In more than two decades, the Unicamp Incubator has launched 70 technology- and science-based companies with success rates above the national average, earning recognition both nationally and internationally.
TheTechnology-Based Business Incubatoratthe State University of Campinas(Incamp) celebrated its 25th anniversary on July 18. As part ofUnicamp’s Science and Technology Park, Incamp has established itself over the past two and a half decades as one ofthe most respected innovation hubs in the country, transforming business ideas into well-established companies in the market.
Incamp was founded in 2001 and has been managed bythe Inova Unicamp Innovation Agency since 2003. Throughout its history, the Incubator has developed anincubation programwith a specific methodology that provides incubatees with strategic support in management, mentoring, and connections with investors and accelerators, in addition to physical infrastructure. This support reduces the inherent risks of a startup and accelerates its path to maturity.
Over thepast 25 years,Incamp has graduated 70 companies, a figure that demonstrates the maturity of its incubation program. This maturity is further underscored by the success rate of the graduated startups, which show a63.7% survival rateover a 20-year period—a rate far higher than the Brazilian average of 25%. Amongdeep tech companies—those that develop highly complex technologies—thesuccess rate rises to 80%.
“Incamp’s 25-year history attests to the strength of the business incubation program developed at Unicamp. All the indicators and accolades it has earned attest to the fact that Incamp adheres to the highest standards for business incubation in the country. These results demonstrate Inova Unicamp’s commitment to fostering the regional and national innovation ecosystem,” saysMariana Zanatta Inglez, coordinator of innovation and entrepreneurship environments at Inova Unicamp.
Certifications and Recognitions
Over the years, Incamp has earned significant recognition for the excellence of its incubation program. One such recognition is theCerne 4certification, the highest level of best practices in incubationawarded by the Reference Center for Support to New Ventures, which is offered by the National Association of Entities Promoting Innovative Ventures (Anprotec) and the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae).
In addition, Incamp is accredited by the Information Technology Area Committee (CATI), an agency affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI)—a distinction that opens up opportunities for partnerships between the businesses incubated at Incamp and large companies that benefit fromthe Information Technology Law.
By 2026, the Unicamp Incubator was accredited by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) to provide incubation services to companies participating inthe Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program (PIPE), one of the main sources of funding for innovative scientific and technological research for businesses in the state of São Paulo.
Among its international recognitions, in 2024 Incamp was honored withthe internationalGimi Innovation Awardsin the category “Organization with the Best Startup Support Ecosystem.” The awards are organized by the Global Innovation Management Institute, which evaluates the quality of innovation environments around the world.
“Over the past 25 years, Incamp has established a methodology for its incubation program that is recognized both nationally and internationally. “Our role is to provide the infrastructure and support necessary for entrepreneurs to transform ideas and knowledge into solid companies capable of generating lasting social and economic impact for Campinas and Brazil,” saysVital Yasumaru, supervisor of Incamp and entrepreneurship at Inova Unicamp.
Growth and Development of Businesses
The companies incubated at Incamp achieved record results with revenue ofR$ 5.2 million, the highest figure ever recorded by the incubator. This performance, achieved in 2024, has created and continues to create nearly 120 direct jobs, employing qualified professionals in fields such as engineering, information technology, and life sciences. These figures demonstrate that the innovation generated within Unicamp translates into real economic impact for Campinas and the entire region.
Over the past 25 years, Incamp has helped launch companies that are now well-established in their respective sectors. Among the companies that have graduated from Incamp, notable names includeGriaule, Agricef, Rubian, SDAMed, Rheabiotec, Bioprocess, Autocoat, andFornano. These companies operate in diverse fields, such as biometrics, precision agriculture, healthcare, biotechnology, and new materials, and clearly illustrate the diversity of sectors served by the incubator. Many companies that have graduated from Incamp have been in business for more than two decades and, as is the case with Griaule, have alreadyexpanded internationally.
“When we were selected for the incubation program, we had few resources and a huge dream. Unicamp provided us with an academic buzz, with its talent and ideas, while Incamp supported us with solutions. Today, Griaule’s technologyprotects the identity of 160 million Brazilians, ensures digital sovereignty, and promotes inclusion and citizenship by enabling digital services such as gov.br and e-Título. Exporting this same digital infrastructure to other countries proves that investing in research and supporting entrepreneurship generates real impact,” emphasizes Iron Daher, CEO of Griaule.
The incubator continues to attract new entrepreneurs, researchers, and partners who view Unicamp’s ecosystem as one of Brazil’s leading hubs of innovation. To mark the significance of this milestone, aspecial commemorative sealcelebrating the Incubator’s 25th anniversary was designed. The seal will appear on all materials published about Incamp throughout the year.
About the Unicamp Science and Technology Park and Incamp
The Unicamp Science and Technology Park is managed by Inova Unicamp and works tofoster environments that encourage connections between talent, ideas, and opportunities, leading to new businesses and partnerships. This ecosystem strengthens the interaction between the University and the market, facilitating strategic collaborations with Unicamp.
Unicamp’s Technology-Based Business Incubator (Incamp) is an integral part of this innovation ecosystem throughits pre-incubation and incubation programs. Participating companies receive technical support, specialized mentoring, and networking opportunities for up to three years. Companies can operate under the non-resident model, keeping their physical operations outside of Incamp, or as resident companies, with offices located within the Science and Technology Park.
Learn about the metrics and success stories in the activity reportspublished in the Inova Unicamp library.
Visit the Unicamp Park and Incamp websitesto learn more about how to access this ecosystem.
This content was published by the Unicamp Science and Technology Park on July 28, 2026, and can be accessed at this link.
