PCT Guamá integrates Pan-Amazon Network focused on innovation and sustainable bioeconomy

The next steps of the activities of the Pan-Amazon Network of Incubators and Accelerators (RIPA) were discussed by representatives of the Guamá Science and Technology Park (PCT) and Guyane Développement Innovation (GDI) in a meeting held in Belém last week. The Network is a coalition formed by institutions for business creation and development and organizations supporting innovation in the Guiana Shield (French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil), launched during COP30 at the France Pavilion in the City Park.

The RIPA aims to collaboratively respond to common challenges faced by Amazonian ecosystems, such as financing, logistics, regulation, and market access. The presence of PCT Guamá in the network reinforces Pará's role in connecting solutions for the Amazon, expanding its integration with international institutions and involvement in sustainable initiatives.

For João Weyl, president of the Guamá Foundation, the managing institution of the Park, PCT Guamá's participation in RIPA opens a range of opportunities with states in the Amazon and the Guianas. “We will enhance actions, boost startups, focusing on the bioeconomy of forest protection systems and traditional communities. As PCT Guamá is the largest integration hub here in Pará, we expect to increase partnerships with universities in the region, institutes, and companies. We even intend to open a space in the Park for the articulation actions of this Network,” he stated.

Strategic axes - During the meeting, which took place on Friday (14), representatives discussed actions related to the five strategic axes defined by the consortium: Exchange of best practices in incubation and acceleration; Joint economic development, including missions and coordinated participation in international events; Cross-border support for startups, with soft landing programs and exchange between countries; Articulation of investments and formation of a regional network of investors, and Training in entrepreneurship and bioeconomy.

“With RIPA, we are taking an important step towards structured cooperation between the territories of the Guiana Highlands, in service of the bioeconomy and ecological transition. A collective effort, or as it is called in Guianese Creole, a Mayouri,” informed Eric Lafontaine, general director of GDI.

Cooperation and innovation - The Pan-Amazon Network of Incubators and Accelerators was conceived as a “community of projects,” an agile model, without its own administrative structure, that operates through voluntary cooperation among institutions that work directly in the field of innovation. The Network seeks to enhance the action of the actors, promoting exchanges and joint initiatives.

The central objective, as defined by the founding organizations during COP30, is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable pan-Amazon bioeconomy, strengthening innovation ecosystems and supporting viable companies integrated into the region's value chains. The commitment is aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 Agenda, and the Paris Agreement.

The bioeconomy vision adopted by RIPA emphasizes the sustainable and local development of forest, agricultural, and aquaculture resources, always highlighting the direct benefit to Amazonian communities. Priority sectors include agri-food, eco-materials, green chemistry (including cosmetics and health), and digital technologies for sustainable development.

Text: Kelvyn Gomes - Ascom/PCT Guamá