nexBio Amazônia

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.

Get to know the program

  • How It Works


    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.

  • Who is nexBio Amazônia for?


    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.

  • Methodology


    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.

Previous editions

Partners

nexBio Amazônia is powered by Swissnex in Brazil, Leading House Latin America (University of St. Gallen), and the Brazilian National Council for State Funding Agencies (CONFAP).