La Salle Technova Barcelona, the innovation park of La Salle Campus Barcelona, a founding member of Universitat Ramon Llull, has signed a collaboration agreement with the Government of Paraíba (Brazil) to promote technological innovation and sustainable economic development in the Sertão region, a strategic region in northeastern Brazil. This partnership is part of the Paraíba Sem Fronteiras program, promoted by the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, Innovation and Higher Education (SECTIES) of the Government of Paraíba, with the goal of connecting the Brazilian state with leading international centers in science, technology, and higher education.
The agreement establishes a roadmap for implementing innovative and sustainable methodologies that enhance the Sertão's innovation ecosystem, with a special focus on technology transfer, digital inclusion, and strengthening the local entrepreneurial network. The strategic lines include the development of technologies adapted to the caatinga biome—a bioclimatic landscape unique to this region of Brazil—the creation of a favorable environment for startups, and the training of local talent for key sectors.
In the words of La Salle-URL General Director, Josep M. Santos: “This alliance is based on shared values and a commitment to local development, the internationalization of knowledge, and the building of bridges of dialogue between innovation ecosystems.” For his part, the Executive President of La Salle Technova Barcelona, Josep M. Piqué, stated: “Paraíba has a clear vocation for research and development, and we see this collaboration as a connection between ecosystems where talent, technology, and knowledge come together to transform territories.”
Among the actions included in the agreement is the implementation of an Innovation Pact model based on the best practices of La Salle Technova Barcelona, which will facilitate the creation of technological solutions applied to the challenges of the region. Likewise, both institutions will promote applied research projects, professional training, and startup acceleration programs.
With this collaboration, La Salle Technova Barcelona, together with the La Salle-URL campus, consolidates its commitment to innovation with a global impact, helping to transform emerging regions into hubs of knowledge, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.