O National Service for Industrial Learning (SENAI) put its network of 27 Institutes of Innovation and 60 Institutes of Technology at the service of combating the new coronavirus. The Notice of Innovation for Industry released, this Wednesday (18), call to receive proposals for solutions against the problems caused by the virus that have immediate application and results within 40 days. R$ 10 million will be invested in proposals to help prevent, diagnose and treat Covid-19 and its effects, such as manufacturing more mechanical respirators and developing rapid detection tests. Entries can be made on the website: http://www.portaldaindustria.com.br/senai/canais/edital-de-inovacao-para-industria/categorias/missao-contra-covid-19/.
The institution also created a channel for contacting entrepreneurs who need technological support. Distributed in all Brazilian regions, SENAI's institutes have qualified researchers, cutting edge equipment and infrastructure for the development of innovative products and processes, as well as for the provision of consultancy and metrology services. Proposals can be made by WhatsApp at (61) 99628-7337 or by email combatcovid19@senaicni.com.br.
"SENAI currently has the largest support network for innovation and increased productivity in the industry, which is being made available to all Brazilian society at a time when Brazil and the world face a serious problem", explains the general director from SENAI, Rafael Lucchesi. “Fulfilling the mission it has had since 1942, SENAI reaffirms its commitment to helping the country in its most decisive moments”, he completes.
REQUIREMENTS – The R$ 10 million resources will be applied in solutions presented by companies with SENAI's institutes. The projects can be on themes such as: expanding the number of respirators; development of rapid tests and personal protective equipment (PPE) that can replace masks, gloves and soaps; replacement of parts and components used in intensive care units (ICUs), among others.
The projects can be up to R$ 2 million, not requiring financial or economic counterpart. The implantation and its effects must take place within a maximum period of 40 days.
The Notice of Innovation for Industry is an initiative of SENAI and the Industry Social Service (SESI). Since it was created in 2004, more than a thousand innovative projects have been selected, in which more than R$ 680 million were invested. The selected proposals receive resources and support for the development of a proof of concept, going through validation, prototype and testing processes in the innovation and technology network of SENAI and SESI.
SENAI's Innovation network has state-of-the-art innovative infrastructure, comprising 27 thematic areas, including global trends such as bioeconomy and sustainability; smart factories; advanced materials; additive manufacturing and productive technologies. Since it was created in 2013, more than R$ 1 billion has been invested in 1,086 completed or ongoing projects. Currently, 12 Institutes are EMBRAPII units and have differentiated funds for financing strategic research and innovation projects. The centers have more than 700 researchers, of which around 44% have a master's or doctorate degree.
The Technology network, on the other hand, provides consulting services seeking to improve the quality of products and services, productivity and business competitiveness. It also provides support to companies in complying with legislation, standards and technical regulations such as product adequacy to NRs, implementation of ABNT standards, food safety standards, registration of creation of trademarks and patents, among others. It has a technical staff of around 1,200 specialists and consultants located in regions of high industrial density across the country.
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