The Alava-based startup Dryfing has been awarded the first prize in the Environment and Energy category at the sixth edition of the prestigious Expansión Start UP Awards, held at the Hotel Miramar in Barcelona. This recognition highlights its innovative contribution to the water sports sector through the design and commercialization of URA, the first machine that efficiently and sustainably washes, disinfects, and dries neoprene suits.

The jury for the awards —comprising leaders from the entrepreneurial ecosystem and representatives from organizations such as Abertis, CaixaBank, and Cellnex— praised Dryfing’s ability to combine technological innovation with a positive environmental impact. The URA machine stands out for saving up to 80% of water compared to traditional methods, significantly reducing the ecological footprint of this sporting activity.

Naia Espinosa, co-founder of Dryfing, commented during the ceremony: “We are thrilled to receive this award, which represents a recognition of our vision to enhance athletes’ experiences while caring for the environment. This achievement motivates us to continue growing and bringing our technology to new markets.”

In 2019, Naia Espinosa and Juanjo Torres founded Dryfing with the support of BIC Araba, and since then, they have demonstrated rapid growth. They have gained the backing of investors such as Easo Ventures and established themselves as leaders in the sustainable management of neoprene suits. Currently, the startup seeks to expand its presence in key markets such as Spain, France, and Portugal.

The Expansión Start UP Awards, which received 81 applications from across Spain this year, are a benchmark in recognizing emerging companies leading innovation in key sectors such as health, biotechnology, environment, and technology.

With this award, Dryfing reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and innovation, consolidating its position as a key player in the Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Congratulations to the team!