PROGRAMAS DE ACELERAÇÃO DE TECNOLOGIAS QUÍMICAS EM UNIVERSIDADES: IMPORTÂNCIA PARA A FORMAÇÃO DE QUÍMICOS EMPREENDEDORES, LICENCIAMENTO DE TECNOLOGIAS E CRIAÇÃO DE STARTUPS

Abstract

This paper presents the stages of an acceleration program focused on chemical technologies. We demonstrate how this initiative contributes to the creation of new businesses, startups, and technology licensing from research developed at Brazilian universities. The case of the program Escale-se is discussed. There were 66 technologies submitted, and 14 were selected for the pre-acceleration phase. In this phase, various contents were worked on, such as creating a business model and aspects of scaling hard-science technologies. Teams were evaluated by panels with market specialists, and 6 were selected for the second phase: pre-scaling/proof of concept. Here, proponents were encouraged to validate the business model by connecting with potential clients and partners, as well as planning the development and testing of the product in a relevant environment. Finally, one team was classified for the last stage: scaling/go-to-market - where they received R$ 100,000.00 to scale up their technology and create strategies for raising investments. Four of the fourteen technologies selected for the program opened National Register of Legal Entities (CNPJ) and raised approximately R$ 4.5 M in investments from different sources. These results demonstrate that the methodology contributed to the entrepreneurial development of participating researchers and the raising of funds for the businesses created.

Keywords

• acceleration programs
• startup
• innovation
• entrepreneurship