This first panel discussion on Day 1 of the two-day COP30 event, Delivery on Human Needs in the 21st Century, focused on positioning Brazil as a gigaton exporter of climate solutions, emphasising innovation ecosystems across universities, tech parks, incubators and impact-driven entrepreneurship. Dennis Pamlin opened by contrasting traditional climate discussions—focused on emissions reduction—with a solutions agenda centred on people, improved livelihoods, and scaling positive-impact technologies. Participants from several Brazilian innovation hubs shared concrete examples of technologies, they highlighted how tech parks link academia, startups, large companies and government to accelerate development, validation and market entry. A recurring theme was the need to strengthen financing (particularly early-stage risk capital), international partnerships, regulatory adaptation to emerging technologies, and improved communication about Brazil’s capabilities. In closing, panelists stressed that supporting Brazilian solution providers is a global opportunity with benefits for climate mitigation, biodiversity protection, food security, and socio-economic development.
Speakers
· Marcelo Nunes, Vice-Presidente de Novos Negócios – PIT, São José dos Campos Technology Park
· Adriana Ferreira de Faria, CEO of tecnoPARQ; President of Anprotec-National Association of Entities Promoting Innovative Enterprises, President of IASP Latin American Division-International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation.
· Renato Lopes, Associate Professor, Inova Unicamp
· Henrique Bussacos, Co-Founder and Director - Impact Hub São Paulo
Chaired by Dennis Pamlin, Executive Director, FL4ALL & Senior Advisor, RISE.
Dennis Pamlin
- Framed the session around shifting climate discussions from “problems” to “solutions,” with people at the centre.
- Highlighted Brazil’s potential to export over a gigaton of emissions-reducing solutions—twice its own annual emissions.
- Emphasised recognising countries like Brazil not only as emitters but as global solution providers.
- Stressed the role of cities, innovation ecosystems and tech parks as the “birthplaces of the future.”
- Asked panelists what support they need internationally to accelerate impact, including finance, markets, regulation and partnerships.
Natali Emerick
- Described UFRJ’s role linking university research to market solutions, with strong engagement of public universities.
- Presented examples of technology transfer, such as a medical solution for spinal cord injuries developed over 25 years.
- Highlighted startups in water filtration, smart cities solutions including school nutrition and food-waste reduction, smart energy metering, and other R&D collaborations.
- Noted partnerships with large firms on technologies reducing emissions and improving efficiency.
- Called for stronger early-stage support, access to shared prototyping infrastructure, and more innovation-adaptive regulatory frameworks.
Marcelo Nunes
- Explained that São José dos Campos hosts major aerospace and space research institutions, generating startups using spatial and climate data.
- Described a broad cluster-based ecosystem with hundreds of companies across aerospace, ICT, agritech, healthtech and mobility.
- Highlighted successful integration of hardware–software innovation, including Brazil’s first fully national satellite.
- Noted the city’s pioneering certifications for smart cities and ESG, supported by the park’s consultancy.
- Emphasised the need for greater international communication about Brazil’s technological capabilities and collaboration opportunities.
Adriana Ferreira de Faria
- Positioned Viçosa as a leading agritech hub with the highest ratio of agritechs per capita in Brazil.
- Described Brazil’s transformation from food importer to major global food exporter through technological advances.
- Presented examples of biotechnology and precision agriculture reducing pesticides, water use and production costs.
- Highlighted startups working on biological pest control, recombinant technologies, seed testing, and regenerative agriculture.
- Identified needs: stronger private venture financing, attraction of foreign companies, and internationalisation of innovation environments.
Renato Lopes
- Explained Inova’s dual role as tech transfer office and operator of incubator/tech park, enabling seamless support for spin-offs.
- Cited research centres focused on new energies, energy transition and climate impacts on the Amazon.
- Provided examples of alumni-founded companies producing clean water using ozone and solar energy for communities and agriculture.
- Highlighted the “International Hub for Sustainable Development” as a living-lab environment integrating academia, public sector and industry.
- Stated that key barriers include early-stage funding gaps, market access and regulatory processes not adapted to emerging technologies.
Henrique Bussacos
- Described Impact Hub’s growth from two locations to over 100 globally, supporting impact-driven entrepreneurship.
- Shared examples of impact startups, including regenerative agriculture in the Amazon, blockchain-based financial solutions for small farmers, and technologies for sustainable babaçu processing.
- Mentioned environmental service innovations such as biological water-cleaning systems.
- Highlighted collaboration with public agencies like FAPESP and participation in national acceleration programs.
- Identified high interest rates as a major barrier for investment in impact ventures, calling for blended finance and reduced capital costs.
(Audio translations and summaries by ChatGPT 5.1)