Mimicking the human respiratory system

Fine particulate matter and harmful gases pose serious health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases and premature deaths. While existing carbon capture technologies primarily target CO₂, Pérez’s invention goes further, capturing additional pollutants. Ecol-Air‘s technology is designed to mimic the human respiratory system, using mechanical bronchioles and alveoli to optimize pollutant absorption. It can be installed on chimneys to draw in and process polluted air or used as a freestanding unit to purify ambient air. The captured pollutants are neutralized and processed into biodegradable polymers, which can be used in eco-friendly packaging and industrial materials, like biodegradable bags or tiles.

From childhood curiosity to real-world impact

Pérez’s scientific interest began at the age of eight, when she noticed how rain washed away the residue of vehicle emissions from her father’s car. This curiosity later led her to develop early prototypes, refining them through science fairs and eventually securing investor support. Despite initial skepticism from industries, she installed her devices for free at large factories to prove their efficiency.

“There were moments in my journey when I doubted myself. But I believe all scientists need to realize that, while we can create incredible solutions for the planet, health, and people, scaling our projects and turning them into businesses is what gives our inventions a real future. We can’t stop at just having an idea; we need to develop it further,” Pérez explained.

Ecol-Air now collaborates with industrial and academic partners. Yamaha Colombia was the first to adopt the system commercially, followed by Sumicol-Corona. In 2023, the first air treatment plant using Ecol-Air technology opened in Girardota (Colombia), processing 70 tonnes of air daily with an 82% efficiency rate, according to the company’s estimations. The Air Innovation Center, set to open in Barbosa in 2025, is expected to process 497 tonnes of air per day and incorporate public awareness initiatives. To support the international expansion of her company, Pérez recently relocated to the United States.

The Young Inventors Prize celebrates worldwide innovators aged 30 and under who use technology to address the global challenges posed by the United Nations‘ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pérez’s invention supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing harmful air pollutants and creating sustainable by-products.

The prizes for the 2025 edition will be announced during a ceremony livestreamed from Iceland on June 18, 2025.

Find more information about the invention’s impact, the technology, and the inventor’s story.

Mariana Pérez. Video and photo credit: European Patent Office.

The Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that states its mission as promoting policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people worldwide. It provides a forum in which member governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to the economic, social and governance challenges they face.

OECD Member countries formally invited Colombia to join the Organization in May 2018, following a five-year accession process during which it underwent in-depth reviews by 23 OECD Committees and introduced major reforms to align its legislation, policies and practices to OECD standards. These spanned the breadth of policy fields including labor issues, reform of the justice system, corporate governance of state-owned enterprises, anti-bribery, trade and the establishment of a national policy on industrial chemicals and waste management.

Beyond the technical aspects, the accession process has served as a catalyst for Colombia to proceed to important reforms to improve the well-being of its citizens, such as the reduction of informality in the labor market, improving the quality and relevance of education and training as well as the long-term sustainability of the health system.

Welcoming the news, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría said, “We are delighted to welcome Colombia as the 37th member of the OECD. Colombia’s accession is tangible proof of our commitment to bring together countries who strive for the highest standards in global public policy in order to improve the well-being and quality of life of their citizens. Given its recent history, Colombia can be rightly proud of what is truly an exceptional achievement.”

“The accession process has offered Colombia the opportunity to address major policy issues and challenges multilaterally and to learn from the experiences of fellow OECD countries. Engaging Colombia has also served to enrich the OECD’s knowledge and policy experience,” Mr Gurría said.

Colombia’s accession will extend the OECD’s membership to 37 countries. It will be the third Member country from the Latin America and Caribbean region to join following Mexico and Chile. A fourth, Costa Rica, is entering the final stages of its accession process to the Organization.

The OECD’s 37 members are: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.