Who we are
Our Team
In our team we have had the collaboration of various professionals and researchers since 2012, among them those who have led different areas of the R&D program and the company stand out:
- Since 2012 R&D leader: Rubén Araya Valencia Ph.D. Microbiology & Environmental Sciences, Osaka University, Japan, Aquaculture Engineer from the University of Antofagasta. Currently Dean of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources of the University of Antofagasta and founding partner of APT US LLC (US) and APT SpA (Chile).
- Since 2012 General Management leader: Jaime Maturana Zúñiga, Master in Technological Management, University of Talca, Chile, Aquaculture Engineer from the Andrés Bello University, Chile, member of the initial technological development team and current partner and founder of APT US LLC (US) and APT SpA (Chile).
- Since 2021 Commercial Management leader: Ingrid Daza Santos, Master in Business Administration, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Industrial Civil Engineer, Andrés Bello University, Chile.
Research & development for innovation
Since 2012 in Antofagasta, Chile, located on the coast of the driest desert on the planet the Atacama Desert, the most fertile waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Humboldt current, and the clearest skies base for the international astronomy, our team led by PhD in
Microbiology Rubén Araya and his team began at the University of Antofagasta to investigate and develop the technology to grow loose beaded pearls in abalone. Chile and its salmon farming industry are an immense platform to access the best technologies,
human capital and a culture oriented to the application of science for innovation. During these years the technology has been scaling up his Technology Readiness Levels (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/technology-readiness-level) to reach this moment, the systematic production using land-based facilities and following sustainability drivers to produce unique pearls, the Atacama Pearls ™, for unique consumers.
Microbiology Rubén Araya and his team began at the University of Antofagasta to investigate and develop the technology to grow loose beaded pearls in abalone. Chile and its salmon farming industry are an immense platform to access the best technologies,
human capital and a culture oriented to the application of science for innovation. During these years the technology has been scaling up his Technology Readiness Levels (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/technology-readiness-level) to reach this moment, the systematic production using land-based facilities and following sustainability drivers to produce unique pearls, the Atacama Pearls ™, for unique consumers.
Our next step is to deliver the Atacama Pearls as a jewel and transcend together with our clients by celebrating the most special moments of their lives.