This call explicitly targets researchers (Ph.D. students, postdoc students, senior researchers, professors, etc). It allows for the integration of the next generation of scientists in international collaboration, helps to build new networks through personal contacts and mutual trust, and makes partnerships more sustainable. We encourage Swiss researchers to boost their studies with a stay and fieldwork in Brazil!

The Program will provide connections with Brazilian ecosystems, research centers, universities, mentors, and experts from the sector, as well as meetings with potential partners. Starting on 8 April and closing on 19 April, the program will integrate all sorts of interactions with the ecosystem and have the possibility to participate in relevant innovation events (Anuga Select Brazil, 9-11 April; WebSummit Rio, 15-18 April).

APPLY NOW!

Count on the University of St.Gallen – Leading House for the Latin American Region and Swissnex in Brazil’s support to:

1. Acquire knowledge and learn about the Brazilian Food Ecosystem:
Study and learn from Brazilian experts and mentors how to do FoodTech research and business in Brazil, visit the different FoodTech ecosystems in two Brazilian states, and identify opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

2. Get exposed to Brazilian research/business culture:
Connect with the Brazilian market, innovation ecosystems, demands, experts, investors, customers, and initiatives.

3. Get a tailor-made program for your specific field of research/interest:
Within the general program proposed for the group of researchers, Swissnex in Brazil, with your requirements, will build a tailor-made program to meet your demands.

4. Create connections with Brazilian partners:
Explore new connections in networking sessions and roundtables with Brazilian Food researchers, specialists, investors, and startup founders.

The Brazilian economy recorded a strong growth of 4.6% in 2021 after the pandemic recession, with eight times more investments than in 2018. In a country where more than 25% of the GDP is related to agribusiness, the aim for technologies that support and enable sustainable food systems is latent. Besides that, 67% of Brazilians reduced their meat consumption last year, but 53% still can’t find alternatives to animal meat in supermarkets.

We believe that the Future of Food is now! We want to foster research collaboration and business between Switzerland and Brazil to bring innovative solutions from the seed to people’s plates.

In this Bootcamp, the Swiss specialists will experience a tour through the Brazilian FoodTech ecosystem, focused on the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, to exchange with mentors, peers, and experts, to hear from potential customers, learn about regulations, and research hypotheses in the Brazilian environment, and design a strategy for further collaborations. 

• You are a researcher affiliated with a Swiss university in any scientific discipline within the theme.
• Researchers of Swiss federal and cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, universities of teachers’ education, and public research institutions are entitled to apply.
• Research institutions in Switzerland must be accredited by swissuniversities.
• A researcher can apply to this call regardless of their nationality
• You have a connection with the focus areas: Regenerative Agriculture, Alternative Proteins, Precision Fermentation, Digital Agriculture, and Food Waste. (Are you from another field but are still interested? Please let us know!)
• No specific project is required to apply.

Bootcamp Future of Food: 8-19 April

The Leading House Grant for the Bootcamp will cover the following costs: 

• Local costs (including accommodation in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, main meals on weekdays, local transportation during the program, and flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro)
• Tickets for the events (ANUGA Select Brazil and Web Summit Rio).
• Flight from Switzerland to Brazil and back (up to 2.000 CHF to be reimbursed upon receipt) 

Included in the Program:

• The workshops, training, visits, and mentoring sessions.

Not included in this rate:

• Meals and transportation outside the official program

Call launch – December 13, 2023

Deadline for applications – January 31, 2024

Evaluation and funding decision – February 01-23, 2024

Notification – End of February 2024

Start of Bootcamp in São Paulo – April 8, 2024

End of Bootcamp in Rio de Janeiro – April 19, 2024

Project Report due – May 20, 2024