The Academia-Industry Training (AIT) is the result of a close collaboration between Swissnex in Brazil, the Leading House for the Latin American Region (University of St.Gallen), the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communication (MCTIC).
The program supports Brazilian and Swiss startups by connecting talented researcher-entrepreneurs from both countries with industry innovation ecosystems, transforming their research into market-ready solutions. AIT provides a platform for international researchers to collaborate, exchange best practices, explore new markets, and create synergies, fostering innovation on a global scale.
The AIT program features two phases: an initial training camp in Brazil, where Brazilian researcher-entrepreneurs connect with their Swiss counterparts, followed by a second camp in Switzerland that unites the participants from both countries.
This year marks the 10th cycle of AIT! A milestone that celebrates a decade of successful collaboration and reaffirms our commitment to driving excellence in innovation, research, and education. To honor this achievement, we will bring together participants, industry leaders, and academic experts in a special edition.
Meet the sciencepreneurs of this year’s program—each representing a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise—who are eager to contribute to the continued success of the Academia-Industry Training.
Meet the Brazilian Sciencepreneurs
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Mayra Gonçalves
Mayra Gonçalves
PlantColabThe Plant Colab is a group of researchers that decided to take to the field information, technology, power of choice, and decision-making for producers, farmers, agricultural engineers, and field technicians. In the field or in the laboratory, they identify plant diseases through rapid tests and molecular methods. Mayra is a specialist in plant diseases, a researcher, and the CEO of Plant Colab startup.
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Eduardo Cavalcante
Eduardo Cavalcante
Nanomonde LabsStartup focused on research, development and management of innovation projects in the field of nanotechnology, mainly related to advanced coatings. These projects are essential for technological advancement and have great potential for impact on industries and various sectors. Nanomondes Labs was founded to transform the research carried out by Eduardo and 2 professors from UFPB into a product. As CEO, Eduardo manages all activities, and is the main proponent of new projects.
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Fernanda de Oliveira
Fernanda de Oliveira
BioEcolorIn the BioEcolor platform they utilize biotechnology for natural color production, independent from petroleum fractions. Our method, based on fermentation, taps into circular economies, producing high-value biocolorants with proven biological activity. Through our eco-friendly process, they offer top-tier non-toxic color solutions, captivating customers with stability and superior performance. BioEcolor enhances functional products visually, supporting natural and vegan claims. Fernanda is responsible for operational tasks, focusing on business analysis and implementation according to BioEcolor’s strategy.
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Edroaldo Lummertz
Edroaldo Lummertz
Cellertz BioCellertz Bio has developed a new computational platform based on artificial intelligence to perform the rational design of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, which can be used for various therapeutic applications in oncology, regenerative medicine, and autoimmune diseases. Cellertz Bio is developing a new cell therapy for the treatment of hematological and solid cancers using an integrated strategy that employs a tumor-targeting mRNA-based vaccine and anti-tumor immune cells. Edroaldo is the Scientific Advisor and Founder (together with Vesper Biotechnologies) to develop the next generation of immunotherapies.
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Katia Omura
Katia Omura
ApplicaTOMemorylife is a mobile app that transform cognitive stimulation into an enjoyable experience for people with Alzheimer’s disease. By incorporating game elements, Memorylife makes brain training fun and engaging, helping to improve cognitive function and maintain mental sharpness. Our app offers a variety of exercises designed to target specific cognitive areas, providing personalized support for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Katia Omura is a Professor, Researcher and the CEO of ApplicaTO.
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Gabryella Mendonca
Gabryella Mendonca
BioUs PackageBioUs is a deep tech for active and biodegradable packaging. It was born in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab at FEA/USP with the ambition of developing innovative solutions that combine technology with natural elements, for the best use of food and environmentally friendly disposal. They believe that with technology and purpose, it is possible to create conscious solutions that positively impact the world we live in and the way we eat. Gabryella is responsible for technology development and sustainability aspects of the product.
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Carlos Alves
Carlos Alves
Wine AI ProjectThis project aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based solution for the wine industry to assist decision-making regarding process management, problem-solving, and optimization of processing, thereby increasing the operational efficiency of wineries and ensuring the quality of the wines produced. Carlos is a sommelier, a PhD student in food science and technology, a postgraduate student in AI, and a professor. He is currently studying how AI may make wine production better, using data analysis to support decision-making.
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Ailton Pereira
Ailton Pereira
AIPERAIPER is a biotechnology startup specialized in the research and development of biopigments of microbial origin for application in the textile industry, produced from a fermentation process, which uses agricultural waste as a nutritional source, contributing to the circular bioeconomy. Ailton is the Executive and Scientific Director of AIPER.
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Marina Belintani
Marina Belintani
Mabe BioReinventing materials, regenerating the planet. MABE Bio is a greentech startup based that combines technology and nature to develop a new class of plant-based materials such as Angico bioleather. Marina Belintani is a textile researcher with expertise in R&D, focusing on materials innovation and the development of circular manufacturing systems. She is the co-founder and CTO of Mabe Bio.
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Marco Failache
Marco Failache
AmaztraceAt Amaztrace, each product tells a unique and authentic story. They ensure the origin, quality, and positive impact of every item, bringing confidence and awareness into the hands of consumers. With traceability as our tool, they unravel the secrets of the production chain, connecting people and valuing every step of the process. This enables the increase in the value of the final product and generates more revenue for all parties involved. Marco is the CTO of Amaztrace and joins the AIT 10th Edition after winning the jury award at the nexBio Amazônia 2024 program.
Meet the Swiss Sciencepreneurs
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Andrey Chernev
Andrey Chernev
DNAQuraCyDNAQuraCy customers- facilities, labs, CROs, and companies that use NGS (next-generation sequencing). Due to imperfections of sample QC (quality control), NGS can fail and cause money loss. Our tech prevents that. Above that, they are developing a Nespresso-inspired single-molecule QC platform that fits a variety of biomolecules (antibodies, protein complexes, etc).
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Anja Rundquist
Anja Rundquist
InvestConservationThe InvestConservation management has a distinctive blend of expertise in biodiversity conservation, forestry, the carbon market, sustainability, marketing, and technology. Specializing in selecting and managing conservation projects saves corporate investors valuable time in making a tangible impact. 85% of every dollar invested goes directly to on-the-ground conservation efforts—nearly double the industry norm—by using smart technology and cutting out costly middlemen. Integrating boots-on-the-ground efforts with data and technology-driven monitoring, including satellite and AI analysis of soundscapes, ensures transparency, builds investor trust, and provides independent insight into the outcomes.
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Melanie Conrad
Melanie Conrad
NutriBuddyNutri Buddy empowers individuals to make informed food choices through personalized, continuous, and automated nutrition guidance – directly impacting consumption behavior awareness and improving one’s lasting well-being. It is the first B2B2C intelligent platform that scales personalized, educative, and continuous guidance on food consumption with no data input effort needed. By providing real-time food shopping data analyses, dietitians insights, food products scrutiny, and recommendations, NutriBuddy improves clinical efficiency, significantly decreasing the burden on healthcare professionals and patients.
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Aris Mukherjee
Aris Mukherjee
RTDT Laboratories AGRTDT enables the next generation of intelligent & autonomous wind turbine design, control, operation & maintenance. With our novel hardware/software solution, they are able to unlock unique insights into structural and aerodynamic properties of wind turbines, which they leverage to significantly increase their reliability, availability & profitability.
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Rey Fernando Verboonen
Rey Fernando Verboonen
CurioInvestCurioInvest assists firms and central banks create markets and liquidity for their assets. With a reach of million users across our infrastructure. Join our $100M liquidity line collaboration with leading crypto institutions and tap into a $1.2B+ asset pipeline. Rey Fernando Verboonen is a seasoned technology executive and entrepreneur and CEO and Co-Founder of CurioInvest.
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Mark Zahran
Mark Zahran
YASAIYASAI specializes in Vertical Farming, which is based on a circular economy. They build vertical farms and grow local, fresh products with zero pesticides all year round. Mark is a food tech serial entrepreneur driven to create more resilient and circular food systems for the health of people and the planet. He is also the CEO and Co-Founder of YASAI.
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Miguel Solsona
Miguel Solsona
BCellOneBCellOne is transforming the future of cell and gene therapy with its innovative low-voltage electroporation technology powered by microfluidics and nanotechnology. This cutting-edge approach ensures safer, more efficient delivery of genetic material with minimal cellular damage, addressing the limitations of traditional viral vector and standard electroporation methods. By offering a cost-effective, scalable solution for advanced therapies like CAR-T and gene editing, BCellOne empowers biotech companies and research institutions to accelerate therapeutic development while improving patient outcomes in precision medicine.
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Federico Martinelli-Orlando
Federico Martinelli-Orlando
TALPA-InspectionTALPA-Inspection delivers innovative solutions for corrosion inspection of reinforced concrete structures. With our advanced technologies, they simplify and enable the integration of robotic systems for more efficient inspections. Coupled with TALPAAnalytics, our machine learning-based data analysis platform, they provide faster, cost-effective assessments that enhance infrastructure safety and reduce the need for large-scale repairs, offering both financial and environmental benefits.
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Adam Korczak
Adam Korczak
Treeless PackTreeless Pack is on a mission to end plastic pollution by enabling the transition to bio-based, fossil-free material production using organically grown bacterial nanocellulose – free from toxic PFAS chemicals. By leveraging automated technology, organic waste and microorganisms. It reduces costs and environmental impact, avoiding traditional, emission-heavy methods of nanocellulose production. Their vision is to revolutionize the materials industry by providing scalable, eco-friendly nanocellulose for innovative applications, drastically reducing the world’s reliance on plastics and synthetic resins.
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Arka Banerjee
Arka Banerjee
80SBio GmbHA Swiss startup revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics with its innovative, field-deployable Point-of-Care (PoC) testing systems for rapid, reliable detection of infectious diseases and precancerous conditions, transforming medical interventions in low-resource settings. Arka is currently leading the business development and customer discovery aspect of the startup as the CEO.
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Gianpaolo Rando
Gianpaolo Rando
Swiss DeCodeFounded in 2016 with the vision to build trust along the food supply chain, SwissDeCode specializes in rapid food testing and certification, supporting companies in their authenticity and traceability efforts by identifying undeclared and undesired ingredients, viruses, and contaminants. Gianpaolo is the Co-Founder and CEO of Swiss DeCode and joins the AIT 10th Edition after winning the jury award at the nexBio Amazônia 2024 program.