Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello inaugurated the Sigma Tech Park last Thursday, the 19th, the newest innovation center linked to the Santa Catarina Network of Innovation Centers. With an investment of approximately R$ 11 million, the initiative aims to boost innovative entrepreneurship in southern Santa Catarina and strengthen the connection between government, businesses, universities, and civil society.
The event was attended by Marcelo Fett, Secretary of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation of Santa Catarina, Tubarão Mayor Jairo dos Passos Cascaes, and State Representative and Mayor-Elect Estener Soratto Júnior.
During the ceremony, Governor Jorginho Mello highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Santa Catarina and the strategic importance of the technology sector. “The people of Santa Catarina are entrepreneurial across all areas. Technological innovation has the power to simplify and improve the daily lives of our population, while also bringing efficiency to public services. This is why we are heavily investing in this sector, to foster creative ideas and strengthen the state’s economy”.
Managed by the Rota Sul Institute of Science and Technology, the Sigma Tech Park was developed through a partnership between the State Government, which invested R$ 10.8 million, and the Tubarão City Hall, which donated the land and contributed an additional R$ 172,000.
Marcelo Fett, Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the strategic role of innovation centers in bridging traditional economies with technological advancements. “Spaces like Sigma Tech Park are essential to turning ideas into products and services that generate value for society. This center reinforces Santa Catarina’s capacity to lead in innovation while respecting the productive vocations of each region”.
Mayor Jairo Cascaes also highlighted the impact of the new center on the city’s development. “This space will become an experimentation hub where companies and talents can develop innovative solutions. It will boost Tubarão’s competitiveness and pave the way for a diversified and sustainable economy”.
Growth in the Innovation Sector
Santa Catarina’s technology sector continues to expand its influence. Between 2022 and 2023, the sector’s contribution to the state’s GDP rose from 6.5% to 7.5%, generating 86,000 direct jobs and earning approximately R$ 36 billion annually.
With Sigma Tech Park, Tubarão gains a key asset to solidify its innovation ecosystem and strengthen its role as the second-largest commercial hub in southern Santa Catarina.
Sigma Tech Park is the 12th center in the Santa Catarina Network of Innovation Centers, which aims to reach 21 units by 2026. The space will serve as a hub for collaboration between government, universities, private sectors, and society, promoting innovation and fostering a culture of collaboration throughout the region.
In 2024, this marks the second innovation center inauguration in the state. In April, the CRIO in Criciúma also began operations, solidifying Santa Catarina’s position as a reference for innovation in Brazil.