Innovation, diversity, and sustainable future: Tech Zone energizes COP30 at PCT Guamá

Panels, lectures, exhibitions, international partnerships, and cultural attractions, focusing on Amazonian diversity, marked the program of the Tech Zone at the Science and Technology Park (PCT) Guamá. It was five days of events addressing smart cities, water resources in the Amazon, environmental preservation, and bioeconomy.

The initiative received over three thousand registrations throughout the program. "The demand was much greater than we thought it would be. The themes we chose each day, focusing on a planetary topic with an Amazonian perspective, were also an innovation, and we discussed it with all stakeholders. Governments were here, funders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and society was also present," added Renato Francês, technical director of the Guamá Foundation, the institution managing the complex.

Closing of activities

The event concluded this Friday (14) with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and climate financing in the Amazon, bringing together researchers, community leaders, financial institutions, and experts to discuss integrated pathways for sustainable development.

Projects led by women and traditional communities gained visibility at the meeting. Elizangela Pinto, leader of the Northeast Paraense Women's Movement (MMNEPA), was at the forefront of one of the panels. "It was a super important moment to be in this space talking about female leadership and protagonism. This space gives visibility to women who are in their territories fighting for the defense of the Amazon and healthy food."

Hayde Paixão, a researcher, attended the panel presentation. "It is very powerful to see how technology can be associated with the wisdom of traditional communities, of women, of those who are in the territories daily, combining this scientific technology that sometimes seems distant from the community's daily tasks."

The Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (Finep) presented a panel on supporting climate innovation initiatives. Another discussion addressed the prospects for climate financing post-COP 30, with representatives from impact organizations and financial institutions.
For Professor Melina Natividade, who attended the debates every day, the moment showcased the strength of research in Pará. "The Tech Zone caught my attention for the diversity of themes addressed around environmental issues. It was very good to learn about what is being developed in the state; the event presented a good part of what is being developed in our region. For me, it was very important," she stated.

Bioeconomy and technology in education

Throughout the event, held during COP30 in Belém, lectures highlighted female leadership in bioeconomy. Science, Technology, and Innovation Institutions (ICTs) discussed the strategic role of the private sector in promoting technological solutions and stimulating applied research. The Tech Zone was also a moment to give visibility to the use of technology in Amazonian education and technologies for monitoring mining areas.

The program at PCT Guamá provided space for Research, Development, and Innovation (PD&I) projects, with initiatives that strengthen the sustainable use of natural resources and stimulate new economic opportunities. Works on the use of waste for biochar production, waste reuse, and bioeconomy monitoring also gained prominence. "We presented the Bioeconomy Observatory, which is an action aimed at integrating information from different secretariats and providing the government and managers with data to make decisions in the context of bioeconomy in the state," added Rommel Ramos, a researcher.

Thiago Almeida, an innovation specialist, followed the debates at PCT Guamá. "The North as a whole is well advanced in research, from carbon credits to innovations to improve waste disposal and turn it into energy. It is the transformation of waste into resources for the region, which directly impacts environmental issues," he commented.

The supercritical extraction process for obtaining fat-free açaí powder and açaí oil was part of the Tech Zone presentations, along with a meetup with leaders from the innovation ecosystem. The debate highlighted the importance of collaboration among entrepreneurs, researchers, and institutions in consolidating sustainable and competitive development in the Amazon.

Smart cities and connectivity

Experiences of integration between technology and local development, monitoring the Amazon by satellite, the use of new space observation technologies, and solutions aimed at the sustainable use of water in the Amazon region were topics addressed at the Tech Zone. Another highlight within the program dealt with smart cities and connectivity, bringing together initiatives using artificial intelligence.

The Tech Zone was an initiative of PCT Guamá; the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Higher, Professional, and Technological Education (Sectet); the Amazon Foundation for Support to Studies and Research (Fapespa); the Information and Communication Technology Company of the State of Pará (Prodepa); and the State University of Pará (Uepa).

Text by Kelvyn Gomes (PCT)