UFRJ Science Park News

UFRJ Science Park News

The Newsletter of the Science Park at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) is a monthly publication which circulates information about the major activities undertaken at the institution as well as events of interest.

INNOVATION

GE RESEARCH CENTER IN BRAZIL HAS FIRST PATENT APPLICATION APPROVED

Located on Bom Jesus Island, an innovation environment within UFRJ Science Park, the GE Global Research Center in Brazil had its first patent application approved by the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI - the Brazilian Patent Office). The solution targets the bioenergy industry and focuses on optimizing the production of cellulosic ethanol – the so-called second generation ethanol. The green technology patent application filed by the GE Center was reviewed in a record time of 18 months, compared to around 8 years for the current INPI backlog.Read more

PIONEERING SPIRIT

FUNDO VERDE, INNOVATIVE PARK LABORATORY, OPENS THE LARGEST PARKING LOT IN BRAZIL UTILIZING SOLAR ENERGY

On August 18, 2015, the Fundo Verde (Green Fund), a laboratory installed within the UFRJ Science Park, opened the country’s largest photovoltaic parking lot. The space holds 65 cars and contains 414 solar panels capable of generating 140 thousand kWh per year. This amount of energy is sufficient to supply up to70 households with an average monthly consumption of 167 kWh. The Fundo Verde is an initiative that financially supports sustainable development projects within the University campus through the use of resources from ICMS (Brazilian State Excise Tax) derived from the University’s electrical usage.

OPPORTUNITY

COPPE/UFRJ BUSINESS INCUBATOR OPENS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR NEW COMPANIES

The COPPE (Coordination of Post-graduate Engineering Programs)/UFRJ Business Incubator announced the opening of the selection for four new start-up companies. The applications can be submitted up to October 21, 2015. All information is available at the Incubator’s website (http://www.incubadora.coppe.ufrj.br). Proposals must satisfy requirements such as innovation level of the product or service, interaction potential with the University and both technical and economic feasibility. Applicants should schedule an interview, by calling (00 55 21) 3733-1951. At the time of the interview candidates will receive an outline for proposal presentation.

INVESTMENT

COPPE/UFRJ BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROMOTES A DEMO DAY ON SEPTEMBER 30

On September 30, COPPE/UFRJ Business Incubator is welcoming investors and entrepreneurs to the presentation of four startups with high potential of growth and economic feasibility. In addition to the promotion of the networking among entrepreneurs, the initiative aims at hosting the right environment for showing the structure of the businesses, so as to attract investments and partnerships. The innovative startups that will be presented are Forebrain, Twist, Easysubsea and OilFinder. To participate in the event, email your registration to ray@inc.coppe.ufrj.br.

LEARN MORE!

■ Excellence - EloGroup and Visagio, graduates from COPPE/UFRJ Business Incubator, rank in the 30 best medium-sized companies to work for in Brazil according to a study by the consultancy Great Place to Work. The purpose of that study, ongoing since 2008, is to understand and assess the level of trust placed by the collaborators in the working environment as well as the best practices in people management.

■ Prize - On August 12, COPPE/UFRJ and PROTESTE launched the Innovation Prize for solutions to the squandering of water and to energy waste. Registration is free and open until October 31 on the PROTESTE website.

■ Visits - Over 60 people attended the Open Day program of the Park in August. The program consists in welcoming visitors to this innovative and entrepreneurial environment. Among them were representatives of the University of the Algarve (Portugal), of the Canoas municipality (Rio Grande do Sul) and of a company called Algar Agro. Students at the Federal University of Uberlândia (Minas Gerais) and at Faetec (Rio de Janeiro) also participated in the event.