Sebrae-RN Launches Program to Turn Scientific Research into Innovative Businesses in Rio Grande do Norte
Sebrae-RN's new initiative bridges scientific research and business innovation in Rio Grande do Norte focusing on DeepTech companies, while Jacareí expands local supply chains for emerging industries.
- • Sebrae-RN launched Conexão Pesquisa & Mercado to transform research into innovative businesses in Rio Grande do Norte.
- • The program targets 200 researchers, focusing on DeepTech sectors like AI, biotech, renewable energy, and agribusiness.
- • Three projects under the program promote entrepreneurship and formalize student and researcher ideas into market-ready models.
- • The Jacareí Municipal Business Portal workshop engaged 130 companies to meet supply demands for a new industry, strengthening local business connections.
Key details
Sebrae-RN has unveiled the Conexão Pesquisa & Mercado program, designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and market application by transforming research into viable, innovative business ventures. The program, launched on July 16, 2026, targets 200 researchers from Rio Grande do Norte, a state notable for ranking third nationally in master's and doctoral degree holders per capita, with 242.5 per 100,000 inhabitants based on Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation data from 2021 to 2024.
Focusing on DeepTech companies—businesses built around advanced scientific or technological discoveries—in sectors like health, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and agribusiness, the program aims initially to convert academic theses into business models before engaging investors. The initiative encompasses three main projects: Embaixadores da Inovação, involving seven professors who promote entrepreneurship to over 6,000 students; Sebrae Supernova, which formalizes student ideas for market readiness; and the DeepTechs Development Program targeting researchers with complex projects.
Sebrae-RN’s Business, Innovation, and Technology Unit manager David Góis emphasized the prevalent disconnect between impactful scientific research and market readiness. Selected researchers will undergo training, after which the top 20 business models will be connected with companies and clients to facilitate commercialization. UFRN's rector, José Daniel Diniz, highlighted the need for sustained integration between academia and society.
Meanwhile, in Jacareí, the Municipal Development Secretariat held its 5th Workshop of the Municipal Business Portal to strengthen local supply chains and support the new Mosaic Pavers industry. About 130 companies registered to meet 31 supply demands, reinforcing local business capacity and fostering economic growth. Businesses may still register until July 18, extending opportunities for local engagement with emerging industries.
Together, these initiatives reflect an increasing focus on linking research and innovation directly with market needs and local industry development in Brazil, fostering a robust ecosystem of scientific entrepreneurship and business integration.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
