PreTECHt
Scientific spin-off from the University of Minho

From microbiome to data-drivenstrategic decisions

We turn complex microbiome data into actionable insightsthat support critical decisions in innovation, product,and strategy.

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Initial assessment within 48h • No commitment
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Two ways to work with PreTECHt

Choose the approach that fits your needs, from strategic support to direct microbiome analysis.

Most common

For companies

Turn microbiome complexity into clear, actionable decisions. We guide you from the right question to impact, without requiring in-house microbiome expertise.

  • Define the right objective
  • Focus on what truly matters
  • Gain actionable insights for decision-making
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For researchers and labs

Access our microbiome analysis platform for streamlined sample submission, processing, and results.

  • Direct access to analysis workflows
  • Flexible sample management
  • Transparent pricing and timelines
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FOR AGRICULTURAL AND BIOTECH COMPANIES

How we apply this in practice

Understand how your products influence microbial communities and turn biological changes into actionable insights.

Use case: field biostimulant validation
What you get:
  • Compare treated areas vs. control
  • Analyse the microbiome before and after application
  • Identify significant biological shifts
  • Support product validation and positioning
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What we do in practice

From microbiome analysis to strategic decisions

Bacterial analysis (16S)

Microbial community characterization with direct impact on the system

Fungal analysis (ITS)

Identification of fungal dynamics relevant to performance and risk

Business focus

Results designed to support decision-making

48h response

Fast turnaround without compromising scientific rigor

The microbiome is complex. Decisions do not have to be.

Microbiome projects do not fail because of a lack of data, but because of generic analyses and outputs that are difficult to apply.

At PreTECHt, we transform biological complexity into clear, actionable decisions.

We start with the right question

Every project starts with a clear objective aligned with the impact it aims to create

Data that leads to action

We turn complex results into actionable insights for technical and business teams

Results everyone can understand

Clear, structured communication adapted to different decision-making profiles

Focus on what truly matters

We remove analytical noise and highlight only what creates real impact

PreTECHt in the media and innovation ecosystem

Institutional recognition and presence across leading innovation ecosystems.

University of Minho TecMinho EIT Food BGI
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New University of Minho spin-off helps farmers anticipate risks Featured

New University of Minho spin-off helps farmers anticipate risks

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Newsletter

BGI and EIT Food announce the ten finalists of the EWA programme

iALIMENTAR
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Radio

University of Minho launches spin-off that helps farmers prevent risks and adopt sustainable practices

University of Minho Radio
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How we turn data into decisions

From the right question to real impact, with focus on what truly matters

01

We begin with the right question

We define clear objectives aligned with the impact you want to generate

02

We analyse what really matters

We focus only on the variables that have real impact in your context

03

We translate data into decisions

We transform complex data into actionable insights

04

We communicate with clarity

Structured results adapted to technical and business audiences

Who we are

A team focused on turning science into real impact.

Core team
Joana Castro

Joana Castro

Founder
  • Biologist specialised in
  • microbiology and microbiome analysis
  • Experience in bioinformatics and
  • the development of applied solutions
  • Focused on turning complex data
  • into strategic decisions
view profile
Carlos Pinto

Carlos Pinto

Co-founder
  • Forestry engineer with experience in
  • project management and sustainability
  • Specialised in linking science,
  • territory and practical application
  • Focused on operationalising solutions
  • with real-world impact
view profile
Scientific mentors
José Teixeira

José Teixeira

Scientific mentor
  • Full professor at the University of
  • Minho
  • International reference in biotechnology
  • Top 2% most cited scientists
  • worldwide
Lucília Domingues

Lucília Domingues

Scientific mentor
  • Associate professor at the University of
  • Minho
  • Specialist in biotechnology and
  • fermentation
  • Extensive experience in applied research
  • and innovation
view profile

We work with teams that want real impact

We work with teams that value applied science and informed decisions.

Ideal for:

  • Biotech startups in a growth stage
  • Companies that depend on data for critical decisions (agrotech, foodtech, health)
  • R&D teams oriented toward real impact

Not ideal for:

  • Projects without defined objectives or success metrics
  • Requests for generic or standardised analyses
  • A price-only mindset
If this sounds like your team, let’s talk.

Science that drives decisions, not reports

At PreTECHt, we do more than microbiome analysis.

We connect microbiology, bioinformatics, and strategy to turn complex data into clear, actionable decisions.

The focus is not the report. It is the impact on your business.

Because data without context does not create impact.

Before we get started

Clear answers for informed decisions.

Is PreTECHt the right fit for my project?

We work best with teams looking for informed decisions and real impact. If the goal is simply to generate data or follow standard analyses, we are probably not the right fit. But if you need to turn complex data into clear decisions, then it makes sense to talk.

What kind of projects are a strong fit for PreTECHt?

We work on projects where data has real impact, from R&D and product development to scientific validation and applied innovation. We focus above all on business contexts with clear objectives, where analysis can support concrete decisions.

Does PreTECHt only provide sequencing, or also analysis and interpretation?

We offer a complete approach, from experimental planning to bioinformatics analysis and strategic interpretation of the results. Our focus is not just on generating data, but on ensuring that data supports decisions.

Do you work with standard or customised protocols?

Our approach is always tailored. We adapt each pipeline to the specific objectives of the project, ensuring the analysis is relevant, rigorous, and aligned with the intended impact.

Are the results understandable for non-technical teams?

Yes. We structure results so they are clear and actionable for both technical teams and business decision-makers. Communication is a central part of our work.

At what stage of the project should I contact PreTECHt?

Ideally before sequencing, to ensure the experimental design is aligned with the objectives. Even so, we also support ongoing projects, from review and reanalysis to strategic interpretation of existing data.

Does PreTECHt work with international companies?

Yes. We work with national and international companies and teams. We operate in Portuguese and English, ensuring clear communication across different contexts.

How does the initial process with PreTECHt work?

We begin with an initial conversation to understand your objectives and context. From there, we structure a tailored proposal, focused on the impact you want to achieve, not just the analysis itself.

Want to discuss your case?

Talk to the team
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Turn complex data into decisions with real impact

Receive a strategic assessment of your project and discover how to turn data into decisions with real impact on your business.

Why work with PreTECHt?

  • Tailored approach
  • Focus on real impact
  • Clear communication
We work with startups and R&D teams in biotech, agrotech, and health, with a focus on informed decisions and measurable impact.
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Let’s design your pilot project

Takes less than 2 minutes. We will get in touch with a tailored proposal.