Maricel Saenz

Maricel Saenz is a prominent Costa Rican entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Compound Foods, a food-tech startup that specializes in creating coffee without using coffee beans. Her innovative approach aims to address the environmental challenges associated with traditional coffee production, which is known to be one of the most polluting agricultural practices. By leveraging synthetic biology and fermentation techniques, Compound Foods seeks to produce sustainable coffee alternatives that maintain the beloved flavors of traditional coffee while significantly reducing resource consumption, particularly water usage.135

Saenz holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and has participated in the Global Solutions Program at Singularity University, where she focused on leveraging technology for social impact. Her professional background includes co-founding Nextbiotics, a startup aimed at developing alternatives to antibiotics, and working in international development in South Africa and Cambodia, where she empowered local entrepreneurs and supported women's initiatives.1234

In recognition of her contributions to sustainability and innovation, Saenz was named in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the Social Impact category in 2022. Her work not only reflects her commitment to environmental stewardship but also her dedication to fostering community and mentoring young women in the field.126