Launch of mentoring programme Brazil during Inova Amazônia Bioeconomy Summit

On 9 and 10 May, the Inova Amazônia Summit for SMEs and start-ups operating in the Amazonian bioeconomy sector will take place in Manaus, Brazil.

The third component of the IPR programme, AL-INVEST Verde IPRs, co-sponsors Inova Amazônia organised by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE).

The meeting represents a significant milestone, as it brings together innovative companies from the Amazon region dedicated to the bioeconomy. It constitutes a crucial platform not only to showcase the region's potential, but also to reinforce the identity of the Amazon biome through the creation of high-value products and services, thus fostering territorial development through entrepreneurial initiatives.

Throughout the two-day Summit, AL-INVEST Verde DPI will facilitate the participation of 21 representatives of geographical indications (GIs) from the Amazonian area. In addition, the expertise of intellectual property (IP) specialists will be showcased, with presentations focusing on harnessing GIs in business strategies for international expansion and enhancing the value of biodiversity-based businesses.

A highlight of the event will be the official launch of the mentoring series in Brazilunder the umbrella of the innovative ALINVmentor mentoring programme. This pioneering programme, integrated within the framework of geographical indications, will start with six mentorships in the MERCOSUR countries. Its objectives are multiple: to boost local development, stimulate national production, promote added value and sustainable supply chains, all while safeguarding cultural heritage.

In essence, the Inova Amazônia Summit not only celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in the Amazon, but also signifies a strategic step to promote economic growth, sustainability and cultural preservation in the region.

Please see below for the part of the programme that is streamed live and can be followed online by registering via the link below:

08:45 GMT-4 Opening and Welcome 09:45h GMT-3 

• Hulda Oliveira Giesbrecht, Technology Based Business Coordinator, SEBRAE Nacional
• Mariano Riccheri Ponferrada, Project Leader, AL- INVEST Green DPI
• Júlio César C. B. Reis Moreira, President, INPI Brazil

09:00 Gastronomy and tourism as drivers of forestry development

• Gabriela Gouveia, President IG Queijo de Marajó
• Natasha Penna, Turismologist, IG Farinha de Bragança
• Elisângela e Mario Valle, Chef and entrepreneur, Tambaqui de Banda
• Moderator: Maíra Fontenele Santana, Project Analyst, Territorial Innocation Nucleus, SEBRAE Nacional

10:00 GIs as a business strategy in the market environment

• Luis Samper, International GI and Sustainability Consultant, AL- INVEST Verde DPI
• Luca D ́Ambros, Vice President, GI Guaraná de Maués
• Deigson Mendes Bento, Producer, GI Café Matas de Rondônia
• Moderator: Vinícius Lopes, General Coordinator, Amazonas GI and Collective Marks Forum

11:00 Launch of AL-INVmentor

• Hulda Oliveira Giesbrecht, Technology Based Business Coordinator, SEBRAE Nacional
• Mariano Riccheri Ponferrada, Project Leader, AL- INVEST Green DPI
• Luis Samper, International GI and Sustainability Consultant, AL- INVEST Verde DPI