Sustainable transformation: The role of INYAGA/UFRJ in the Brazil-EU connection

Abstract

In 2025 Brazil will host the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30). The transition to more efficient economic models that take into account health, social justice, and environmental responsibility has become a global priority, both in Brazil and Mercosur, as in the European Union. Entrepreneurial initiatives are being articulated to promote new technologies and sustainable solutions with social impact. In this context, the Social and Environmental Impact Business Incubator (Inyaga) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) has emerged as an integrative platform for technological and sustainable innovation to support startups and entrepreneurs. It promotes businesses with a social and environmental impact to solve complex local problems, such as inequality in access to resources, climate change, pollution, soil improvement, environmental monitoring, and social inclusion. With a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, Inyaga connects academics, managers, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs to opportunities that promote innovation. It has also created links with international partners like the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE) to foster scientific and technological cooperation between the UFRJ and ISCTE. As such, the organ reflects a willingness to build ties that strengthen innovation, sustainability and an exchange of experiences and good practices between Brazil and Portugal, representing a bridge for international academic and scientific exchange. This encourages the creation of innovative solutions that can be replicated in different contexts, integrating local Brazilian knowledge with international technological and methodological developments. Inyaga values diversity in the inclusive and holistic way required to face global challenges. As such, its collaboration with ISCTE is an example of a partnership that strengthens public policies and creates sustainable solutions for the global challenges of the 21st century through international cooperation.