Conecta Facerj Angra boosts the blue economy

Eighth Conecta Facerj strengthens the blue economy in Angra and reaches over R$ 135 million in transactions.

The 8th edition of CONECTA FACERJ brought together entrepreneurs, specialists, institutional leaders and public authorities at the Environmental Studies Center in Angra dos Reis. The meeting, promoted by FACERJ in partnership with Sebrae Rio, highlighted the strategic role of Costa Verde in advancing the blue economy, innovation and sustainability in Rio de Janeiro.

Opening session highlights regional economic potential

The opening included the participation of Robson Carneiro, president of FACERJ and the Deliberative Council of Sebrae Rio, Mauricio Guedes, superintendent of Innovation and Technology at Sedeics, Essiomar Gomes, Angra’s secretary of Economic Development, state representative Célia Jordão and Rodrigo Machado, from Crea-RJ. The authorities reinforced the economic relevance of the region and the need for policies focused on the sea, innovation and professional training.

Robson Carneiro emphasized the collective effort behind the event in Angra and thanked all participants. He highlighted that “the purpose of CONECTA FACERJ is to enable the connection between people and companies, including international ones, to generate business and partnerships. Since last year, more than R$ 135 million in commercial transactions have been made”.

State representative Célia Jordão stressed the importance of the blue economy for the development of Angra and for the state. Secretary Essiomar Gomes stated that “Conecta has been making a difference in the state by promoting learning, relationships and new opportunities. Angra is living a unique moment to develop its blue economy, and the project strengthens this ecosystem even further”.

Mauricio Guedes highlighted the importance of collaboration between small companies, universities and the public sector. He stated that “not even Petrobras and the largest companies in the world are able to maintain innovation capacity without relationships with small companies, universities, startups and institutions such as Sebrae”.

Representing Crea-RJ, Rodrigo Machado thanked the opportunity and reinforced the importance of holding the event in Angra dos Reis.

Panels explore innovation, business and regional development

The opening panel on the blue economy in Costa Verde featured Joilson Cabral (Coppe/UFRJ), Wagner Junqueira, secretary of Industry and Blue Economy, Carlos Cordovil, from Bunker One, and moderator João Leal. The discussion connected academia, the public sector and private initiative.

Wagner Junqueira pointed out the high demand for qualified professionals in tourism, hospitality, energy and services. He mentioned partnerships with Firjan, Sebrae and Senac to increase training opportunities. Cordovil highlighted the need for regulatory security and detailed Bunker One’s efforts to operate in inland waters.

Joilson Cabral presented key data on the blue economy, noting that Brazil has 84,000 companies generating 300,000 jobs. He emphasized that Costa Verde has the highest productive concentration in the sector, driven by shipbuilding, tourism, fishing, oil and gas and nuclear energy.

Another panel featured women entrepreneurs sharing their business stories. Participants included Rani del Rey, Rosana Andrade, Sibelle Kato and Samara Oliveira, moderated by Francisco César, from Sebrae Costa Verde.

The innovation and sustainability panel brought together André Pimenta, secretary of Planning and Management of Angra, Nilton Judice, from TurisAngra, and Marcelo Gomes, from Eletronuclear, moderated by Bruno Ramos. Pimenta highlighted partnerships for professional training. Gomes explained applications of nuclear energy and suggested creating an educational tourist route through the Angra nuclear plants.

Marcos Mendes, coordinator of Capitalization and Financial Services at Sebrae Rio, closed the program with guidance on credit, financial management and opportunities for small and medium-sized companies.

Business roundtable strengthens regional connections

The business roundtable included anchor companies such as Nuclep, Transpetro, BR Marinas, Eletronuclear and Tpar, in addition to financial institutions Age Rio, Sicredi, Caixa, Bradesco and Sicoob. Thirty micro and small entrepreneurs participated in the dynamic, which generated strategic connections, scheduled meetings and expanded business opportunities.

The previous edition, held in Maricá, generated more than R$ 35 million in potential business, and the Angra dos Reis edition maintained the project’s growth pace.

The Conecta Facerj in Angra dos Reis was organized by FACERJ and Sebrae Rio, sponsored by Crea-RJ, Sistema OCB/RJ | Sescoop/RJ, ICTIM, Fecomércio RJ and Bunker One. The event received support from ACEAR, Porto de Angra dos Reis, the Municipality of Angra dos Reis, the Secretariat of Energy and Blue Economy, Sedeics, UNISUAM, ABEEMAR and CACB.

The final 2025 edition of Conecta Facerj will take place on December 9, in Macaé.