
Co-creating solutions for the Amazon's bioeconomy
Every year, nexBio Amazonia brings together startups and researchers from Switzerland and Brazil for a two-week immersion in the Amazon, where they explore innovative solutions for the region’s bioeconomy. Through co-creation workshops, mentoring sessions, technical visits, and exchanges with local communities, Indigenous peoples, and regional value chain actors, participants gain first-hand insight into the Amazon’s diverse ecosystems, test technologies in real-world settings, and develop business models that recognize the standing forest as a source of innovation and resilience. Each edition focuses on priority bioeconomy value chains identified in collaboration with local partners, transforming biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and scientific expertise into high-impact innovation opportunities. In doing so, nexBio Amazonia positions the Amazon as a living laboratory for global innovation. nexBio Amazonia is powered by Swissnex in Brazil, the Swiss Leading House Latin America (University of St. Gallen), and the Brazilian National Council for State Funding Agencies (CONFAP).
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Discover the 2024 edition
nexBio Amazonia
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Who Is It For?
nexBio Amazonia is open to startups and researchers from Switzerland and Brazil looking to shape the Amazon's bioeconomy. The program welcomes initiatives at every stage of development that draw on biodiversity and technological innovation to generate social and environmental value, spanning forest fruits, vegetable oils, sustainable fishing, traceability, automation, new materials, nature finance, and nature-based solutions.
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How It Works
Each edition opens with a call for proposals focused on the Amazon's bioeconomy. Swissnex in Brazil and its partners provide logistical support, from travel and accommodation to meals and local transfers, and facilitate matchmaking between founders, researchers, and local stakeholders to help generate new ideas and business models with real-world impact. Costs for Swiss and Brazilian participants are fully covered by program partners.
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Methodology
Behind each edition is a collaborative framework developed by Swissnex to map and engage key local actors through structured workshops, bringing together government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. This groundwork identifies where science, technology, and entrepreneurship can drive change. The goal: bring together curious, committed minds working to turn the Amazon into a global model of sustainability and scientific cooperation.
News
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nexBio Amazonia: Meet the 2026 Participants
1 July 2026In its third edition, nexBio Amazonia continues to connect Switzerland and Brazil to co-create solutions for the Amazon's bioeconomy. In 2026, it expands to the state of Amapá, bringing its collaborative model to a new region of the Amazon.
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Open Call: nexBio Amazonia (3rd Edition)
8 April 2026 — 18 May 2026The 2026 edition will bring together Swiss and Brazilian startups and researchers in the Brazilian cities of Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, and Macapá, in state of Amapá, to co-create solutions for the Amazon's bioeconomy.
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nexBio Amazônia: Meet the participants 2025
26 May 2025On 21 July 2025, a delegation of Swiss and Brazilian startups and researchers will arrive in Pará to embark on a two-week journey across Belém, Santarém, and Manaus. The program aims to accelerate innovation and develop sustainable solutions within the existing bioeconomy value chain, fostering collaboration between Switzerland and Brazil in the Amazon region. Learn more about the program and meet the participants!
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Sustainable Innovation in the Amazon: nexBio Amazônia 2nd Edition
29 January 2025Ready to revolutionize the future of bioeconomy in the Amazon? Discover how nexBio is transforming sustainable practices and advancing conservation efforts in the Amazon region.
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nexBio Amazônia: Second Edition Open Call
19 December 2024Discover how your startup can be the game-changer for sustainable and efficient solutions in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Applications open January 14th!
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nexBio Amazônia: Meet the participants 2024
14 July 2024On 22 July, a delegation of 19 Swiss and Brazilian entrepreneurs and researchers arrive in Pará for a two-week program to develop efficient and sustainable new solutions in the existing bioeconomy production chain. Learn more and meet the participants!
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nexBio Amazônia: Entrepreneurs in the Amazon Rainforest
31 January 2025Mid-summer 2024, a group of fourteen different startups, mixing Brazilian and Swiss experts, toured the Para region in Northern Brazil. Across ten days spent meeting and connecting with the local community, the group gained valuable insights into the local biodiversity, bioeconomy, and people.
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nexBio Amazônia Open call 2024
22 January 2024Apply until 25th March and discover how your startup can be the game-changer for sustainable and efficient solutions in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. - CLOSED CALL
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nexBio Amazônia Program Launch 2023
7 November 2023Together with Fapespa, Fiocruz and Sesc we are pleased to present the nexBio Amazônia, our new Swiss Brazilian open innovation program for bioeconomy.
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nexBio Amazônia Launch Lausanne 2024
24 January 2024Ready to revolutionize the future of bioeconomy in the Amazon? Calling all Swiss startups! Discover how your startup can be the game-changer for sustainable and efficient solutions in the heart of the Amazon rainforest
Previous editions
nexBio Amazonia 2025
Learn morenexBio Amazonia's second edition took place in the Brazilian states of Pará and Amazonas from July 21 to August 1, 2025, featuring nine Swiss and six Brazilian startups, as well as five Swiss and eight Brazilian researchers.

nexBio Amazonia 2024
Learn morenexBio Amazonia's first edition took place in the Brazilian state of Pará from July 22 to August 2, 2024, featuring seven Swiss and seven Brazilian startups, as well as five Swiss researchers.


Head of Programs
As Head of Programs, Vincent leads the strategic development and execution of Swissnex's initiatives in Brazil, driving collaborations between the Swiss and Brazilian innovation ecosystems.

Program Lead, Academic Relations
As Program Lead, Academic Relations, Pedro connects universities, think tanks, research institutions, professors, and researchers to establish and further develop science and technology partnerships between Switzerland and Brazil.

Junior Project Manager
As Junior Project Manager at Swissnex in Brazil, Joëlle supports the development and implementation of initiatives that foster collaboration, research, and innovation between Switzerland and Brazil.










