2nd WORKSHOP ON PHOTONIC INDUSTRY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

with the support of
IEEE Photonics Society

LIF Empreende Program

Turn your photonics research into a business

Register

The main objective of LIF EMPREENDE is to promote entrepreneurship for the commercialization of technologies developed in laboratories through the development of technology-based business models in the area of ​​photonics. LIF-UNICAMP recognizes that the transition of technology from academia to the market requires different skills and knowledge, which are more commonly found in startups than in academic environments. Business models can be developed based on the results of scientific research in photonics or challenges in the open innovation sector to promote entrepreneurial skills among academic members.

The program has two modalities for developing a business model

ACADEMIC RESEARCH

The teams have the option to use their own research or third-party research of an academic nature in the field of photonics.

INNOVATION CHALLENGES

The teams can choose one of the three innovation challenges provided on page 14 to guide their business development process.

learn more about the challenges >

2025 INNOVATION CHALLENGES

PHARMACEUTICALS AND BIOPHOTONICS

AI applied to Optical Data Analysis

Context: Biophotonics enables the non-invasive analysis of tissues and fluids using light. With AI, the interpretation of optical data is enhanced, accelerating diagnostics and drug development.

Challenge: Develop a business model for a platform that combines optical spectroscopy and AI for applications in personalized medicine, disease screening, or analysis of the effectiveness of bioactive compounds.

EDUCATION & CITIZENSHIP

Photonic Technologies for Accessibility and Inclusion

Context: Photonic technologies can make education more accessible and inclusive, especially for students with disabilities or those in vulnerable contexts.

Challenge: Propose business models that use optical technologies to promote educational accessibility and inclusion, such as readers for people with visual impairments, augmented reality systems for science education, and interactive resources in digital environments.

SMART CITIES

AI + Photonics for Connected Urban Environments

Context: Urban environments are becoming increasingly complex, requiring smarter and more efficient solutions to ensure safety, sustainability, and quality of life.

Challenge: Develop a business model using optical sensors and AI to monitor traffic, public lighting, air quality, urban safety, and critical infrastructure in real time, contributing to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable cities.

Register

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

  • ACADEMICS AND RESEARCHERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY : Graduates, undergraduates, researchers, and professors in general from institutions across Brazil.

WHAT IS REQUIRED?

  • 2 to 5 people per team
  • Names and emails of team members
  • Short bio: Brief description of each participant
  • Text: Describe the chosen challenge or research project
  • Registration up to 11:59 am Sep 8

HOW IT WORKS?

1.
Lean Canvas Training
2.
Business mentoring
3.
Pitch Training
4.
Announcing the 4 finalists
5.
Individual Pitch Training
6.
Five finalists presentation pitch

At the 4th Photonics Industry and Entrepreneurship Workshop in São Pedro (Sep 24th)

Register now!

MENTORING IN KEY AREAS

Communication

Innovation

Product development

Finance

Business development

Mentors partnered with Inova Unicamp

Awards

Best Business Model

  • R$ 4000,00 offered by the Integrated Photonics Laboratory at Unicamp (LIF)
  • Business mentorship by a LIF partner
  • Certificate confirming the classification

 

Winner in 2025:

SpectraSort Café (Vinicius Leandro Deloi)

People's Choice

  • Certificate confirming the ranking

Active participation

R$ 500,00 for up to four  teams to actively participate in all stages and reach the final

Winners in 2025:
 
SpectraSort Café (Vinicius Leandro Deloi)
PhotoLeak (Felipe Cardoso Thomé)
Horto Florestal (Clélia Mendonça de Moraes)

SCHEDULE

August 9th

Webinar: "From Academia to the Job Market"

August 9th

Applications Open

September 8th

Applications Closed at 11:59 AM

September 10th

Webinar: Lean Canvas Training | Time: 5:00 PM

September 15th - 18th

Mentoring online

September 17th

Pitch Training | Time: 5:00 PM

September 18th

Submission of Lean Canvas

September 19th

Announcement of finalists

September 23rd ​

Individual Pitch Training | Online

September 24th

Final @ 4th Photonics, Industry and Entrepreneurship in São Pedro

Register

Fill in your details to participate in the LIF Empreende Program and stay informed about the next steps of the competition.

Teams should have between 2 and 5 members.

Rules for the 2025 program


A equipe se compromete a participar integralmente nos dias 23/09 (online) e 24/09 (presencial em São Pedro)

with the support of
IEEE Photonics Society