Genky's mission is to take science out of the laboratory and transform it into products that consumers can easily and enjoyably incorporate into their daily lives. Founded in Argentina and later becoming a startup in Japan, the company has found a place for growth and innovation in Bizkaia.
The project began in Argentina in 2011 as a scientific research initiative focused on the polyphenols, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds found in wine. For many years, the research centered on understanding these compounds, analyzing their stability, and developing technologies to protect and incorporate them into new foods. However, the decision to transform this science into a commercial startup was made in 2022, in Japan.
At that point, the challenge shifted: it was no longer just about publishing scientific results, but about turning that science into tangible products that a consumer would buy and integrate into their daily routine. This change coincided with three of the four founders needing to rebuild their lives outside of Argentina.
Establishing a presence in Bilbao was the result of nearly two years of searching for a suitable ecosystem. Between 2022 and 2024, they participated in entrepreneurship programs and ecosystems in Japan, Italy, France, and Spain to determine the most sensible location for Genky's next stage, considering both creation and growth and innovation. In 2024, they participated in the EIT Food program's Bilbao Campus Experience, immersing themselves in the Basque ecosystem for three weeks.
The Basque ecosystem demonstrated a strong connection between industry, entrepreneurship, food, innovation, and institutional support. This, combined with their goal of building bridges between Europe and Japan, led them to establish themselves at the BIC in Barakaldo from July 2025. Bizkaia has provided Genky with the opportunity to continue advancing for the team of four Latin Americans.
Over the past year, Genky has refined the formulation of its functional beverage New Blood, conducting tests to scale from the laboratory to a pilot plant. They have gathered feedback from over 500 consumers, using this information to improve the product's flavor, positioning, and consumption occasions. Additionally, they have built a network of suppliers, institutions, and collaborators within the Basque Country and beyond, receiving support from programs such as the one for Entrepreneurs by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and SPRI Taldea.
New Blood is not non-alcoholic wine, nor is it a typical healthy soft drink. It reinterprets the distinctive attributes of wine, transforming them into a functional, circular beverage free from alcohol, sugar, and calories. This new category targets primarily Millennial and Gen Z consumers who are looking to reduce alcohol consumption but do not want to give up socializing, enjoying events, or having a different drink.
Currently, the priority is Spain, focusing on Catalonia, Euskadi, and Madrid. They plan to expand into Germany and the Netherlands in the future, and in the long term, return to Japan. The company is focused on three interconnected areas: science, industry, and market, aiming to create a new value chain for wine by-products.
