UFV-Rio Paranaíba Boosts Regional Innovation with Sebrae Minas Partnership

The Federal University of Viçosa campus in Rio Paranaíba (UFV-Rio Paranaíba) has enhanced its innovation ecosystem through the inauguration of the Rede Aqui Tem Sebrae on April 28. This initiative is a collaborative effort between UFV, Sebrae Minas, and the Rio Paranaíba municipality, marking the first partnership of its kind involving a public university in Minas Gerais. The launch occurred during the opening of the 3rd Ousar – Conexões para a Inovação event, organized by the Alto Paranaíba Innovation and Technology Center (InovALTO).

According to Renato Ruas, director-general of the campus, Rede Aqui Tem Sebrae strengthens the university’s ability to support regional development by offering tailored assistance to microentrepreneurs, small and medium-scale businesses, and early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly within the academic community. This network provides business training and guidance, fosters stronger ties between the university and the productive sector, and promotes the creation and growth of startups and academic spin-offs.

The Ousar event showcased the strategic potential of Rio Paranaíba and neighboring regions to create a structured innovation ecosystem. It brought together leaders from cooperatives, government officials, and innovation experts to discuss the importance of structured and continuous innovation, highlighting UFV’s central role in this development. Ruas emphasized that this initiative positions UFV-Rio Paranaíba as a vital hub to support existing local businesses, attract new companies, and establish its Technology Park as a key development environment, integrating education, research, extension, and innovation to drive economic and social progress in the region.