Barcelona-based deeptech startup Roka Furadada has closed a new funding round of €2.3 million, bringing its total capital raised to over €8 million. The company, founded by chemist Judit Camargo, is pioneering the development of “intelligent” sunscreen ingredients that adapt their protection levels based on solar radiation exposure.
The latest investment round was led by the Madrid-based fund O Financial Club (OFC), with participation from business angel networks such as Women Angels for Steam (WA4Steam). Therefore, this injection of capital is earmarked for the continued development of the company’s portfolio and the launch of new products aimed at the international market.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Home » Roka Furadada: €2.3m Funding for Intelligent Sunscreen Technology
Smart protection against a rising threat
Roka Furadada’s flagship innovation addresses a critical gap in public health: skin cancer prevention. With incidence rates rising globally-one in three cancer diagnoses is now skin-related-effective protection is more vital than ever. However, traditional sunscreens rely on users reapplying frequently, a habit many struggle to maintain. Catalan exports to India.
Camargo describes the company’s solution as a molecule that mimics the mechanism of extended-release medication. “It acts like a paracetamol with a prolonged effect,” she explains. “The molecule absorbs radiation but remains inactive until it is exposed to the sun. The more intense the sun, the more it protects you. It releases protection based on when you need it, rather than just when you apply the cream.”. AI-driven industrial transformation.
This adaptive efficiency helps counteract the diminishing protection that occurs when users fail to reapply sunscreen every two hours. “With our product, protection doesn’t just maintain; it actually increases when there is more radiation,” Camargo adds.
From pharmaceutical roots to circular economy
The technology originated within the pharmaceutical company Ferrer, in collaboration with the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS). Camargo, who worked at Ferrer at the time, identified the commercial potential of the research. When Ferrer restructured and moved away from the project, Camargo spun it out in 2019 to launch Roka Furadada. By early 2020, the technology transfer was complete, allowing the startup to bring its first product to market in 2023.
Beyond solar protection, the company is deeply committed to the circular economy. Drawing on Camargo’s background in bioengineering, the team creates cosmetic ingredients from lignin-a byproduct of the paper industry that is typically burned. Roka Furadada repurposes this residue for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
This research has led to the launch of two new products: Sotabosc (2024), designed for acne-prone skin, and Canigó (2025), aimed at sensitive scalps to reduce dandruff and improve hair density. Consequently, the company plans to release a new product annually through to 2029, including treatments for atopic dermatitis.
Financial growth and global reach
Roka Furadada operates on a B2B model, selling its bioactive ingredients to manufacturers of creams and shampoos globally. Its client roster spans roughly 20 markets, including France, the US, Japan, and South Korea.
The company has shown a steady growth trajectory. After generating its first revenue of €500,000 in 2024, it closed 2025 with nearly €1 million in sales. Forecasts for the current year suggest revenue will double to €2 million, with the company aiming to break even by 2027.
This latest €2.3 million round follows previous private raises of €160,000 in 2019 and €1.6 million in 2021. Additionally, the deeptech firm has secured €4.5 million in public funding from institutions including the European Innovation Council (EIC) and CDTI, validating its scientific approach to sustainable cosmetics. For more information on sustainable innovation, visit the European Commission.
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