Suellen Padilha*
With the goal of bringing together different stakeholders to promote solutions, partnerships, and investments capable of boosting the socio-bioeconomy in Pará, SEMAS-PA (State Secretariat for the Environment, Climate, and Sustainability), in partnership with IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute) and Sebrae, held the 4th edition of BioBusiness. Under the theme “Connections Across the Amazon,” the event took place on August 18 in the state capital.
The event is seen as a platform for opportunities in the bioeconomy. “Since 2021, we have been monitoring the development of Pará’s Bioeconomy Strategy and Plan. Now, at the Bioeconomy Park, we see this journey taking shape in a structure capable of fostering dialogue, connecting different stakeholders, and building solutions to strengthen biobusinesses and advance an economic transition based on the valorization of the Amazon’s natural resources and products, for Brazil and the world,” said Gabriela Savian, director of Public Policy at IPAM.
Throughout the day, participants attended panel discussions on strategic topics, such as “Emerging Themes to Unlock Biobusinesses” and “Roadmap for Impact Investing.” In addition to the panels, business matchmaking sessions were held, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish connections with buyers, investors, and business partners.
“Transforming the potential of the bioeconomy into concrete opportunities also requires building pathways for investment to reach businesses and local communities. The event demonstrated that there are various solutions—ranging from community microcredit to international cooperation and private capital—and that the challenge now is to align these tools with the diverse needs and stages of Amazonian biobusinesses,” noted Rafaela Reis, IPAM’s Bioeconomy Coordinator.
The program also included an immersion at the Amazon Bioeconomy and Innovation Park, with a guided tour of the pilot plant. Participants learned about the facility’s structure and the possibilities for developing products and solutions based on Amazonian biodiversity.
For Mariana Oliveira, Director of Bioeconomy at Semas, the current moment marks a new phase for the bioeconomy. “We need to view this new phase of the bioeconomy—in which we also have a national plan—as a challenge involving trajectory and economic transition. The bioeconomy implements new processes in production, consumption, and behavior. Today’s goal is to foster connections, knowledge, and the convergence of interests so that this can thrive in innovation, products, and regional development.”
Another highlight was the space dedicated to pitches, allowing entrepreneurs to present their businesses on the main stage to investors, experts, and representatives from partner institutions.
“Sebrae/PA believes that the bioeconomy is strengthened when entrepreneurs have access to knowledge, markets, investments, and strategic connections. The event creates this environment, bringing entrepreneurs closer to those who can drive new businesses and contribute to the sustainable development of the Amazon,” emphasizes Lorenzo Mangabeira of Sebrae.
The program also featured the “Business Fair,” which brought together entrepreneurs who showcased products, services, and solutions developed in the Amazon, boosting the visibility of small businesses and expanding marketing opportunities.
IPAM* Communications Analyst
suellen.nunes@ipam.org.br
