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Strengthening Regional Innovation through the Iguassu Valley
Next on the agenda was a visit to the Iguassu Valley innovation ecosystem, also located in
Foz do Iguaçu. This forward-looking city is internationally recognized not only for its iconic
natural wonders such as the Iguaçu Falls, one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World
but also for its dynamic governance model that unites government institutions, academia,
businesses, startups, development agencies, and innovation hubs.
A Letter of Intent was signed during this visit, aimed at fostering joint efforts in science,
technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
More about Iguassu Valley: iguassuvalley.com
City Hall of Foz do Iguaçu: pmfi.pr.gov.br

Academic Partnerships with UNILA
The delegation also visited the Federal University for Latin American Integration (UNILA),
where academic exchange and research collaboration opportunities were explored. A pre-
liminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed as a framework for upcoming
joint initiatives.
More information: portal.unila.edu.br
Engagement in Cascavel – An Emerging Industrial Hub
The final day of the visit included a strategic stop in Cascavel, a key industrial center in west-
ern Paraná. Meetings were held with government authorities, academic institutions, busi-
ness leaders, and representatives of the BRICS Academy. These discussions led to the identi-
fication of multiple synergy points for future cooperation in science, technology, innovation,
education, and business development.
A formal MoU between the City Hall of Cascavel, the BRICS Academy, and ABIPIR its regional
representative will soon be signed.
Learn more: cascavel.atende.net

A Vision for Sustainable Socioeconomic Development
The outcomes of the BRICS Academy visit to Brazil were notably productive and opened a
wide array of opportunities for sustainable socioeconomic development. These efforts align
with IFIA’s mission under the visionary leadership of President Alireza Rastegar and ABIPIR’s
commitment guided by its Founder and President Marcelo Vivacqua to promote creativity,
inventiveness, entrepreneurship, innovation, education, and inclusive business develop-
ment worldwide.
Call to Action: Join InnovaCities 2025 and BRICS LATAM Tech Competition
We invite all innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs to participate in the 14th InnovaCities
– International Fair of Smart, Human, Happy, and Resilient Cities and the BRICS LATAM Skills
and Technological Competition, to be held from September 15 to 17, 2025, in Foz do Iguaçu, IFIA Magazine September 2025
Brazil.
To apply for the BRICS Competition:
Download the application form
Send the completed form to:
• marcelo-vivacqua@hotmail.com
• marcelo-vivacqua@abipir.org
More event details:
BRICS LATAM and InnovaCities 2025 Information
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