The São Paulo initiative was recognized as Best Talent and Research at an event held in Paris, France
The São Paulo Innovation District received this Tuesday (2) the award for Best Talent and Research at the Startup Ecosystem Stars 2025 Award. The event, held in Paris, seeks to recognize public or private organizations that work to boost innovation ecosystems and inspire new actions in this direction.
The award-winning initiative consists of an urban innovation area located in the West Zone that is dedicated to research and innovation through the collaboration of entities present in the region that have high performance in science and technology with the aim of creating solutions to society’s challenges. The project was formalized in July 2024 with the signing of the Protocol of Intent by the founders — (University of São Paulo), Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (Ipen), Institute of Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (), municipality of São Paulo and State of São Paulo. It is a full member of the International Association of Science Parks and Innovation Districts (IASP).
“The São Paulo Innovation District reflects the directive imposed by the governor, since the beginning of his administration, to seek synergy and integration of the state’s actions, in all its activities”, said Vahan Agopyan, secretary of science, technology and innovation.
According to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), one of the organizers of the award, the São Paulo Innovation District “impressed the jury with their strategic vision and concrete results in generating innovation and economic growth”. The entity also classified the São Paulo project as “exemplary and inspiring for emerging ecosystems”. The Mind the Bridge platform is the other promoter of the event.
Having been in existence for two years, the project expanded from USP University City and adjacent areas to Vila Leopoldina, where a campus bringing together agencies and companies from the WPP group was recently opened. This year it also received recognition from the University of Basel, Switzerland, and the Italian initiative MIND Milano Innovation District.
