ARAUCARIA FOUNDATION–CURITIBA’S SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM: A BEACON OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND KNOWLEDGE-BASED PROSPERITY.
Our mission is to catalyze the ST&I system towards the sustainable development of Paraná, transforming knowledge into wealth and quality of life. We operate across pivotal sectors such as agribusiness, renewable energy, biotechnology, smart cities, and digital transformation, aligning with the socioeconomic development and competitive edge of Paraná. Our actions are strategically designed to propel the growth of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Paraná, establishing Curitiba as a beacon of knowledge-based prosperity.
Central to our strategy is the adoption of the quadruple helix model, which emphasizes collaboration among academia, government, industry, and civil society.
Our programs are structured around three strategic axes: Advancement of ST&I, Researcher Training, and Dissemination of ST&I knowledge. In the past three years, Araucaria has funded over 900 project proposals and awarded around 12,000 scholarships, a proof of our commitment to fostering a vibrant research community.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Internationally, Araucaria has established and is developing partnerships with a diverse array of countries, aiming to position Paraná as a global ST&I hub. These partnerships include collaborations with Canada, France, China, Belgium, India, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, the United States, Japan, Portugal, Ukraine, Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain and Italy. These international alliances are instrumental in fostering global knowledge Exchange and innovation.
Regionally, our collaboration with the State Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Higher Education (SETI) is pivotal in shaping public policies and promoting research and technological innovation that respond to societal needs.
Innovative Research and Development Initiatives
Araucaria has pioneered 62 New Research and Innovation Arrangements (NAPIs) through the iAraucária platform, investing over R$100 million. Another initiative of the institution is the Paraná 2040 Project, which after two years of extensive research, offers an opportunity for the development of ST&I within the nine identified Regional Ecosystems and involved more than 730 specialists in this work.
Fostering Innovation and Partnerships
To bridge the gap between academic research and practical development needs, Araucaria has launched several innovation-focused initiatives, including the Tecnova II and Centelha I and II Programs. These programs, in partnership with federal, state, and private sectors, have supported approximately 114 companies. Araucaria stands as the principal non-reimbursable funding agency for startups in Paraná. Through a robust partnership with the Federal Government, Araucaria has invested about US$ 40 million in this endeavor, significantly bolstering the startup ecosystem.
