Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela, founder and CEO of Hifas da Terra, has been included in the Forbes Women list of Spain’s 100 most influential women in 2025. This is a major recognition for the biologist and PhD in Medicine in the field of clinical oncology, who has dedicated her career to exploring the potential of medicinal mushrooms for human health.
From Galicia, Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela has built Hifas da Terra around a strong vision: bringing together science, nature and biotechnology to develop innovative solutions based on functional mushrooms. Forbes highlights her role in transforming mushrooms into a cutting-edge scientific tool, as well as the company’s international reach, with a presence in Europe, Asia and soon the United States.
This distinction shines a light on a unique entrepreneurial journey at the crossroads of research, integrative health and sustainable innovation. Born from a university project in applied mycology, Hifas da Terra has become a leading European biotech company, with more than 25 years of expertise in the clinical applications of medicinal mushrooms.
Under Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela’s leadership, the company has developed a rigorous approach focused on quality, safety and scientific evidence. Its work spans key areas such as immunology, digestive health, oncology, mental and emotional health, and women’s health.
Being recognised by Forbes Women 2025 confirms Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela’s impact beyond the nutraceutical sector. This nomination celebrates a scientist, entrepreneur and visionary who is helping to redefine the role of natural solutions in the future of health.
For Hifas da Terra, this recognition strengthens a founding belief: the future of health will be more preventive, more integrative and more respectful of living systems. It is a vision carried by Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela for more than 25 years, with the ambition of bringing mycotherapy and medicinal mushroom research to the international stage.