. In addition, the Catalan startup is entering other markets , including the United Kingdom, thanks to its partnership with SeventyOne Percent.
For more details, check out the full ACCIÓ news and the interview with the CEO, Judit Camargo.
