Elena Martinez

Elena Martinez is an oceanographer and co-founder and CTO of SOS Biotech, a BlueTech initiative based in the Dominican Republic. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography from Universidade de Vigo and two master’s degrees in Applied Blue Biotechnology from La Rochelle Université. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Biotechnology and Biomedicine. Martinez’s work focuses on harnessing marine resources, particularly invasive seaweed, to develop sustainable products and support coastal communities. This involves transforming sargassum into high-value products.

Her career highlights include co-founding SOS Biotech, where she leads efforts to convert marine resources into innovative solutions. She also serves as the Director of Research and Development for SOS Carbon, a sister company focused on addressing the sargassum crisis. Martinez has held the position of Environmental Program Manager at Terra & Marre Foundation. Her expertise is at the intersection of the blue economy, sustainability, and climate action, promoting the responsible management of ocean resources for environmental and economic benefit. She has been recognized as part of the first cohort of Big Bets Climate Fellows by the Rockefeller Foundation and selected for the 2024 MIT SOLVE Climate Challenges, demonstrating her commitment to climate innovation.

Martinez’s work with SOS Biotech and SOS Carbon involves expanding the deployment of sargassum harvesting systems in the Caribbean. This initiative not only addresses the sargassum crisis but also focuses on providing training and education for converting it into high-value products. These efforts aim to create employment opportunities, foster the blue economy, promote ocean literacy, and support sustainable economic growth in underserved coastal communities. She believes in the transformative potential of oceans for mitigating climate change and driving sustainable development, viewing them as a vital partner for a resilient future.