– By Sofia Costa, Communications Manager at Swissnex in Brazil

The Future of Food Bootcamp welcomed Swiss startups and researchers for a two-week program in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to dive into the Brazilian AgriFoodTech ecosystem.

The main goal of the program is to provide connections with Brazilian ecosystems, research centers, mentors, and experts from the sector. It also includes meetings with potential customers, investors, and partners to learn about regulations, validate your market and research hypothesis, and design a strategy for their internationalization to Brazil.

Delve with us into the journey we began in São Paulo with a delegation of two startups, four researchers, and a specialist from Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley. The second week was held in Rio de Janeiro, featuring a special day at the Web Summit Rio 2024.

During the program, the delegation visited research centers, corporations, and innovation labs to discuss the future of food, learn more about Brazilian agribusiness and the food industry, see real-life cases, and explore future international collaborations.

“Two years ago, we mapped the challenges and opportunities in the food ecosystem in Brazil. Now, with the Bootcamp Future of Food, we managed to have the first interactions to visualize potential collaborations between Switzerland and Brazil,” said Bianca Campos, our Deputy CEO.

To set the tone for the two-week program, Juliana Bechara from Bioma Food Hub and Gabriel Mazzola from the Technological Research Institute (IPT) led a workshop on Brazilian culture and its importance in business and research collaborations at the Swissnex São Paulo Office.

The program continued with meetings at ITAL – Institute of Food Technology, Embrapa in Guaratiba Research Center, the Centre for Advanced Studies – CEA/UFRRJ, and Inovateca at UFRJ Technology Park.

In Campinas, at ITAL – Institute of Food Technology, Brazil’s leading Foodtech research center, the delegation met with experts in diverse areas, such as food science, packaging, and technological innovation. The discussion addressed opportunities for collaboration in the agribusiness and food industry for a sustainable future in food technology.

At Embrapa in Guaratiba Research Center, the Bootcampers discussed technological solutions contributing to Brazil’s competitiveness and sustainability in the food agroindustrial sector. Senior Researcher Humberto Bizzo, Deputy Head of R&D Claudia Pozzi Jantalia, and Head of Technology Transfer André Dutra shared their insights. We also met Thiago Rosolem, CEO of Amazonika Mundi and Embrapa startup partner, who showcased its solution using cashew fiber-based products.

The National Society of Agriculture (SNA) emphasized the significance of traceability and sustainability in agribusiness, showcasing Brazil’s competitive edge in the global market. This visit provided insights into revolutionizing protein options while navigating Brazil’s regulatory landscape.

In Campinas, at the Tropical Food Innovation Lab, we discussed the future of food and creating a positive impact. Paulo Silveira, Founder & CEO of FoodTech Hub Latam, shared how the business works around agri and food corporations and their innovation demands.

The group visited RG—Think Food in São Paulo with Augusto Terra and Bernardo Costa to learn about different perspectives, cases, and future visions for investments in Brazil’s food and agri tech startups. The delegation also pitched their solutions and projects, followed by networking to create connections between participants.

Teaming up with PwC Agtech Innovation in Piracicaba, we explored the dynamic ecosystem driving agritech innovation in Brazil and Latin America. Maria Clara Toledo, Gabriela Geraldi, and Vanderlei Rocha, from the innovation team, presented open innovation strategies for bridging corporations and startups. We also met resident startups like IMBR Agro, Hakkuna FoodTech, MyEasyFarm, and xFarm Technologies, which presented their groundbreaking solutions.

At the Swissnex office in Rio de Janeiro, the Bootcampers joined an agroecology workshop, delving into interconnected food systems. Felipe Pinheiro, Isabel Portugal, and Vinicius Machado shared insights on agroecology in Brazil and introduced startups with sustainable solutions.

At Inovateca in UFRJ Technology Park, the group gained an overview of Rio’s innovative sector. The discussions highlighted the importance of attracting startups to tackle emerging challenges. The team also learned about UFRJ’s approach to minimizing resource use in the oil-based economy by applying Circular Economy principles.

At the Firjan SENAI Institute for Innovation in Green Chemistry, the delegation learned about developing industrial solutions using alternative techniques and renewable raw materials for more efficient, lower-cost products.

The delegation spent an afternoon with BRF and Nestlé to learn about their innovation demands and how they navigate climate and environmental issues in the future of food.

At BRF, one of Brazil’s major food producers, specialists discussed the company’s strategy for shaping the future of food, its focus areas, and technological platforms.

At Nestlé, the delegation learned about their open innovation platform, Panela Nestlé. Carolina Falcoski, Open Innovation Manager, shared Nestlé’s initiatives and demands in Brazil. The group also pitched their research and solutions to the innovation team, exchanging insights to improve their internationalization strategy.

To close the Bootcamp Future of Food’s first phase in São Paulo, Swissnex organized a sensorial dinner at the Residence of the Swiss Consul General in São Paulo, Pierre Hagmann, with Ambassador Jacques Ducrest, Head of International Relations, SERI. Swissnex held an engaging panel discussion on the intersection of Agri and Food Tech with the Swiss industry leader Givaudan, represented by Eduard Fontcuberta, and innovative startups, including André Pessina from xFarm Technologies, Marina Studart from Food Brewer, and Brazilian standout SuperOpa, represented by Luis Borba.

Participants enjoyed a delightful culinary experience, exploring vegan cuisine in an unconventional self-service format, fostering connections, and celebrating the successful completion of the first week of the Bootcamp Future of Food. It was a night where gastronomy met innovation, leaving everyone inspired and energized for the journey ahead.

In Rio de Janeiro, the group had lunch at Gastromotiva, a fantastic initiative that cooks meals based on donations and serves dinner to homeless people.

During the final leg of the Bootcamp Future of Food, our group engaged with various stakeholders in the agri and food tech ecosystems, gaining insights into ongoing efforts towards a more sustainable future of food.

We are inspired by the incredible insights, groundbreaking discussions, and unforgettable moments that have unfolded. This marks the beginning of a new chapter where innovation knows no boundaries. Together, we will continue to break barriers and shape the future of food and beyond.