FGV Researchers Gather to Discuss How to Generate Innovation from Scientific Research
Researchers from various study centers at Fundação Getulio Vargas gathered on October 16 at the Main Hall of the São Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP) for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop for Social Sciences and Humanities.
Guided by the question, “How can we generate innovative products and services for society from scientific research?”, the researchers met to discuss strategies for enabling innovation based on research conducted at FGV. The discussion will also serve as a foundation for developing an Innovation Policy for the institution.
During the workshop’s opening, Goret Paulo, FGV’s Director of Research and Innovation, highlighted that the institution already develops multidisciplinary research projects with a high level of innovation, and this trend is expected to grow in the coming years.
“We are already developing a series of innovative projects, especially in the design and evaluation of public policies. Many of these policies significantly contribute to the country’s economic, social, and environmentally sustainable development,” she stated.
Tales Andreassi, Vice Director of FGV EAESP, began his talk by presenting the Technological Readiness Level (TRL) and Societal Readiness Level (SRL) scales, which classify the development stages of scientific research from level 1 to 9, up to the potential creation of an innovation. Levels 1 to 3 represent the scientific knowledge phase, while levels 7 to 9 indicate that the knowledge has been translated into products and services ready for market launch. According to Andreassi, the major challenge is overcoming obstacles and effectively generating revenue from the knowledge produced.
He also cited examples from other universities—especially those with engineering programs—that have created mechanisms to better transform knowledge into innovation, such as technology transfer offices, incubators, and accelerators.
Entrepreneurship in Practice
The event continued with a presentation from FGV Ventures, FGV EAESP’s startup accelerator for early-stage ventures, which has incubated over 80 startups since 2017—60% of which are still operating. According to program coordinator Isabel Cruz Pinheiro, it is essential to foster ethical entrepreneurship with high growth potential. “Our accelerator initially focused on FGV students and alumni, but it is now open to everyone. We are the first accelerator born within a university environment, and I believe we can develop joint initiatives with faculty to strengthen FGV’s innovation ecosystem,” she said.
Entrepreneur Daniel Pascalicchio presented his startup Gôndola Segura, supported by FGV Ventures. The business promotes family farming through an integrated ERP SaaS management system. Aligned with four UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—Zero Hunger, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities, and Responsible Consumption and Production—the startup aims to connect new generations of producers and increase productivity among family farmers, reducing their high product loss rates.
“In Brazil, a startup failure is often seen negatively, while in the U.S., it’s viewed positively as a sign of learning and effort,” said Pascalicchio, sharing his entrepreneurial journey.
Angel investor Ricardo Amaral, from FGV Angels, presented the startup investment program, which includes around 350 investors—making it the largest university-affiliated investor group in Brazil.
Ricardo explained how FGV Angels operates. The group consists of individual investors (not a fund), and participation requires an annual membership. Members are responsible for screening and selecting startups to be presented and may also lead the development process of the companies. In addition to contributing to strategic matters such as partner exits, FGV Angels is known for its strong networking, opening doors to new opportunities.
From Research to Innovation
The final presentation before the workshop sessions was given by Professor Gilberto Sarfati, coordinator of the Professional Master’s in Management for Competitiveness at FGV EAESP and academic coordinator of FGV Executive Education’s Senior Management Programs. He introduced the Business Model Canvas tool and explained the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
“What makes a good business idea? It’s an idea that solves someone’s problem. Academic research also starts with a research problem, but the literature doesn’t always reflect a market pain point that research can address. That’s why it’s important to consider the stakeholder’s pain when designing research. Having an advisory board can help in the early stages of research development. Before asking ‘What will I offer?’, we need to analyze the market’s needs,” Sarfati explained.
After presenting five case studies of university-launched products from around the world, Sarfati led a hands-on workshop. Researchers were guided through six Canvas processes and frameworks to design a business. Each research center developed an idea focused on a specific problem, identified opportunities, and proposed solutions. The groups then exchanged ideas and received feedback from other faculty members. In the third stage, Sarfati guided participants to reflect on the product or service’s value proposition, focusing on the customer pain point being addressed. The groups also completed a Business Model Canvas to conclude the first phase.
In the second part of the workshop, the focus shifted to validating the proposals. After structuring their ideas, the professors discussed how to test the product’s viability and whether it truly solved the customer’s problem. At the end, researchers pitched their ideas, and each center left with an initial proposal for transforming their scientific research into products or services.
For Director Goret Paulo, “the day was highly productive, bringing together various areas of FGV to foster innovation and development in the institution’s research.” She mentioned NAVE, a public call from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), aimed at startups, which will allocate R$28 million to projects addressing 67 technological challenges in the energy sector. Goret concluded the day’s presentations by announcing that a new innovation-focused event will be held on March 19, 2025, with more details to be shared soon.