Enrich in LAC

EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation Network Strengthens Ties at Second In-Person Meeting in Madrid

Enrich — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:15:33 +0000

EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation Network Holds Second In-Person Gathering in Madrid
Strengthening Collaboration at the Madrid Gathering

Madrid, 9 June 2025. From 2 to 6 June, the EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation Network held its second in-person meeting in Madrid, bringing together more than 35 incubators and accelerators from Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean. The gathering focused on collaboration and the development of new joint initiatives.

The EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation Network held its second in-person meeting in Madrid from 2 to 6 June, bringing together more than 35 incubators and accelerators from Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean. The meeting focused on building cooperation and launching new joint initiatives.

The programme included bilateral meetings, roundtables on funding and scaling, exchanges between cohorts and a visit to South Summit Madrid, where participants engaged with investors, companies and policymakers. Institutions such as the European Business and Innovation Centre Network, EUREKA, the National Cybersecurity Institute and Fundación madri+d joined the discussions.

The Network welcomed new members including Universidad de Costa Rica, USIL Ventures, IMPAQTO, Instituto Pedro Nunes, Technoport SA, InnovX and Start2 Group. These organisations join existing partners such as Tetuan Valley, Fundación madri+d and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator.

Key outcomes included new bilateral agreements, the launch of joint roadmaps and preparations for upcoming activities such as immersion weeks, climate-focused ideation programmes, mentoring schemes and co-hosted events.

Next steps include the launch of a LinkedIn community to complement existing communication channels such as the WhatsApp group and the weekly EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation bulletin.

The EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation Network invites incubators and accelerators from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to join and contribute to stronger cooperation across regions.

Biography of His Excellency Mr. Justice Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona (Ret’d), O.R.T.T., S.C.

Enrich — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:45:20 +0000

Mr. Justice Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona (Ret’d) O.R.T.T., S.C. (Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Senior Counsel) is the fifth President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago having served from 2013-2018. Justice Carmona graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica with a Bachelor of Arts in English, International Politics and Law (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) UWI, Cavehill, Barbados. He also earned his legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School, UWI, St. Augustine.
Justice Carmona has worked in public service all his life, as a secondary school teacher, a lecturer and senior tutor at University of the West Indies, as a prosecutor at National and International Levels for over twenty-one years and as a Criminal High Court Judge for some ten years. He worked at the Office of the Director Public Prosecutions in Trinidad and Tobago from 1983 to 2000, attaining the posts of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and Acting Director of Public Prosecutions. For some four years, he was a Senior Appeals Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in The Hague, Holland. These courts were mandated by the United Nations Security Council to prosecute Politicians, Generals and Camp Commanders responsible for crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. In 2002, he was bestowed with the distinction of ‘Silk’ and is a Senior Counsel.
Justice Carmona also served during his career as the Legal Advisor in Criminal Law to the late President Arthur N.R. Robinson at the United Nations Preparatory Conferences on the Rome Statute which established the International Criminal Court (ICC). Justice Carmona was elected by the United Nations Assembly of State Parties on 12 December, 2011 in New York as an International Criminal Court Judge but resigned to serve as the Fifth President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and was sworn-in on 18 March 2013.
His sterling accomplishments, contributions and distinguished service as a Regional and International Jurist were honoured and celebrated by The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine as they bestowed him an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) on the 23 October, 2014. Justice Carmona was also appointed Chancellor of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), on the 25 October, 2013, a position he held for five years.
As a Senior Puisne Judge on the Criminal Bench, Justice Carmona initiated the “The Bail Boys Project” as a workable component of Restorative Justice, a project which has been internationally recognised and commended for its affirmative impact on recidivism.
Justice Carmona has been sought after as a keynote speaker locally, regionally and internationally by many international NGOs, the United Nations and international institutions delivering addresses on Climate Change, the environment, the law of the sea, biodiversity, deforestation, crime, money laundering, drug interdiction and intervention Restorative Justice, Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), recidivism, the International Criminal Court (ICC), pressing social, economic and health issues, youth and female empowerment initiatives, Persons with Disabilities, education and Caribbean integration.
Justice Carmona was the keynote speaker at the inauguration and launch of the International Day of Conscience at the United Nations Vienna, Austria, April 2019. Justice Carmona has been the recipient of several awards among them, Rotary International’s prestigious award, the Paul Harris Award. He was also conferred with the World Peace Culture Award for his relentless advocacy for peace, justice and human rights for all. It is quoted, “He has admirably leveraged his influence to build a peace culture through his inspirational speeches and actions.” Specifically, he gave the feature address at the World Peace Summit in Korea in February, 2019 and in October 2018, was the keynote speaker at the World Chief Justices Conference in Lucknow, India on the rule of law, peace and justice.
Justice Carmona is the patron of many NGOs and organisations in Trinidad and Tobago. Among them, the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and the Carbon Zero Initiative of Trinidad and Tobago (CZITT). Justice Carmona was recently awarded the Global HOPE Award for demonstrating extraordinary commitment to inclusive leadership, regenerative impact and social equity from Worldwide People with Disabilities (WPWD).
Justice Carmona is a songwriter, composer and Calypsonian with the sobriquet, ‘The Prophet of Sisyphus’ and has sung professionally in his earlier years in the Calypso Tents and competitions. He is an avid supporter of culture, arts, football and cricket and plays lawn tennis competitively.
Justice Carmona is married to former First Lady of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Reema Carmona and they have two children a son, Christian and a daughter, Anura.

Newsletter | April 2024

Laura Dantas — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:49:02 +0000

ENRICH in LAC’s newsletter for April 2024 is full of exiting news and opportunities!

Click here to access the newsletter: ENRICH in LAC – Newsletter | April 2024

Spanish Chamber Event

Laura Dantas — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:07:04 +0000

The Spanish Official Chamber of Commerce in Brazil, São Paulo, is promoting an enlightening event focusing on “Intellectual Property for European Companies in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities.”

Date: April 4th, 2024
Time: 08:30 AM

This event offers a unique platform for small and medium European companies in Brazil to gain valuable insights, exchange knowledge, and expand their networks.

See you there!

The ENRICH in LAC European Entrepreneur Expedition: A Rewarding Exchange

Leonardo Pelegrino — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:26:35 +0000

The ENRICH in LAC European Entrepreneur Expedition...

…held from the 4th to the 6th of December 2023, was a comprehensive knowledge exchange in the historic Portuguese cities of Porto and Coimbra, and presented itself as a remarkable opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and applied research organisations from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to explore the dynamic Portuguese Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) landscape.

Seven entrepreneurs came from Brazil and Colombia and engaged in some visits to business hubs, incubators, and research & technology centres and event participation.

The curated group of entrepreneurs by ENRICH in LAC spanned various sectors such as IT, transportation and logistics, investment, industry, and waste management.

The European Entrepreneur Expedition had the following agenda:

Lionesa Business Hub

The entrepreneurs delved into the vibrant atmosphere of Lionesa Business Hub, discovering a space that fosters collaboration between multinationals, SMEs, and soon startups. Sat riverside, Lionesa’s tight link with universities and research institutes creates a fascinating gateway for emerging talent. Lionesa’s approach differs from the rest with its successful insertion of art & culture, engaging activities, open spaces, nature, shops, and cultural heritage through one corridor.

Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI)

Following up, the entrepreneurs were introduced to their hosts (SPI) facilities during their visit to Porto, which is one of the ENRICH in LAC consortium partners. SPI is a consultancy company that stems from the need for interaction between the private and public sector, as well as with research institutes and universities.

A small and quick presentation on SPI, ENRICH in LAC and its history as well as a roundtable to foster engagement between the participants were done.

CEiiA

Top cap the first day of the Expedition, the final visit was at CEiiA, were their state-of-the-art facilities as well as their cooperation with players worldwide within the aviation, agroforestry, defence, space, and automobile industries were on display. CEiiA’s impeccable track record, global reputation, and pivotal engineering contributions to product development were showcased, captivating the attention of entrepreneurs with enticing possibilities for collaborative and creative solutions.
Moreover, some of the spin-offs born out of the centre captivated the attention of the entrepreneurs based on the innovative approach and design of some products developed at CEiiA.

Inovação@UC 2023

On the 5th of December 2023, the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest higher education institutions in Europe, a place of heritage, tradition, but also of continuous novelty and innovation organised the event “Inovação@UC 2023”, held at Convento de São Francisco in Coimbra. The full-day event showcased the extensive portfolio of ideas, projects, graduated companies & spin offs, as well as ongoing projects led, coordinated, or in which the University of Coimbra contributes to. Most of the abovementioned projects had participation, leadership or originated from ideas of the university’s alumni. Finally, to understand the importance of the event, the Portuguese Minister of Science and Technology and Higher Education, Engª Elvira Fortunato, closed the session with a speech.

The entrepreneurs were able to connect with the innovation hub of Coimbra, and network with fellow attendees and speakers at the event.

IRIS

On the final day, the entourage visited IRIS. The incubator for social innovation formerly located in Amarante, is associated with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the fostering of social impact, innovation and development projects. The visit was quite productive as it provided the means for potential transatlantic cooperation between Latin America and Europe in the scope of educational goals of a ongoing project at IRIS.

UPTEC

The last stop of the entourage was at UPTEC. The entrepreneurs quickly got acquainted with the inner workings of UPTEC, its spectrum of companies hosted at the centre, which have access to a multitude of services, such as consulting, business development, and soft landing. All these services are part of the graduation programmes set up for start-ups, which usually come in still in a seedling stage and take the opportunity to grow and prosper through the ecosystem generated in and around UPTEC. The Start-ups’ thematic areas range from marine tech, climate tech, waste management and IT. Its connection to the University of Porto, compounded with its financially sustainable model, provides a platform to gather the unique entrepreneurial talent not only of the University but of this industrial region of the country.

ENRICH in LAC and its partners send their heartfelt thanks to the entrepreneurs, and representatives of the visited institutions. A special remark for another ENRICHing experience and a proof of great service.

ENRICH in LAC: Internationalisation Session for SMEs 2.2

Leonardo Pelegrino — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:48:21 +0000

Event Overview:

We are excited to share an upcoming event hosted by the European Network of Research and Innovation Centres and Hubs in Latin America and Caribbean (ENRICH in LAC). ENRICH in LAC will be conducting an internationalisation session tailored for SMEs, entrepreneurs, innovators, business owners, and representatives keen on expanding their horizons to Europe, with a special focus on Portugal.

Agenda Highlights:

Speakers: Pedro Henriques from BRIDGE IN

Opening Session
ENRICH in LAC Centre and its services
Portugal as a Business Destination:
Key metrics, safety, population happiness, infrastructure;
Establishing Business Operations in Portugal
Employer of Record: Building and hiring a team without setting up a business in Portugal
Setting up a Business, Subsidiaries, or Branches in Portugal: Cost, Time, and required Documents
Being an Employer in Portugal:
Contracts, Common Benefits, Labour Law, and Tax
Work Culture in Portugal
Q&A

Session Details:

Date: 15th of December, 2023
Time: 15h00 CET
Platform: Online

Energía Renovable: Innovaciones Prometedoras en Todo el Mundo

lualobob — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:00:06 +0000

La necesidad de encontrar fuentes de energía más limpias y sostenibles nunca ha sido tan apremiante como lo es hoy. La creciente conciencia sobre el cambio climático y la urgente necesidad de reducir las emisiones de carbono han impulsado la innovación en el campo de las energías renovables. En este artículo, exploraremos algunas de las innovaciones más prometedoras que están ocurriendo en todo el mundo en el ámbito de la energía renovable.

Energía Solar Fotovoltaica de Tercera Generación:

Aunque la energía solar fotovoltaica ha estado en uso durante décadas, la investigación y el desarrollo continúan. La tercera generación de tecnologías solares se centra en mejorar la eficiencia y la versatilidad de las celdas solares. Esto incluye células solares de película delgada y células solares orgánicas que pueden integrarse en una amplia variedad de aplicaciones, desde edificios hasta dispositivos portátiles.

Almacenamiento de Energía Avanzado:

Uno de los desafíos clave de la energía renovable es su intermitencia. Para abordar este problema, se están desarrollando sistemas avanzados de almacenamiento de energía. Esto incluye baterías de estado sólido que son más seguras y duraderas, así como sistemas de almacenamiento térmico que pueden retener el calor para su uso posterior.

Energía Eólica Offshore:

La energía eólica ha sido una fuente de energía renovable efectiva en tierra firme durante años, pero la expansión hacia el mar ofrece un gran potencial. Los parques eólicos offshore están utilizando turbinas más grandes y eficientes que pueden generar grandes cantidades de energía. Esto tiene el potencial de proporcionar una fuente significativa de energía limpia.

Biogás a Partir de Residuos:

La conversión de residuos orgánicos en biogás es otra área de innovación en energías renovables. Los desechos de alimentos y residuos agrícolas se pueden utilizar para generar biogás, que luego se puede utilizar para producir electricidad y calor. Esto no solo ayuda a gestionar los residuos, sino que también produce una fuente de energía renovable.

Hidrógeno Verde:

El hidrógeno verde se produce utilizando energía renovable para separar el hidrógeno del agua a través de la electrólisis. Este hidrógeno se puede utilizar como combustible limpio en una variedad de aplicaciones, desde el transporte hasta la industria. La producción de hidrógeno verde tiene un gran potencial para descarbonizar sectores difíciles de electrificar.

Innovación Global en Energía Renovable:

Estas son solo algunas de las muchas innovaciones emocionantes que están ocurriendo en todo el mundo en el campo de la energía renovable. La colaboración internacional desempeña un papel crucial en la difusión de estas tecnologías y en la aceleración de la transición hacia un futuro más limpio y sostenible.

ENRICH in LAC y la Energía Renovable:

ENRICH in LAC se enorgullece de ser parte de esta conversación global sobre energía renovable. Facilitamos la colaboración y el intercambio de conocimientos entre Europa, América Latina y el Caribe en el campo de la energía renovable. Juntos, estamos contribuyendo a un futuro más sostenible y limpio para todos.

Conclusión:

Las innovaciones en energía renovable están cambiando la forma en que producimos y consumimos energía. Con un enfoque en la investigación y el desarrollo continuos, así como en la colaboración internacional, estamos bien encaminados hacia un futuro en el que la energía renovable desempeñe un papel fundamental en la lucha contra el cambio climático y en la creación de un mundo más limpio y sostenible.

¡Únete a la Red ENRICH in LAC hoy mismo!

Si te apasiona la innovación, la colaboración internacional y el impulso de un futuro más sostenible, ¡te invitamos a unirte a nuestra red! Regístrate en nuestra newsletter para estar al tanto de las últimas noticias, eventos y oportunidades de colaboración en Europa, América Latina y el Caribe.

Haz clic en el siguiente enlace para unirte a ENRICH in LAC y suscríbete a nuestra newsletter en español: Regístrate aquí

Enrich in LAC Knowledge Pill – Innovation Center of the Usti Region (ICUK)

Leonardo Pelegrino — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:01:51 +0000

Our Latest Knowledge Pill on the Innovation Centre of the Usti region (ICUK).

Through a dynamic and brief video, the Knowledge Pill aims to give relevant content to those who follow the interests and synergies that the ENRICH in LAC programme develops between Europe and Latin America.

Inovační centrum Ústeckého kraje (ICUK) was established in 2015 to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the Ústi Region. In this Knowledge Pill, the Director of the Innovation Center, Ing. Martin Mata, MBA, LL.M unveils the incredible journey of exploring the center’s achievements, growth, and global outreach plans for the future. Inspired by successful practices in other regions, ICUK’s philosophy revolves around connecting existing resources and stakeholders.

Check the Knowledge Pill, now available

Sostenibilidad e Innovación: El Futuro de la Bioeconomía en Europa y América Latina/Caribe

lualobob — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:00:23 +0000

La bioeconomía se ha convertido en un tema central en la agenda de la innovación y la sostenibilidad en todo el mundo. ENRICH in LAC está comprometida en promover la colaboración y el intercambio de conocimientos en este campo clave. En este blogpost, exploraremos la relación entre la sostenibilidad y la innovación en la bioeconomía y cómo Europa y América Latina/Caribe están trabajando juntas para dar forma al futuro de este sector.

La Bioeconomía y su Importancia:

La bioeconomía se refiere al uso sostenible de recursos biológicos para producir alimentos, energía, materiales y productos químicos. Esto implica el aprovechamiento de biomasa, organismos vivos y subproductos de la agricultura y la silvicultura. La bioeconomía desempeña un papel crucial en la transición hacia una economía más sostenible y baja en carbono.

Sostenibilidad y Bioeconomía:

La sostenibilidad es un pilar fundamental de la bioeconomía. El uso responsable de los recursos biológicos y la minimización de los impactos ambientales son principios clave. Esto incluye la conservación de la biodiversidad, la gestión sostenible de los bosques y la agricultura, y la reducción de las emisiones de carbono.

Innovación en la Bioeconomía:

La innovación es esencial para impulsar la bioeconomía. Esto implica la investigación y el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías y procesos que permitan aprovechar de manera más eficiente los recursos biológicos. Esto puede incluir avances en biotecnología, producción de alimentos y energía renovable.

Ejemplos de Innovación en Bioeconomía:

En Europa, vemos ejemplos de innovación en bioeconomía, como la producción de bioplásticos a partir de almidón de maíz y la creación de biocombustibles a partir de cultivos de biomasa. En América Latina/Caribe, la producción sostenible de alimentos y la bioenergía son áreas de enfoque clave.

Colaboración Internacional:

La colaboración entre Europa y América Latina/Caribe en bioeconomía es esencial para abordar los desafíos globales de sostenibilidad. A través de la colaboración en investigación y desarrollo, se pueden encontrar soluciones innovadoras y compartirlas en una escala más amplia.

Oportunidades para el Futuro:

El futuro de la bioeconomía en Europa y América Latina/Caribe es prometedor. A medida que las dos regiones trabajan juntas, pueden crear un impacto significativo en la sostenibilidad global y la lucha contra el cambio climático. Esto incluye la creación de empleos sostenibles, la reducción de la dependencia de los combustibles fósiles y la promoción de una mayor conciencia ambiental.

ENRICH in LAC y la Bioeconomía:

ENRICH in LAC se dedica a facilitar la colaboración en temas de bioeconomía entre Europa y América Latina/Caribe. Ofrece recursos, eventos y oportunidades de networking para que las organizaciones y los investigadores trabajen juntos en proyectos innovadores.

Conclusión:

La bioeconomía es un campo emocionante que une la sostenibilidad y la innovación. Europa y América Latina/Caribe tienen un papel crucial que desempeñar en la formación del futuro de la bioeconomía global. A través de la colaboración y la innovación continua, estas regiones pueden lograr avances significativos hacia un mundo más sostenible.

¡Únete a la Red ENRICH in LAC hoy mismo!

Haz clic en el siguiente enlace para unirte a ENRICH in LAC y suscríbete a nuestra newsletter en español: Regístrate aquí

Welcome to the 1st Edition of International Business Meetings between Brazil and Portugal!

Leonardo Pelegrino — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 09:33:05 +0000

About the Event:

Join us on November 29, 2023, for an exclusive virtual event brought to you by the Embassy of Brazil in Lisbon and the Brazilian Association of Home, Decoration, Gifts, and Household Articles (ABCasa), with the valuable support of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), and the Portuguese Business Association (AEP).

This groundbreaking event aims to foster international collaboration in the home decoration, gifts, and household goods sectors. Organized by EEN Brazil and EEN Portugal in collaboration with the Embassy of Brazil in Lisbon, it presents a unique opportunity for Brazilian and Portuguese companies to connect, explore potential collaborations, and pave the way for future partnerships.

About Enterprise Europe Network (EEN):

EEN, a programme of the European Union, is dedicated to promoting the growth and internationalisation of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). In Brazil, the EEN consortium, which ENRICH in LAC integrates, is coordinated by the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology (Ibict). To learn more about EEN Brazil, visit here.

How to Participate:

Date: November 29, 2023
Format: Virtual
Platform: B2Match
Registration: Click here to register
Participation is free.

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) will guide you through the registration process, help create your cooperation profile, identify potential partners, and schedule meetings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking international business collaboration! Register now and connect with industry leaders.