Gustavo Sosa is a dedicated and resilient professional with a strong background in forest engineering and a Ph.D. in biochemistry and plant molecular biology. His journey in plant inhibitors began during his undergraduate studies, leading him to establish his own company, Research in Biologicals and Agrochemicals (INBIOAR). Today, INBIOAR is at the forefront of the biologicals wave in agriculture. After completing his second post-doctoral fellowship at The Ohio State University, Gustavo returned to Argentina. Despite being “overqualified” for many interesting positions, he decided to take matters into his own hands by starting his own company out of necessity. This venture allowed him the freedom to create an ideal work environment, which he had always envisioned. Today, INBIOAR boasts one of the most esteemed work environments for biological research in Argentina.
INBIOAR’s uniqueness lies in its creativity and freedom to innovate. The team’s close relationship with customers and deep understanding of their challenges enable them to provide swift and effective solutions. As a small company, INBIOAR can rapidly respond to customer needs, earning their gratitude and loyalty. Gustavo aims to expand INBIOAR globally in the next five years. He is in talks to establish INBIOAR in Texas, USA, and explore the Sonora Desert. Plans also include the Thar Desert in India, the Australian Desert, the Sub-Saharan region, and smaller semi-deserts in Latin America. His immediate focus is on Texas and the Thar Desert, collaborating with local industry players in each region.
Securing funds for research and development has been a significant challenge. However, Gustavo believes that good results attract more support. Operating in the private sector without government grants, INBIOAR relies on its successful outcomes to secure funding and continue its research endeavors. Gustavo considers sustaining INBIOAR in Argentina a remarkable achievement. Being invited to speak at various international congresses in the US, Chile, Australia, and China is a testament to INBIOAR’s global impact. Additionally, holding a patent with the USDA and publishing papers in international journals are significant milestones. However, the recognition from peers and the scientific community is what truly stands out to him. Innovation is the core of INBIOAR. The company thrives on creating new solutions based on a well-established discovery platform developed through years of research. By exploring uncharted areas and transferring results to the global industry, INBIOAR epitomizes innovation.
Gustavo attributes much of INBIOAR’s success to recruiting the best human resources. The company started with María Lucía Travaini, a recent graduate who proved to be an exceptional professional. Her contribution allowed Gustavo to focus on growing INBIOAR. Since then, other talented individuals like Lara, Tomy, Imanol, Lautaro, and Nuri have joined, bringing fresh ideas and excellent professional skills. INBIOAR has grown steadily, thanks to its dedicated and innovative team.
Gustavo believes that technology is crucial for the success of modern businesses. At INBIOAR, technology has streamlined many processes that once took significant time and effort. For example, the use of LED lights for plant growth has made experiments more efficient and cost-effective. Unlike older lighting systems that generated excessive heat, LED lights help maintain optimal conditions in growing chambers, reducing costs and improving experimental outcomes.
Gustavo emphasizes leading by example to foster a positive company culture and maintain employee morale. He often quotes Abraham Lincoln, who said, “There are three ways to teach: with the example, with the example, and with the example.” Gustavo used to be the first to arrive at the lab and the last to leave, setting a standard of dedication. However, he ensures that INBIOAR is not about overworking but about creating a happy, motivated workforce. The company offers flexible working hours, allowing employees to choose their schedules, which translates into hardworking, motivated professionals who are deeply involved in their work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are at the core of INBIOAR’s operations. The company develops bio-agrochemicals that are environmentally friendly and safe for surrounding communities. Their bio-herbicides are designed to minimize environmental impact and ensure low toxicity levels, reflecting INBIOAR’s commitment to both ecological sustainability and human health.
Gustavo and his team stay informed about industry trends through continuous engagement with both academic conferences and farmers. Listening to farmers provides real-world insights into current challenges, enabling INBIOAR to stay at the forefront of problem-solving in agriculture. By connecting new technologies with emerging agricultural issues, INBIOAR ensures it remains relevant and effective. Gustavo emphasizes the importance of teamwork when making tough decisions. At INBIOAR, decisions are made collectively, with a clear distinction between brainstorming and decision-making phases. By gathering comprehensive information and encouraging diverse viewpoints, the team can make well-informed decisions. Ultimately, while the final decision rests with Gustavo, the collaborative process ensures all perspectives are considered. Gustavo advises aspiring CEOs to view themselves not as the pinnacle of the organization but as supporters of their team. He stresses the importance of humility and accountability, encouraging leaders to admit mistakes and learn from them. Empathy and understanding one’s own weaknesses are key to building strong, supportive relationships within the team. According to Gustavo, the best tools a CEO has are their colleagues.
At INBIOAR, long-term goals are established first and prominently displayed for everyone to see. The company fosters open communication about these goals, encouraging everyone to think and discuss the direction in which they are headed. This dynamic and inclusive approach allows short-term objectives to align with the overarching vision, ensuring steady progress towards long-term success.
Looking ahead, Gustavo hopes to see INBIOAR reach new heights under the leadership of María Lucía Travaini. He envisions her taking INBIOAR to a global level and is excited about the prospect of the company expanding worldwide, even in his absence. Personally, Gustavo is eager to witness and support this transition, confident in the future growth and success of INBIOAR.
