
Vincent Neumann
nexBio Amazônia is a collaborative international innovation program that connects Swiss and Brazilian startups and researchers to jointly pursue sustainable, long-term solutions for the Amazonian bioeconomy.
Through co-creation workshops with local partners, the program identifies and defines, in each edition, priority value chains that transform biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and technology into real-impact opportunities.
Powered by Swissnex in Brazil, Leading House Latin America (University of St. Gallen), and The Brazilian National Council for State Funding Agencies (CONFAP), the program brings together startups and researchers from Switzerland and Brazil for a two-week immersion in the Amazonia, fostering collaborative solutions that position the region as a living laboratory for global innovation. Participants engage in co-creation workshops, mentoring sessions, technical visits and exchanges with local communities, Indigenous peoples and regional value chain actors, engaging with diverse ecosystems, testing technologies in the field and developing business models that value the standing forest as an asset for innovation and sustainability.
Check out the highlights from the first edition of nexBio Amazônia, where Swiss and Brazilian startups hit the ground in the Amazonia to co-create bold and sustainable solutions.
The program opens a call for startups and researchers from Switzerland and Brazil with proposals focused on the Amazonian bioeconomy. Swissnex in Brazil and its partners provide full logistical support, including travel, accommodation, transfers, and meals, and facilitate matchmaking between stakeholders, fostering business models with a positive impact. All costs are covered by the program.
nexBio Amazônia is aimed at startups and researchers from Switzerland and Brazil interested in co-creating and shaping the future of the Amazonian bioeconomy. The program welcomes initiatives at different stages of development that engage with the potential of biodiversity and technological innovation to generate positive social and environmental impact. Projects addressing topics such as forest fruits, vegetable oils, sustainable fishing, traceability, automation, IoT, big data, new materials, and nature-based solutions are all encouraged. The goal is to bring together curious and committed minds to transform the Amazonia into a global model of sustainability and scientific cooperation.
Swissnex developed the program’s methodology as a collaborative framework designed to foster connections and innovation across the Amazonia region. It is based on a process that maps, accesses, and engages key local actors through co-creation workshops, bringing together experts from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. This approach enables the identification of regional priorities and opportunities where science, technology, and entrepreneurship can contribute to sustainable development.
The second edition of nexBio Amazônia took place in Pará and Amazonas from 21 July to 1 August 2025, featuring 9 Swiss and 6 Brazilian startups, plus 5 Swiss and 8 Brazilian researchers.
The first edition of nexBio Amazônia took place in Pará from 22 July to 2 August, featuring 7 Swiss and 7 Brazilian startups and 5 Swiss researchers.
On 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!
Ready to revolutionize the future of bioeconomy in the Amazon? Discover how nexBio is transforming sustainable practices and advancing conservation efforts in the Amazon region.
Discover how your startup can be the game-changer for sustainable and efficient solutions in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Applications open January 14th!
On 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!
Mid-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.
Apply 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
Together with Fapespa, Fiocruz and Sesc we are pleased to present the nexBio Amazônia, our new Swiss Brazilian open innovation program for bioeconomy.
Ready 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
Vincent Neumann
Pedro Capra












