Brazilian AI and Nanotech Innovations Gain National and International Recognition in Health Sector
Innovative Brazilian health technologies using AI and nanotech are achieving national awards and international expansion, enhancing public and corporate health.
- • The Vesta mask from University of Brasília won the national incentive prize for science and innovation for SUS using nanotechnology for virus inactivation.
- • Agile Health Tech, supported by São Paulo’s SCTI, uses AI to measure and improve mental health in companies and is expanding internationally.
- • The Vesta mask project took two years to develop and navigated regulatory approvals with Anvisa and Inmetro.
- • Agile Health Tech was selected for the Web Summit in Lisbon and has engaged over 30,000 people with up to 80% user engagement.
Key details
Two pioneering health technology innovations from Brazil have recently gained significant recognition for their contributions to public health and corporate mental wellness. The Vesta mask, developed by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Brasília (UnB), won first place at the 17th Incentive Prize for Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Unified Health System (SUS). This mask, conceptualized by Professor Marcella Lemos, uses cutting-edge nanotechnology to inactivate viruses and bacteria, providing critical protection for health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project required two years of development and rigorous regulation approval through Anvisa and Inmetro and now serves frontline workers nationwide. The award, announced during the 14th Brazilian Congress of Collective Health, highlights the vital role of public science and multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing pandemic challenges.
Meanwhile, São Bernardo do Campo-based startup Agile Health Tech is expanding its international footprint with support from São Paulo’s Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SCTI) through the SP Global Tech program. The startup uses artificial intelligence to measure and improve corporate mental health by identifying health risks and providing proactive, personalized care. Their technology combined with human empathy via a messaging app has reached over 30,000 individuals and achieved engagement rates up to 80%. Agile Health Tech was selected as one of ten startups to participate in the prestigious Web Summit in Lisbon, fostering collaborations with Europe’s top science and health hubs. Co-founder Dr. Rogério Silicani Ribeiro emphasized SCTI’s instrumental support in transforming the startup from an academic idea into a globally competitive technology enterprise. The solution’s validation at Latin America’s largest hospital complex further solidifies its credibility.
These successes exemplify Brazil’s growing influence in health technology innovation, blending advanced AI and materials science to enhance both public health protection and corporate wellness. SCTI Secretary Vahan Agopyan underscored the importance of advancing corporate health solutions internationally, noting that employee development depends on favorable health conditions. The Vesta mask and Agile Health Tech’s AI solution represent Brazil’s dynamic contributions to addressing critical health challenges domestically and abroad.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
