The University of Passo Fundo (UPF) and Passo Fundo City Hall took a big step towards the future with the launch of the Passo Fundo Valley innovation district. This innovative project, the first of its kind in Rio Grande do Sul, aims to unite the fields of research and innovation, with an emphasis on attracting companies from different sectors such as agribusiness, agroenergy, services, health and more.
With an initial investment of more than R$13 million, coming from Finep and with the contribution of UPF and Passo Fundo City Hall, the Valley will extend over more than 10 hectares, divided into 17 lots. These lots can accommodate a single business or a group of businesses, depending on the proposed projects.
During the launch event, which was attended by the academic community, regional leaders and the productive sector, the rector of the University, Bernadete Maria Dalmolin, highlighted that the Valley is based on education, business and research. The objective is to assist in the creation and development of solutions that meet the real needs of society.
The mayor of Passo Fundo, Pedro Almeida, sees the launch of Valley as a milestone that consolidates the city as a center of innovation. He believes that the project, which is the result of more than 15 years of innovation by UPF, has the potential to attract major players to a condominium in a prime area for project development.
The new innovation district aims to expand the reach of the only Scientific and Technological Park in the North of Rio Grande do Sul, UPF Parque, which in 2023 turns 10 years old. To become part of Passo Fundo Valley, interested parties must participate in a notice, which is scheduled to be launched in March 2024. Proposals will be evaluated by the Park’s technical council.
