Partnerships strengthen ties between academia, the private sector, and society, with a focus on applied research, training, artificial intelligence, and solutions to real-world challenges in the region
Santo André, June 3, 2026 – The Santo André Technology Park is moving forward with its agenda to foster closer ties between universities, businesses, and society by formalizing technology extension partnerships with the Santo André Foundation (FSA) and the Federal University of ABC (UFABC). These initiatives, signed individually with each institution, aim to expand the transfer of knowledge, research, and innovation to the business sector and the community, thereby strengthening the region’s ecosystem of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Technology extension involves the practical application of knowledge generated at universities and science and technology institutions, linking research, the market, and socioeconomic development. At the Technology Park, these activities may take the form of programs, service provision, applied research projects, and training courses, in accordance with the plans developed with each partner institution.
For the Santo André Secretariat of Economic Development and Job Creation, these partnerships reinforce the Park’s strategic role as a hub for coordination among different stakeholders in the ecosystem.
“More than just meeting a legal requirement for courses and extension programs, the Federal University of ABC and the Santo André Foundation’s participation in the Technology Park—to take full advantage of our entire ecosystem—demonstrates the enormous potential of this fantastic space for connecting all stakeholders in society. The universities are now actively integrating into this strategic environment of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, strengthening the institutional presence of both and expanding our ability to connect with high-value opportunities for society,” notes Evandro Banzato, Secretary of Economic Development and Job Creation.
In partnership with the Santo André Foundation, the initiative aims to connect faculty and students with the real-world needs of companies in the region, particularly in projects related to digital transformation, innovation, and the strategic use of new technologies.
For Rodrigo Curi, vice president of Fundação Santo André, the agreement represents an opportunity to expand the institution’s reach beyond the academic environment. “The agreement we’ve signed is an opportunity to take FSA beyond its campus and provide local companies with access to faculty and students on innovative projects that will help expand and strengthen the digital transformation of these companies, further preparing them to use artificial intelligence in their production and management processes,” he says.
The partnership with UFABC, meanwhile, strengthens efforts in the field of artificial intelligence and fosters closer ties between academia, industry, and society. The proposal involves using the Technology Park’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory as a venue for courses, lectures, training sessions, and the development of applied projects.
According to professor and engineer Patrícia Leite of UFABC, the lab was created with the mission of bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world challenges. “The goal of the Artificial Intelligence Lab here at the Technology Park is to further strengthen the partnership between academia and industry. It’s a meeting place where we can offer courses, lectures, and training, especially for those facing complex problems who don’t yet know which solution to apply. Artificial intelligence fits very well into this context,” she explains.
Patrícia also points out that the initiative could broaden the public’s access to knowledge about artificial intelligence. “Today, artificial intelligence is increasingly present in people’s lives. Even though it’s in the news all the time, it can still seem distant or difficult to understand. That’s why we can also consider offering courses aimed at the general public—including audiences such as senior citizens—to help demystify the topic,” she adds.
For Fábio Danilo Ferreira, director of the UFABC Innovation Agency, the partnership with the Technology Park helps transform scientific knowledge into practical solutions. “The Technology Park is a partner that helps catalyze the university’s scientific potential to reach different audiences. “The lab can serve as a breeding ground for many technological solutions, new companies, and new connections, building on the infrastructure and scientific capacity we have in the region,” he says.
He also highlights the importance of the Technology Park taking an active role in the debate on artificial intelligence. “A Technology Park couldn’t be without a hub for artificial intelligence. Today, it’s all over the media for everyone to see, but it also needs to be demystified for the industry. Is it a good fit? When should it be used? When shouldn’t it be used? It isn’t the solution to every problem, but it can be a solution to some very complex problems,” he concludes.
With these new partnerships, the Santo André Technology Park is expanding its role as a platform that connects knowledge, the market, and regional development, thereby strengthening its mission to promote applied solutions, professional training, open innovation, and new opportunities for businesses, institutions, and society.
-| Text: Thiffani Valeriano