Delegation from the State University of Ceará visits Avepark and the 3B’s Research Group to strengthen cooperation in innovation and science

Avepark – the Science and Technology Park of Guimarães – welcomed on 13 November a delegation from the State University of Ceará (UECE), composed of the Rector, Professor Hidelbrando dos Santos Soares, and the Coordinator of the Office for International Cooperation, Professor Francisco Edmar Pereira Neto.

The visit was part of the international exchange and collaboration initiatives that the Municipality of Guimarães, through Avepark, has been promoting with the aim of sharing experiences and best practices in innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer. These are, as highlighted by Tiago Laranjeiro, Advisor to the Presidency for economic affairs, “important visits to build bridges that can evolve into cooperation at various levels, capable of enabling joint projects that attract investment and innovation to Guimarães.” He accompanied the delegation together with Ricardo Machado, from the Municipal Directorate of Shared Services, and Marta Mota Prego and Rui Pinheiro, from the Economic Development Division.

The representatives of the Brazilian university had the opportunity to learn about Avepark’s operating model and its main projects and resident companies, exploring potential areas of cooperation that could contribute to the joint development of research, innovation and technology-transfer initiatives.

The delegation also visited I3Bs – the Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, an internationally recognised research unit based at Avepark. Originating from the 3B’s research group, founded in 1999, the institute is today a global reference in biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and the valorisation of natural resources. With state-of-the-art facilities and more than 3,600 m² of specialised laboratories, I3Bs also hosts the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, UECE is a leading higher education institution in Northeast Brazil, recognised for its academic and scientific excellence. In recent years, it has strengthened its role within the innovation and technology ecosystem through the creation of structures such as the Technology Park, the Business Incubator and the Innovation Agency, all aimed at bringing the university closer to industry and society.

This visit further reinforces Avepark’s position as a hub where science, technology and international cooperation converge, consolidating Guimarães’ role as a centre of knowledge and innovation on a global scale.