Governo de São Paulo inaugura novos centros de inovação e pesquisa da USP em Ribeirão Preto.

On Monday (15), two significant strategic facilities were inaugurated in Ribeirão Preto aimed at advancing science, innovation, and regional development: the InovaUSP – Ribeirão Preto Complex and the Biomedical Sciences Research Center of the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine (CPCBio). This initiative represents an investment exceeding R$180.7 million. The ceremony was led by São Paulo’s Vice-Governor, Felicio Ramuth, alongside USP’s Rector, Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Júnior, and the Executive Secretary for Science, Technology, and Innovation of the State, Stephanie da Costa.

“These two facilities exemplify the Government of São Paulo’s commitment to the future. Investing in science, technology, and innovation translates to economic development, job creation, and improved quality of life for the community,” stated Vice-Governor Felicio Ramuth.

“Both inaugurations today share a common theme: innovation is not solitary; it is achieved through collaborative efforts. At InovaUSP, we witness the synergy between government, academia, industry, and civil society in fostering innovation—often referred to as the triple and quadruple helix. The new FMRP Research Center stands out as a fundamental interdepartmental initiative within a university,” remarked Stephanie da Costa.

InovaUSP – Ribeirão Preto Complex
The InovaUSP – Ribeirão Preto Complex commenced operations in 2022 with a mission to integrate independent laboratories and promote interdisciplinary collaboration across various fields of knowledge. The initial challenge involved creating the executive project for the building, incorporating urban, architectural, and structural studies. Following legal protocols and securing funding, the bidding process was finalized, and construction began in April 2024, with completion slated for late 2025.

Rector Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior explained the building’s purpose: “We are establishing a space within the university for businesses to thrive, enabling them to enhance our research to be quicker, more efficient, and of higher quality.” He further emphasized the regional focus of the complex: “Various hubs across all campuses contribute, and Ribeirão Preto is set to be a center of innovation in health and agriculture—areas with which USP has a strong legacy.”

The facility comprises three floors, totaling 4,174.65 m² of built area and 5,827.88 m² of developed grounds. The investment exceeds R$ 31.5 million, with R$ 30.5 million allocated for construction and R$ 965 thousand for equipment purchases. With an innovative concept, InovaUSP Ribeirão Preto will feature shared, high-quality environments geared toward applied research, technological development, and innovation training. Key components include:

• Certified Laboratory for Advanced Animal Model Studies.
• Development Laboratory (Rotational Use with Announcements)
• NIDUS – Brazil’s First Innovation Residency

Biomedical Sciences Research Center of FMRP
The new Biomedical Sciences Research Center at FMRP is designed to elevate cutting-edge biomedical research, marking a significant advancement for science and innovation in the country. With an investment of R$ 149.2 million and a built area of 25,400 m², this building signifies a leap in infrastructure dedicated to teaching, research, and outreach.

“The impact will be considerable for our scientific output, fostering optimal conditions for advanced research while allowing the redistribution of administrative activities to the Central Building. This reorganization will free up space for academic and scientific endeavors, including modern and flexible classrooms, cultural spaces, and communal areas,” noted the Unit’s Director, Professor Jorge Elias Junior.

The CPCBio will host five departments of FMRP:

• Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents
• Biochemistry
• Genetics

The new center’s structure includes:

• 187 teaching, administrative, storage, and IT rooms
• 238 laboratory rooms, cold storage areas, an animal facility, and support areas
• 1,705 m² of technical space for systems including generators, electrical, hydraulic, and HVAC, gases, and waste management
• 1,021 m² allocated for restrooms, dressing areas, waste management, and DML

“The main building of the School of Medicine is a listed structure, complicating any modifications. We required a new research facility to make significant improvements,” explained Rector Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior. He also expressed a personal demand: “I insisted that this building have a modern, interdisciplinary design with shared spaces, rather than replicating past models.” He emphasized the importance of not having redundant equipment across various labs, stating: “FAPESP taught us the multi-user logic, and this building adheres to that contemporary model.”

About the Ribeirão Preto Campus

By 2025, the USP campus in Ribeirão Preto will offer 1,385 undergraduate slots across its teaching units. In total, there are 6,751 undergraduate students, 3,379 graduate students across 54 programs, and 7,303 individuals enrolled in specialization courses, MBAs, and residency programs, resulting in 17,433 students in training.
The academic framework is supported by a faculty of 919 professors and a staff of 1,677 working in administrative, technical, and research support roles.