Brazilian States Boost Science and Tech with Major Infrastructure Investments
Minas Gerais improves internet access with fiber and 5G networks while Paraná invests R$50.2 million in a new innovation center, strengthening regional science and technology infrastructure.
- • Minas Gerais integrates fiber optic, 5G, and satellite tech to expand internet access, serving 550,000 clients.
- • Grupo Brasil Techpar operates Blink brand in 140 municipalities, adapting service to urban and rural needs.
- • Paraná invests R$50.2 million in Terra dos Pinheirais Innovation and Technology Center in Irati, covering 8,654 m².
- • The center will host coworking spaces, labs, and support 700 research projects, aiming for completion in 2029.
Key details
Brazil is witnessing significant investments in science and technology infrastructure, with Minas Gerais enhancing digital connectivity and Paraná launching a cutting-edge innovation center. In Minas Gerais, connectivity improvements have been driven by an integrated approach using fiber optic, 5G, and satellite technologies. Grupo Brasil Techpar, operating under the Blink brand, now serves around 550,000 clients across approximately 140 municipalities, from urban centers to rural towns. Regional director Fábio Baia highlighted the need to adapt service models to differing consumer behaviors between urban areas, which favor digital channels, and rural areas, which prefer in-person service. Fiber optic technology remains crucial for providing stable and fast fixed internet, complemented by 5G and satellite to cover remote locations. However, experts also point out that user behavior creates security vulnerabilities amid this digital expansion. Meanwhile, Paraná's government announced a R$ 50.2 million investment to build the Terra dos Pinheirais Innovation and Technology Center in Irati, set to become a regional hub for science, innovation, and culture. Covering 8,654 square meters, the center will feature coworking spaces, laboratories, startup incubation areas, and an auditorium. Construction, expected to take three years, aims for completion in the first half of 2029. Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior described the project as transforming an unfinished theater into a major innovation initiative blending academia and productive sectors. The center will support local students, researchers, and entrepreneurs and promote regional development. Irati's mayor emphasized the project’s role in meeting long-standing demands and boosting education and innovation. These regional efforts mark substantial progress in Brazil's science and technology landscape, combining expanded connectivity in Minas Gerais with Paraná's strategic investment in research infrastructure.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
