Startups, micro and small technology-based companies interested in solving challenges proposed by major industries can count on three calls from the Call for Innovation for Industry category C. The total amount of support is R $ 13 million for the development of projects in areas such as sustainability, social welfare, operational intelligence and efficiency. The first launch of the calls was this Monday (21/01) at Firjan.

"The launch at Firjan is a unique opportunity for startups to get to know companies, raise doubts and develop incredible projects to transform our industry," said Tami Vivas, business development coordinator for the federation.

On 23 and 25/01, calls will also be launched at the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp) and at the Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (Fiep). The Call for Innovation for Industry category C is a partnership of large companies with the National Service of Industrial Learning (SENAI) and the Brazilian Service of Support to Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae). To participate in the next calls, register online.

In the analysis of Marcelo Prim, executive manager of Innovation and Technology of SENAI, the new calls stand out for the greater financial contribution that companies are putting in the projects. "The increase in the amount invested by the companies shows that they are seeing greater added value in the innovation announcements," he says. "The announcement not only connects the demand of large companies with startups, it is an opportunity to share technological and business risks and to have access to the cadre of researchers that SENAI makes available," he adds.

Specialist Sebrae innovation, Agnaldo Dantas, believes that the Innovation Notice for Industry is an excellent opportunity to promote a closer relationship between small businesses and medium and large companies. For him, with the partnership, large companies gain agility by aggregating small companies capable of developing solutions to their problems. The small ones earn as much in the financial aspect, as by the fact that they have the support of big industries. "It's what we call a win-win game between companies. The more the country wins, the more innovative and more competitive companies will be. "

Partner companies 

One of the calls is from Enel Green Power, one of the main energy players in the country. Registration opens on 01/23 and ends on 03/29. The company proposes three challenges. One of them asks for solutions to bring potable water to populations without access to treated water and sewage services. The other concerns the reduction of dust in homes near buildings of photovoltaic and wind farms. The third aims to solve the solid waste management and promote the best use of waste in the Brazilian Northeast. "We are looking for innovative and sustainable ideas to solve challenges encountered in the development of our business, always attentive to the needs of local communities," says Débora Pinho, Enel's Responsible for Sustainability Projects in Generation and Transmission in Brazil.

The other call is from Engie Energy. In this case, the inscriptions begin on 01/21 and continue until 03/31. Up to six startups will be selected to present applicable and functional solutions. Of the three proposed challenges, two are focused on the development of digital platforms (such as cloud format and big data) to optimize energy consumption through analysis of consumption profile, operational intelligence and waste reduction. The third calls for a system for managing health and safety at work to reduce the incidence of accidents. "We want to promote harmonious progress and we have in innovation and partnerships with startups fundamental pillars to transform the relationship of people with energy, to a sustainable world," says Maurício Bähr, CEO of ENGIE Brazil.

The third call is from Ternium, a company specializing in the production and processing of steel products. In this case, the registrations begin on 01/21 and continue until 03/15. Up to 10 startups will be selected to present solutions for three themes. The first one proposes that the startup develop online monitoring for chemical physical guarantees of the raw materials and automated solution for determination of weight of materials based on volume versus density.

The other one concerns mobility with safety and asks the startup to create technology for autonomous industrial cars to transport liquid metal in the steelmaking processes. And, finally, a solution for online tracking and monitoring of waste and co-products generated in the steelmaking process. "We are always looking for new technologies that improve operational safety, improve the quality of our employees' work and promote innovation. We are excited about the new ideas and solutions that can arise from this project, "concludes Marcelo Chara, CEO of Ternium.

How it works 

The Notice of Innovation for Industry is an initiative of SENAI, the Brazilian Service of Support to Micro and Small Companies (Sebrae) and the Social Service of Industry (SESI). Since it was created in 2004, it has helped more than 800 companies to be competitive through new products and innovative processes.

The calls work as follows: large companies partner with SENAI, Sebrae and SESI to open the call and attract startups interested in solving proposed challenges. Large companies finance part of the projects, the other part is financed by SENAI, SESI and Sebrae. SENAI also provides laboratories and innovation centers for the execution of the projects.