Pablo Zamora, co-founder of NotCo, is a prominent Chilean scientist and entrepreneur who has revolutionized the food industry through artificial intelligence. With a strong background in biotechnology and a focus on sustainability, Zamora has taken his passion for science into the business realm, creating plant-based food products that replicate the taste and texture of animal-derived products. This article is based on the interview by Francois Pouzet with Pablo Zamora, exploring his journey, vision, and the impact of NotCo on the global market.
Academic Background and Early Steps in Science
From a young age, Pablo Zamora showed a deep interest in biology and biochemistry. His fascination with the workings of life and cells led him to study biochemistry and later obtain a PhD in molecular biotechnology at the University of Santiago de Chile. During his training, Zamora focused on how scientific solutions can impact society, which led him to explore the interface between science and business. Zamora describes his scientific career as “unorthodox,” as he always sought to apply his knowledge in practical and real-world contexts. From his childhood in Melipilla, where he had access to nature, his curiosity about the world around him drove him to investigate and understand the mechanisms of life.
Transition to the Business World
Zamora’s transition to the business world was gradual. Although his training was scientific, he always had an interest in solving complex problems outside the laboratory. He acknowledges that biotechnology in Chile was not as developed at that time, which led him to seek opportunities abroad. His first contact with the business world was through a postdoctoral experience in Mexico, where he studied indigenous communities and corn with particular characteristics. This experience allowed him to combine his love for science with his desire to work on practical and applied solutions.
Founding of NotCo
In 2015, Pablo Zamora, along with Matías Muchnick and Karim Pichara, founded NotCo with the mission of transforming food production and consumption. The company uses an artificial intelligence algorithm called “Giuseppe” to identify combinations of plant ingredients that replicate animal-derived products, such as milk, mayonnaise, and meat. NotCo has gained international recognition for its innovative approach and its ability to develop plant-based alternatives that are not only sustainable but also meet consumer expectations for taste and texture. This approach has allowed the company to position itself as one of the most promising startups in Latin America and attract significant investments from international funds.
Work Philosophy and Leadership
Zamora describes himself as a leader who values autonomy and creativity in his team. His experience in both academia and business has taught him the importance of fostering an environment where collaborators can experiment and propose innovative ideas. Throughout his career, he has maintained a critical stance towards authority, preferring to work in environments where he can exercise his creative freedom. His leadership style is based on collaboration and respect for the knowledge of others. Zamora firmly believes that innovation arises when different perspectives and skills are combined, which has been key to NotCo’s success.
Current and Future Projects
In addition to his role at NotCo, Pablo Zamora is involved in other projects, such as his position as president of Fundación Chile, where he works on initiatives that promote science and technology as engines of social and environmental change. His vision for the future of food focuses on the need to develop sustainable solutions that address global challenges, such as climate change and food security. Zamora is also interested in research on the world of fungi and their potential in biotechnology, reflecting his ongoing scientific curiosity and desire to explore new frontiers in his field.
