Santa Catarina’s Biotech Renaissance: From Plant-Based Proteins to Precision Labs

Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina is emerging as a quiet powerhouse in Latin America’s biotechnology revolution. Known for its industrial precision and strong academic ecosystem, the region is now home to a new generation of startups reshaping the future of food, healthcare, and sustainability.

🚀 Innovation in Action

Biotech innovation is no longer limited to academic research, it is thriving throughout the state.

• The JBS Biotech Innovation Center, based in Florianópolis, is leading the development of cultivated meat. After acquiring Spain’s BiotechFoods, JBS is now building Brazil’s first pilot plant for lab-grown meat, signaling a transformation in how protein is produced.

• In Joinville, NoMoo is redefining dairy by producing plant-based cheeses through fermentation and biotechnology, putting Santa Catarina on the global food-tech map.

• Innovation hubs such as Ágora Tech Park and Sapiens Parque are providing critical infrastructure for biotech startups, offering collaborative workspaces, lab support, and connections to industry networks in genomics, diagnostics, and bioprocess engineering.

These developments illustrate how plant-based and cellular agriculture are merging with industrial know-how, positioning Santa Catarina as a strategic destination for biotech investment.

🌎 Why It Matters

Biotechnology is transforming the way we produce food, develop medicine, and protect the environment. Santa Catarina brings together the ideal mix: modern infrastructure, top universities, a skilled workforce, and increasing investor interest. This synergy is accelerating R&D, boosting export potential, and fostering international partnerships.

At Forvm, we have long supported industrial innovation by managing the import of high-precision machinery and specialized equipment across a range of sectors. As biotech continues to expand and require more advanced infrastructure, we are ready to contribute with the same efficiency and expertise that define our logistics solutions.