Centre for Development of Earth Observation Capabilities to be installed in June on Terceira Island under AIR Centre
The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology announced today at the Legislative Assembly that the Government plans to install in June "the Azeo@Lab (ESA@LAB) - Centre for Development of Earth Observation Capabilities on Terceira Island in the new headquarters of the AIR Centre that is being completed at rua de Jesus in Praia da Vitória.
According to Gui Menezes, "six highly qualified human resources are expected to be recruited for this centre, besides another two in the future, who will be responsible for supporting the creation of the Marine Biodiversity Network node." They will be hired through a contract signed under the programme-contract between the Regional Government and the Foundation for Science and Technology.
"This Marine Biodiversity Network node, which belongs to the IOOS network - Integrated Ocean Observing System, will enable research teams based in the Azores, particularly in the University, to become part of this dynamics," stressed the government official.
Gui Menezes spoke during a debate on "The Integrated Strategy for Technological Development in the Azorean Economy" presented by the Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party.
In his speech, the Regional Secretary highlighted the investment in the Science and Technology Parks of São Miguel and Terceira, adding that, in case of Terceira park - TERINOV, its installation will be completed next year.
The government official recalled that "two public tenders were launched at the end of last year: one for the allocation of four business development spaces and another one for the allocation of 14 business incubation spaces in TERINOV. One company competed in one of tenders, which is now in the awarding phase, while eight companies competed in the other tender, whose process is now under analysis."
Regarding São Miguel park - NONAGON, Gui Menezes pointed out that it contributed to the creation of 200 jobs and the installation of 25 companies: 23 in the area of technology and similar areas and seven startups with a turnover of 600 thousand Euros.
The Regional Secretary also stated that the Regional Government has invested "in technological development in the context of research projects, namely through the transfer of technology and knowledge to companies."
In this regard, the government official highlighted the Research&Development in business context line that an appropriation over two million Euros in the first edition, through the approval of 10 projects. Next week, the Government will launch a new tender for the funding of Research&Development projects in business context with an overall allocation of two million Euros.