“Linneo rethinks consumption and production by reducing environmental pollution and social costs”
Linneo founded in 2019 in the Studio Course: Biodesign Challenge at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. Under supervision of professors Carolina Obregón and Giovanna Danies, and other bio experts and microbiologists, the project was born. We discovered many contradictions within the cosmetic industry because of its social and environmental impacts. Under this research we created Linneo, a sustainable cosmetic based on fungi, a natural pigment and a new raw material alternative. Linneo rethinks consumption and production by reducing environmental pollution and social costs. We strive to produce a small carbon footprint engaging the user with a new biodesigned cosmetic.
OUR TEAM
CEO
kAREN BLANCO
A design student focusing on biodesign and sustainability strategies at Universidad de los Andes. Her research on fungi has led to finding useful compounds for fashion, food, and cosmetic industries. She studied microorganisms for bio nutricosmetics, always under a circular economic model. She seeks to develop sustainable strategies which benefit people and the planet, maintaining a balance in ecosystems.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Ana María RODRíGUEZ
A design student with a focus on product design and digital production at Universidad de los Andes. As a designer she seeks to develop creative ideas with a social impact, contributing to the improvement of the environment, thus working on new eco-friendly products and materials. She is responsible for managing operations and ensuring the proper development of Linneo’s action plan.
CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
LAURA ESPITIA
A design and photography student at Universidad de los Andes. She is responsible for digital media and multi-channel publications for Linneo. Laura has supervised, coordinated and planned the organization’s communications, brand reputation, and public relations. She’s the bridge with stakeholders, employees, social media, press, management and clients.
CHIEF BRAND OFFICER
CAMILA CORREA
A design student focusing on product design and brand strategy at Universidad de los Andes. She is responsible for the brand's image development and maintaining the brand’s marketing strategy. Camila recognizes that to create impact in today’s consuming world, you must start by changing people's mindsets; therefore, she seeks to raise awareness in makeup users, achieving a change in habits and benefiting the environment.
CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER
LAURA MéNDEZ
A design student at Universidad de los Andes. She handles Linneo´s promotion and advertising. Laura’s climate crisis awareness has led her to work with more sustainable solutions helping mitigate today’s consumerism culture. She seeks to integrate biological properties responsibly in order to develop a product that can be beneficial for both users and the environment, and avoids further deterioration of our planet.
CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER
SARA GARCÍA
A design student focusing on product and strategic design at Universidad de Los Andes. She is responsible for leading and coordinating prototyping and consequent iterations. She strives to find a balance between concept, strategy, materials, and product aesthetics. Sara seeks to provide value to all customers by offering an innovative, environmentally friendly product.
MENTORS
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
lAURA CALDERÓN
Microbiology student at Universidad de los Andes. Passionate about biotechnology, innovation, education, sustainability, applied sciences, interdisciplinarity, and co-creation. She is a key mentor in the materialization of the project, since she advised the Linneo team in the process of experimentation and obtaining the biopigments.
