Brazil makes progress in nuclear technology and climate at COP30.

Strategic partnerships mark Brazilian innovation week.

Brazil consolidated significant advances this week on two technological fronts: cooperation with China in radiopharmaceuticals and its leading role in the COP30 climate negotiations in Belém. These moves reflect the country's commitment to technological autonomy and sustainability.

Radiopharmaceuticals: Brazil and China expand nuclear partnership.

This Thursday (13), the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos, met with the President of the Council of the China Isotope and Radiation Corporation (Circ), Xiao Yafei, to strengthen the production of radiopharmaceuticals — essential inputs for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases.

The agreement foresees the expansion of national production by the Institute for Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN), technology sharing, and intellectual property protection. The new development: the partnership could advance throughout 2026 with the creation of a subsidiary in Brazil and the formation of a specialized team.

Luciana Santos highlighted the progress in bilateral negotiations: “Regular talks between our teams have allowed for important advances in defining the technical, commercial, and legal aspects.” Xiao Yafei reaffirmed China's commitment to deepening cooperation in the area of nuclear technology.

COP30: Climate transparency and green innovation

On Wednesday (12), Brazil opened ministerial dialogue on transparency under the Paris Agreement, celebrating the first cycle of the improved framework. By April 15 of this year, more than 100 biennial transparency reports had been submitted — covering approximately 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Finep, an agency linked to the MCTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), presented robust investments in climate innovation. Since 2023, more than 400 startups have been supported by programs such as Tecnova, Centelha, and Inovacred. Three new public calls were announced, including the Pró-Amazônia call for proposals, which allocates R$150 million for research infrastructure in the Legal Amazon.

Priority themes include decarbonization of transport, sustainable fuels, energy generation and storage, bioeconomy, and circular economy.

Challenge: technology transfer to developing countries

Despite the progress, the executive director of COP30 indicated that technology will be one of the most difficult issues in the negotiations. The Paris Agreement provides for technology transfer and capacity building to assist poorer countries—an issue that did not reach an agreement at the preparatory meeting in Bonn in June.

Negotiations continue until November 21st, with 145 priority topics under discussion.

Photo by MM on Unsplash