The PROINNOVA Program of the National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) held the first edition of the Technological Innovation Fair “Paraguay Innova”. The event was a space where entrepreneurs could share the main achievements and results of their initiatives that received support from the program. The activity took place at the CONACYT facilities.
During the event, D. Sc. Benjamin Barán, President Minister of CONACYT highlighted the great boost that the PROINNOVA Program has given in the innovative ecosystem of Paraguay. “Today we will see the fruits of years of effort from both PROINNOVA and the innovators, seeing this number of projects fills us with pride, and with the support of the IDB we will continue to promote innovation, the generation of knowledge and I invite you to take the time to know each project present in the space,” said the Minister.
Mrs. Edna Armendáriz, Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) explained that Latin countries still present many challenges in investments in science, technology and innovation, so in this context the IDB has been supporting the country for almost 10 years with financing to strengthen competitiveness in various areas. “From now on, the challenge will be to guarantee the continuity of the effort to promote sustainable development in Paraguay. We hope to continue working together so that science, technology and innovation continue to improve lives in Paraguay,” highlighted Armendáriz.
On the other hand, Mrs. Blanca Torrico, Specialist in science, technology and innovation of the IDB, spoke about the importance of innovation as a source of growth for a country and how the CTI enhance opportunities and development in the region. “I would like to emphasize the importance of investment in science, technology and innovation. Also, I am pleasantly surprised by the presence of female leaders in the innovative ecosystem of Paraguay, I also appreciate the vision that CONACYT has with the promotion of innovation,” commented Torrico.
Dr. Luis Dávalos, Advisor to CONACYT by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises emphasized that innovation has evolved exponentially in the last two decades. “Innovation is present in all areas of life, and has a common denominator which is to improve the quality of life of people, it has no other. Practically all progress is centered on science and innovation. Without innovation there is no growth, and without that our country does not progress. I congratulate all those who made PROINNOVA possible, I hope we can promote another even more successful one. Remember that to innovate is to answer the question why not?” concluded Dr. Dávalos.
Projects presented:
Dr. María Lucila Donna and Econ. Leandro Alem from the company Sitio Biomedical Solutions presented the main advances of their venture with which they managed to be the first innovative company of services for clinical research with regulated products, devices, drugs and techniques for human use in Paraguay.
Lic. Lilian Velázquez from AQUA FREE S.R.L. explained that they are responsible for offering biological products for agriculture, they currently have 18 products registered in the National Service of Quality and Plant Health and Seeds (SENAVE), 8 fertilizers and 10 phytosanitary products. Arq. Luís Rodríguez from the Optimus Company explained that his initiative consists of a prototype of a Mobile Water Purification Plant that uses disc filtration technology to guarantee the quality of the water and that it can reach the entire population of Paraguay.
For his part, Sebastián Ortiz, from Siembra Inteligente, commented that the idea consists of a learning analytics platform that manages to provide a better experience in the teaching-learning process, that is, it is an educational and interactive platform that provides content for basic school education. Likewise, Aya Nishi from Biosyntech S.A., explained that her venture consists of the creation of a recombinant vaccine against the Pasteurellaceae family for intradermal application in pigs.
Dr. Silvia Caballero from the Faculty of Chemical Sciences - FCQ – UNA spoke about her initiative with which they managed to strengthen the analysis services for food nutritional labeling. Also, Tatiana López, from Cuenta Simple of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) which is an initiative in the area of public innovation explained that this seeks to facilitate timely access to financial services to foreign and national investors which will improve the business climate at the country level.
Finally, Dr. Gladys Estigarribia from Les Science Lab, spoke about the clinical and bacteriological analysis laboratory, which was the first in the interior of the country in the fight during the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving timely diagnosis of people. Currently, they offer technological services, in the area of health, molecular biology and food technology.
Stands of innovative projects:
• Alemán Paraguayo Canadiense-ALPACASA: introduces CHIAME, a new food product based on seeds with high nutritional value.
• Bogarin and Malvetti Trading SA: proposes the production of organic fertilizers for intensive agricultural systems using humic acid and worm fulvic acid.
• Lansing S.A.: introduces an educational system of automation with robots (SEAR), an innovative educational platform of automation with robots.
• Ganadera Alborada S.A.: proposes the use of artificial intelligence in precision livestock for the prediction of carrying capacity and forage biomass.
• Wembé: focuses on the manufacture of soaps, detergents and toiletries for export and local sale.
• KORAPYTECH: improves agro-livestock production through the development and application of low-cost technologies.
• Guaranito E.A.S.: Design, development and implementation of a digital inspection platform in agriculture.
• BIOMAS MIX: develops biological and nutritional solutions for the yerba mate sector that replace the use of agrochemicals and are respectful of the environment.
• FLUOTEC TRAZADOR QUIMIOLUMINISCENTES: Offers an innovative technology for efficient control in the application of agricultural defenses.
• LA CASOLANA: producer of gluten-free foods, which stands out for its quality and nutritional value.
• ViLAB: Provides an innovative solution to digitize biological samples through conventional microscopes, turning mobile phones into scanning and analysis devices.
• Chipa Tía: creation of new product lines considering the care of the environment, they are oriented to zero waste based on the circular economy oriented to minimize environmental impact, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the country.
• Flor Dorada: innovation system for the Apiculture company.
• Nutri Frut: promote health, offering the consumer healthy and high-quality foods prepared with professional endorsement.
• Kiagus: first Micro-brewery of Encarnación that is dedicated to creating beers with 100% handmade, natural and preservative-free products.
The Innovation Program in Paraguayan Companies (PROINNOVA), is an initiative led by CONACYT with financial support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).