Born in the Atacama Desert, Karina Gómez found a fascination with life in extreme conditions from a young age. Today, as co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Nido, she leads the development of biomaterials with brown algae that are redefining sustainable construction.
The startup produces hydrogel panels from alginate extracted from brown algae off the Chilean coast. These panels offer:
- Thermal inertia with energy efficiency over 55%.
- Acoustic insulation.
- Fire resistance, comparable to carbon-intensive materials like concrete.
“It is a biogenic material that aims to be carbon negative while regenerating the ecosystem,” explains Gómez.
Regenerative Principle
Nido works under the concept of developing with nature, not against it. The algae are cultivated in a regenerative model that captures CO₂, nitrogen, and phosphorus, contributing to positive ecosystem cycles.
International Recognition
Nido’s impact has transcended borders:
- European Green Deal funds amounting to 9 million euros.
- Three European Union seals of excellence.
- Collaborations with construction companies like Skanska and Arauco.
- Projects with the Japanese government on carbon credits.
- University consortia with Cambridge and Eurecat.
- Presence at the World Economic Forum in Davos and awards like Inspiratech 2025.
Projections
In the next two years, Nido plans to:
- Scale up its production.
- Implement commercial pilots in Europe with Skanska and Pfeiffer.
- Develop end-of-life methodologies for hydrogel with Aalto University.
- Participate in India with new product categories.
- Initiate pilots in Japan under the Pelago program.
Uses of Brown Algae
In addition to hydrogel panels, brown algae—especially sargassum—are transformed into construction materials such as:
- Argablocks: ecological bricks made with 40% dehydrated sargassum and soil, sun-dried, 100% recyclable.
- Biocomposites: panels and beams with improved mechanical properties.
- Additives for concrete: up to 8% addition to reduce weight and improve resistance.
- Tactical properties: self-healing of cracks, fire resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation.
The technique includes collecting, washing, drying, and grinding the algae to then mix it with other components, achieving durable and ecological housing.
The experience of Karina Gómez and Nido demonstrates how nature-based innovation can offer concrete solutions to the environmental crisis. Biomaterials derived from brown algae not only reduce the impact of the construction sector but also regenerate ecosystems and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
