Brazilian Cities Drive Local Innovation with New Science and Technology Councils in 2026
Municipal Science and Technology Councils in Maricá and Congonhas launch initiatives to boost innovation and economic diversification in 2026.
- • Maricá will hold the first meeting of its Municipal Council of Science, Technology, and Innovation on July 8, engaging diverse community sectors.
- • J. Mendes company has joined Congonhas's Science, Innovation, and Technology Council, supporting sustainable development projects.
- • Congonhas initiatives include the Hub dos Profetas and a new Technological Park aiming to support 100 startups and impact 40,000 people in three years.
- • Both councils emphasize multi-sector collaboration to promote innovation and prepare their cities for future challenges.
Key details
Municipalities in Brazil are significantly advancing their innovation agendas with the establishment of Science, Technology, and Innovation Councils aiming to foster local development. Maricá will hold the inaugural meeting of its Municipal Council of Science, Technology, and Innovation (COMCTI), called Órbita, on July 8. The event will gather public officials, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, and residents to discuss challenges and formulate strategic guidelines for advancing scientific and technological innovation in the city. Secretary Sabrina Alves highlighted the importance of cross-sector dialogue to collectively build a more innovative and prepared Maricá for future challenges.
Meanwhile, in Congonhas, the Council of Science, Innovation, and Technology (CCTIC) has welcomed the mining company J. Mendes as a new member, with company representative Thereza Balbi emphasizing a commitment to sustainable development and supporting transformative initiatives like the Hub dos Profetas and a forthcoming Technological Park. These projects aim to bolster public policies that encourage economic diversification and innovation, including support for approximately 100 startups and reaching over 40,000 people within three years through education and events.
Both councils reflect a collaborative approach involving government, academia, industry, and civil society to harness science and technology as drivers for socioeconomic development in Brazilian municipalities. These initiatives are designed to address distinct local economic needs — Maricá focusing on a broad innovation ecosystem, and Congonhas targeting post-mining economic transitions — uniting for sustainable futures through technology and innovation.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
