Government of the Azores presents project for Terceira Science and Technology Park
The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology presided over the presentation of the architectural project for Terceira Science and Technology Park that took place today in Angra do Heroísmo. The project features a space for a business incubator, creative industries and laboratories in the fields of agro-industry and biotechnology.
Fausto Brito e Abreu emphasised that this project will "provide privileged conditions for the transfer of knowledge between science and research bodies and the regional business sector."
The project will rehabilitate the old facilities of the Terra Chã campus of the University of the Azores, with a total area of 5,000 m2. It will include six spaces for cultural and creative industries, eight spaces for the installation of existing companies, two laboratory wings for research and development of biotechnology and agro-food industries and a laboratory for innovation in dairy products. According to the Regional Secretary, the latter will "operate as a small plant."
In his speech, Fausto Brito e Abreu announced that the Government will launch Thursday a contest for the presentation of ideas for the future name of Terceira Science and Technology Park, which cannot have more than two words.
Originality, sound, name adequacy and geographical suitability will be the evaluation criteria of the proposals submitted.
Those who are interested may submit their application until June 30 on the page of the Regional Directorate for Sciences at the Regional Government Portal.
Brito e Abreu said this park will play a "key role" in the development of one of the priority axes of the Research and Innovation Strategy for the Smart Specialisation of the Azores (RIS3) - Agriculture and Agro-industry - involving companies and the University of the Azores as partners.
According to him, this technological park "will be a hub for the creation of highly-skilled jobs in the areas of biotechnology, agro-food industries, cultural and creative industries.” It is expected to "create synergies between science and the industrial sector."
Brito e Abreu added that his infrastructure will contribute to the economic development of Terceira Island. It represents "a total investment of nearly seven million Euros," of which five million will be directed to construction contract works and the remaining sum will be allocated to the acquisition of equipment.
With this new park, "the Regional Government increases the network of technological infrastructures and business incubators in the Region."