Startups approved through the Public Notice for Innovation develop products to collaborate with socioeconomic and environmental reparation
Three startups selected through the Public Notice for Industrial Innovation are developing pioneering technologies for contribution to the monitoring and reparation of the damage in the territories affected by the dam collapse. The projects were selected according to some technical criteria, such as the feasibility of the company and the applicability in the reparation processes.
Each of the companies has a different and innovative idea. Skyvideo is developing a drone capable of accessing remote areas for the collection and analysis of water. The company is performing tests to measure distances and weight to check the range and capacity of the equipment. In the future, they will be able to collect samples and analyze physical and chemical parameters of the water quality, and transmit them remotely.
Drones are being tested to carry probes designed to analyze water in rivers and oceans. The equipment is able to remain in the air for more than one hour, and the probe can analyze up to 13 parameters. | Photo: Released
“This technology will make it possible to measure the progress made by Renova’s programs, contributing to more agile and precise decision-making and the diffusion of cutting-edge innovation. Moreover, it can be replicated in other situations,” says Fabio Tauk, CEO of the startup.
Whereas LiaMarinha, from Mariana (MG), is developing a biotechnological solution for the treatment and recovery of waters and effluents. Based on nature’s own mechanisms, the startup is investing in the creation of Natural Treatment Stations (ETNs), which are phytoremediative floating islands and filtering barriers, capable of cleaning areas contaminated by organic compounds. The technique is simple, quick and inexpensive – adapting well to its environment.
ETNs function as natural roots, filtering and “breaking down” organic matter, absorbing metals and reducing water turbidity. The islands can work independently and be used for various purposes, such as ecological restoration, landscape improvement, aquaculture, treatment of lagoons and preventive measures.
“After the laboratory tests, we will apply the island in a pilot stretch in the Gualaxo do Norte River, in Mariana (MG), one of the areas most impacted by the dam collapse. Depending on the results, the technology will be ready for reproduction in other areas, from the source of the Doce River to its mouth,” says the CEO of the company, William Pessoa.
Finally, the company Já Entendi (Got it) presented a project for professional training in business strategy for the affected communities. Our proposal is to offer agile, innovative and low-cost training for organized work groups formed by women from affected communities. “We will develop videos and e-books with financial education guidelines, sales practices, creative packaging, recipes and tips for small entrepreneurs,” said Gladys Mariotto, CEO of the company.
The Public Notice for Innovation was an initiative of the Renova Foundation in partnership with the Brazilian Support Service for Micro and Small Businesses (Sebrae) and the National Service of Industrial Education (Senai). In total, 76 projects were received by startups, micro and small companies from all over Brazil. The evaluation of the proposals included interviews with representatives and was conducted by Senai.
“Innovation is one of the keywords of the reparation process. The connection between entrepreneurship, technology and sustainability is essential in a scenario that constantly demands the generation and application of new knowledge and techniques”, emphasizes Paulo Rocha, leader of the Economy and Innovation front of the Renova Foundation. In all, R$ 950,000 will be allocated to the three selected companies.
To develop the projects, companies will have the Sesi/Senai System at their disposal. “This call has a very important role because of the action it represents: connecting and sharing for transformation. Altogether, in search of solutions that promote a positive impact on the environment and especially on the people of the region,” says Juliana Gavini, Head of Innovation and Technology at Senai in Espirito Santo.
In addition, the startups will receive consulting services to help them introduce the new product to the market. “We want micro and small businesses with a sustainable technological foundation to create products that help us with this reparation commitment, but also generate innovation and knowledge for the market, bringing them new business opportunities,” emphasizes Rocha.