Deep techs and Brazil’s development

Research at universities shows that cutting-edge science, a sound legal framework, and strong institutional support can turn new knowledge into economic and social impact

André Galembeck

Abstract illustration in pastel and deep blue tones features a classical building, a set of scales, and a lamp at the center, symbolizing universities, the legal system, and innovation. On the right, upward graphs, dollar signs, and human figures point to the economic and social impact of scientific research driving development

At the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), where I am a full professor in the Department of Fundamental Chemistry, our research group has developed formulations to treat tooth decay without drills, anesthesia, or pain.

This is a minimally invasive approach based on chemical principles that halt the progression of the lesion without the need for traditional mechanical procedures.

We have already used it to treat more than 3,000 children, who respond well to the treatment and are happy not to have to face the drill. Appointments are shorter and, just as importantly, less stressful for parents.

It is also encouraging to know that, at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), a research group coordinated by researchers Wagner Fávaro and Nelson Durán has developed a technology for the treatment of bladder cancer that shows promising clinical results in terms of efficacy and safety.

This is the first immunotherapy developed in Brazil for the treatment of cancer. It has been tested at the Municipal Hospital of Paulínia (São Paulo) and has already saved many lives.

These are just two examples of how Brazilian science can improve quality of life for our population.

However, for these technologies to reach the broader public, we face the challenge of entrepreneurship, since turning science into business is not simple. It took me some time to realize that, in the vast majority of cases, this is actually the scientist’s responsibility.

Since getting involved in business, I have been studying entrepreneurship to put the knowledge generated by scientific research into practice.

We have developed a ready-made solution to a common problem: toothache. Our method allows dentists to provide atraumatic—that is, painless—treatment. Patients respond well, and appointments are quicker and more efficient.

Regulation and induction

The challenges of turning science into technology are many, but Brazil now has a solid legal framework to promote innovation that includes laws, public policies, and funding mechanisms.

Law No. 13.243/2016 simplified regulations to promote research, development, and innovation (RD&I). By regulating the Legal Framework for Science, Technology, and Innovation, it consolidated a government policy aimed at fostering innovation, which began with the creation of the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT).

A scientific article published ten years ago may be considered outdated, but a law enacted a decade ago may still be new if we consider its potential for real-world impact once fully implemented.

In recent years, development agencies have begun to act as drivers of innovation.

They have supported the maintenance and expansion of university core facilities—shared high-cost equipment and research laboratories—while also providing funding to help companies scale, supporting the creation and growth of start-ups, and setting up investment funds, among other initiatives.

Brazil currently has nearly a thousand deep techs—companies that develop disruptive innovations based on scientific and engineering advances to solve complex problems through advanced technology.

Supported by patents, most deep tech companies develop solutions to global challenges with significant transformative potential.

At the same time, they operate in a highly competitive environment shaped by companies and research centers from around the world.

Fortunately, it is possible to create institutional arrangements and strategic alliances—such as partnerships among universities, companies, and research centers—that accelerate the development and deployment of these technologies.

Worktable scattered with sketches, charts, and notes as team members discuss and point to documents. The scene conveys collaboration, strategic planning, and project development — Startup acceleration programs are essential for those seeking to turn advanced scientific knowledge into commercially viable solutions | Image: Juno Jo / Unsplash

Long-term support

A university spin-off—that is, a startup created from academic research—can license the patent that gave rise to the business for commercial use.

In addition, these companies may be granted access to research infrastructure and university laboratories, expanding their capacity for development.

Our company AG3, for example, participates in an acceleration program run by the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), which allows us to conduct experiments using the light beams of the Sirius particle accelerator, one of the most advanced synchrotron light sources in the world.

Acceleration programs are essential for those seeking to turn advanced scientific knowledge into commercially viable solutions.

I decided to become an entrepreneur when I realized that, despite the national media attention our work received, no proposals emerged to implement the technology in Brazil. Meanwhile, we were approached by foreign companies interested in developing the technology.

We are creating the Health Technology Innovation Hub (PITS), coordinated by UNICAMP and working in partnership with the municipalities of Paulínia and Pedreira (São Paulo) and Itajá (Rio Grande do Norte), as well as companies and civil society, to streamline the path through which scientific research reaches the public via Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).

Initiatives like this reflect the current state of science in Brazil. More and more researchers are taking on the challenge of contributing to the country’s development through cutting-edge science—conceived, planned, and executed as sustainable business ventures guided by a long-term vision.

Turning science into real-world solutions requires more than important discoveries. It requires sustained support, innovation-friendly environments, and policies that encourage universities to put their research into practice.

There are more than 500 million children worldwide with untreated tooth decay—and with the right support, we have developed a solution to this global challenge in northeastern Brazil. The next step is to ensure the continued support needed to move this knowledge beyond the laboratory and into society.

André Galembeck is a chemist and full professor in the Department of Fundamental Chemistry at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). He has coauthored more than 100 papers published in international journals and holds 12 patents filed with Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). His research in materials chemistry focuses on nanostructures, polymers, and hybrid materials for applications in healthcare and electrochemical devices. He is a partner at AG3 Desenvolvimento Industrial, a deep tech specializing in dental products, and at Galembetech Consultores & Tecnologia, which manufactures of nanographite-based coatings.

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