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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Biotechnology is leading the deep tech scene in Brazil, but faces challenges related to infrastructure and private investment
SDG 9
Biotechnology is leading the deep tech scene in Brazil, but faces challenges related to infrastructure and private investment

According to a report by the consulting firm Emerge, almost half of the 952 science-based startups mapped in the country develop solutions in this area, especially for the health and agribusiness sectors.


FAPESP-supported center upgrades PET/CT equipment to include AI and guided biopsy capabilities
SDG 3, SDG 9
FAPESP-supported center upgrades PET/CT equipment to include AI and guided biopsy capabilities

The new functionalities allow the Cancer Theranostics Innovation Center to generate dynamic, more detailed images and provide more accurate diagnoses. The device is available to the scientific community in the state of São Paulo.


Brazil has the highest number of deep tech companies in Latin America, but ranks third in private investment
SDG 9
Brazil has the highest number of deep tech companies in Latin America, but ranks third in private investment

These findings are from the Deep Tech Radar Latam 2025 report, prepared by the consulting firm Emerge in partnership with Cubo Itaú.


Combination of quantum and classical computing supports early diagnosis of breast cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Combination of quantum and classical computing supports early diagnosis of breast cancer

Simple quantum-classical neural networks achieve good results in classifying lesions with fewer computational parameters. Scientists from São Paulo State University demonstrated a hybrid model at an international symposium.


Solution could reduce contamination losses in ethanol production
SDG 7, SDG 9
Solution could reduce contamination losses in ethanol production

Technology created at the Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation helps identify contaminating microorganisms, enabling plants to combat them more quickly and effectively.


Artificial nests improve animal welfare and increase productivity in the pork industry
SDG 9, SDG 12
Artificial nests improve animal welfare and increase productivity in the pork industry

São Paulo startup develops biodegradable material that resembles branches, leaves, and grass used by pregnant sows in nature to prepare their birthing environment.


Hybrid drone seeks to improve crop spraying
SDG 9
Hybrid drone seeks to improve crop spraying

Automated solution developed by a FAPESP-supported startup promises to reduce operating costs and eliminate losses caused by traditional methods.


New method speeds up development of catalysts
SDG 9, SDG 13
New method speeds up development of catalysts

Researchers from the Center for Innovation in New Energies study metal complexes that can speed up chemical reactions capable of generating products for a low-carbon economy.


Startup uses light to detect industrial leaks
SDG 9
Startup uses light to detect industrial leaks

With optoacoustic sensors, a FAPESP-supported company monitors critical environments safely and accurately.


Nanotechnology improves treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs
SDG 9
Nanotechnology improves treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs

An unprecedented project in Brazil uses nanocrystals to advance veterinary medicine.


From the laboratory to the veterinary clinic: nanotechnology can help treat chronic diseases in animals
SDG 9
From the laboratory to the veterinary clinic: nanotechnology can help treat chronic diseases in animals

Solution created by Brazilian startup can treat pain and inflammation in pets.


Fermentation method transforms unripe fruits into specialty coffees
SDG 9
Fermentation method transforms unripe fruits into specialty coffees

Normally discarded due to their astringent taste, green beans from the Arara cultivar were subjected to airless fermentation and produced high-quality beverages in blind tests. Brazilian researchers see potential for the product to be valued in domestic and foreign markets.


Brazilian company develops sustainable alternative to antibiotics for livestock
SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 12
Brazilian company develops sustainable alternative to antibiotics for livestock

The startup uses bacteriophages to prevent mastitis in dairy cows and reduce the use of conventional drugs.


Cell phones are used to determine the origin and authenticity of indigenous coffees in the Amazon
SDG 3, SDG 9
Cell phones are used to determine the origin and authenticity of indigenous coffees in the Amazon

The method is part of a series of international studies on the Canephora species published by Brazilians and can be adapted to identify “fake coffees”.


Researchers obtain patent for formula that induces germination and accelerates plant growth
SDG 9
Researchers obtain patent for formula that induces germination and accelerates plant growth

The solution is produced using chalcone, a chemical substance from the flavonoid family, and has the potential to be used in agriculture and forest restoration.


Electrochemical route allows for the synthesis of giant fullerenes at a lower cost and with less environmental impact
SDG 9
Electrochemical route allows for the synthesis of giant fullerenes at a lower cost and with less environmental impact

Researchers at the University of São Paulo and Sapienza Università di Roma obtained the material without the need for high temperatures. The product has many potential applications, ranging from electronics to cosmetics.


Brazilian researchers identify bacteria that can transform plastic waste into bioplastics
SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13
Brazilian researchers identify bacteria that can transform plastic waste into bioplastics

Called BR4, the microorganism breaks down PET and produces PHB, a high-quality biopolymer that can be used to manufacture sustainable packaging and for biomedical applications.


Scientists are seeking patent for ‘green’ method to treat main waste product from the paper industry
SDG 9, SDG 12
Scientists are seeking patent for ‘green’ method to treat main waste product from the paper industry

Acetic acid, a component of vinegar, was used by researchers in the state of São Paulo to fractionate kraft lignin. The method produces nanoparticles with different properties, including UV protection.


New method makes it easier to obtain material for smart windows
SDG 9
New method makes it easier to obtain material for smart windows

Sodium and tungsten bronze nanorods have various applications, including use in devices capable of controlling indoor lighting and climate control.


Representatives from FAPESP visit the CNRS stand at VivaTech
SDG 9, SDG 17
Representatives from FAPESP visit the CNRS stand at VivaTech

Delegation visiting France to participate in FAPESP Week learns about the instruments available at the French National Center for Scientific Research to support innovation and startups.


Drones can detect fires and monitor greenhouse gas emissions
SDG 9, SDG 13
Drones can detect fires and monitor greenhouse gas emissions

University of São Paulo researchers are developing an aircraft equipped with sensors that can detect and measure the concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane in the environment; the project was presented at FAPESP Week France in Toulouse.


Science and innovation for a sustainable future
SDG 9
Science and innovation for a sustainable future

At VivaTech in Paris, research center coordinators showcase the advances made at the University of São Paulo in agriculture, climate, energy, computing, artificial intelligence, and health.


The future of artificial intelligence
SDG 9
The future of artificial intelligence

At Europe’s largest innovation event, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, describes a scenario in which factories, robots, and industrial systems will be developed and tested digitally before going into operation.


Electric-powered drone set to cross the South Atlantic Ocean nonstop
SDG 9
Electric-powered drone set to cross the South Atlantic Ocean nonstop

The aircraft’s design is inspired by albatrosses, which exploit atmospheric turbulence to fly for long periods with minimal effort and energy expenditure; the project, developed by French engineers, was presented during FAPESP Week France.


São Paulo’s innovations take center stage at Europe’s largest technology event
SDG 9
São Paulo’s innovations take center stage at Europe’s largest technology event

With support from USP and FAPESP, scientists and entrepreneurs showcase their innovative research in areas such as agriculture, climate, photonics, artificial intelligence, materials, and health in Paris.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: