Agro innovation hub establishes partnerships with the government of Goiás and UFG

The first innovation hub focused on agribusiness in the Midwest was opened on the 18th and already has important partnerships. During the Conexa launch ceremony, protocols of intentions were signed with the Government of Goiás, through the State Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Seapa) and with UFG (Federal University of Goiás).

The objective of the partnerships is to promote the development and promotion of startups and technological initiatives aimed at the development of agribusiness, covering the operational, production, commercialization, logistics, management, teaching, research and extension areas. 

According to Conexa's CEO, Eduardo Bitu, it is a source of satisfaction to realize that the purpose of connecting the transformation of the field is also shared by such relevant institutions. “This convergence of understanding about the challenges of agribusiness and how we can join forces with the same purpose was fundamental for the formalization of protocols of intention.”

In relation to UFG, Bitu highlighted that the knowledge generated in academia and a facilitated agenda to build solutions collaboratively represents maximizing the possibilities of overcoming challenges in the innovation journey. “In addition, it brings the possibility of providing greater entrepreneurship opportunities for young people who wish to undertake business with us, forming an ideal collaborative ecosystem.”

For the rector of the Federal University of Goiás, Edward Madureira Brasil, the hub will have a relevant impact on the technological and socioeconomic development of the State of Goiás, by creating an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship to boost agribusiness startups. “UFG’s partnership with Conexa is part of actions aimed at intensifying the institution’s interaction with companies, to put the knowledge and scientific and technological research produced at the University at the service of society.”

According to the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Antônio Carlos de Souza Lima Neto, today it is no longer possible to talk about agribusiness without mentioning innovation, technology and knowledge. “Any way of stimulating innovations in the field is valid and it is necessary to encourage projects that can contribute to the development of the sector. Conexa is a win for Goiás, expanding digital transformation in the countryside, and the Department of Agriculture will work in partnership to strengthen the agtech environment in the State”, he highlights. 

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Considered a startup factory, Conexa, with 600 m², has capacity for 100 people and already has four agtechs incubated. It also has a mezzanine with leisure space and meeting and pitch rooms, as well as an auditorium for 50 people. “We will identify innovative agents and competitive business models that meet the challenges of agribusiness and offer a journey led by our mentors and professionals”, explains Bitu.

The hub is an initiative by Siagri, a company specialized in developing solutions for agribusiness management, with 20 years of experience. Currently, 850 agricultural groups manage their operations with Siagri software solutions, totaling 40 thousand users across the country.