Research from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) is taking an innovative approach to providing communities, companies, industries, and agricultural sectors with a low-cost, efficient solution to manage water resources in a circular way while minimizing environmental impact. Startup Yaku Biofiltro is dedicated to developing natural solutions for water filtration and treatment.
The company designs biofilters that harness microorganisms to clean and purify water, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional greywater (domestic wastewater generated in households or office buildings) and industrial wastewater treatment systems.
Yaku Biofiltro's technology is particularly valuable in regions facing water scarcity or contamination, helping to reuse residual water for irrigation, industrial or sanitary uses, and promoting water conservation.
Founded by Valentina Veloso and Camila Cárdenas during their PhD studies at UC Chile, Yaku Biofiltro successfully transitioned its technology to the market with the support of UC’s Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation. This partnership was key in moving their research from the lab to real-world applications, ensuring that their sustainable biofilter solutions could reach the industries and communities that need them most.
Through this collaboration, Yaku Biofiltro exemplifies how academic innovation can be transformed into impactful, market-ready technologies that address pressing environmental challenges.
This story was originally published in 2025.
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