Research, Innovation and Development

Innovation is a central element in the trajectory of the Finançor Group, reflecting a culture based on vision, commitment, and the ability to constantly adapt to new challenges.

In an island territory like the Azores, characterized by geographical dispersion, limitations of scale, and logistical challenges, innovation plays a crucial role in the Group's competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. Within this context, Finançor focuses on research, development, and innovation as drivers of modernization, operational efficiency, and value creation throughout the entire value chain.

Through participation in collaborative initiatives and projects, Finançor seeks to transform knowledge into concrete solutions, promoting the continuous improvement of its processes, products and services, and reinforcing its relevance in the sectors in which it operates.

 

INNOVATION AXES

The Finançor Group's research, development, and innovation strategy is based on five cross-cutting pillars that guide the Group's transformation in a consistent and integrated manner throughout the entire value chain.

  • Useful and integrated digitization, through the promotion of automation and digitization of production and operational processes, using interconnected management systems and data analysis to support decision-making.
  • Sustainability and circular economy, with the implementation of practices that promote the reduction of consumption and emissions, as well as the valorization of waste and by-products, contributing to a more sustainable model.
  • A culture of innovation and empowerment, fostering an organizational culture geared towards continuous improvement, through training, knowledge sharing, and the valuing of innovative ideas.
  • Partnerships and open innovation, promoting the development of collaborations with external entities, including universities, technology centers and strategic partners, within the scope of R&D projects and initiatives.

 

Partnerships and Collaboration Opportunities

We believe that the creation of sustainable value results from cooperation between companies, scientific institutions and public entities, contributing to the development of innovative solutions with real impact.

Finançor is committed to collaboration and open innovation, and is available to integrate consortia and research, development and innovation projects at regional, national and European levels, providing a set of skills and assets relevant to the development of collaborative projects:

  • Diverse technical and operational capabilities, through a presence in various areas of activity, with a special focus on the agro-industrial sector, in an integrated "farm to fork" approach.
  • A real-world testing and validation context, in an insular and ultra-peripheral territory, which constitutes a demanding and differentiating environment for the development, testing, and demonstration of innovative solutions.
  • Integration and circularity, integrating complete value chains that allow addressing challenges in a systemic way, including resource efficiency, by-product recovery and circular economy.
  • Expanded network and dissemination capacity, connecting to a vast ecosystem of clients, producers, and partners, allowing for amplified communication and transfer of project results.
  • Real-world case studies and practical applications, with the ability to provide real industrial and operational contexts in different domains, including production processes, energy, mobility, buildings, and logistics.

We are committed to actively contributing to the success of the projects we participate in, ensuring technical and operational involvement, sharing of relevant knowledge and data, and a focus on practical application and creating impact. Get in touch!

  • Talent, well-being and the future of work, valuing people as the engine of innovation, promoting skills development, attracting talent and adapting to new ways of working.

 

PROJETOS DESENVOLVIDOS

MAXBOV – Desvendando a diversidade genética e adaptação local da raça Catrina para uma produção pecuária sustentável

O projeto MAXBOV, desenvolvido em consórcio com o Centro de Biotecnologia dos Açores (CBA-UAç), incide sobre a investigação da raça autóctone Catrina e do microbioma gastrointestinal em comparação com a raça Holstein Frísia, focando-se na eficiência alimentar, redução de emissões de metano e sustentabilidade da produção animal. A Finançor acolherá parte dos ensaios através da exploração Altiprado, providenciando suporte técnico, análise de alimento, assim como uma perspetiva comercial. Este envolvimento permite aprofundar o conhecimento técnico do microbioma gastrointestinal de bovinos, com vista ao desenvolvimento de alimentos compostos inovadores, fortalecendo a competitividade do sector e contribuindo para a sua valorização social, económica e ambiental.

  • Financiamento: 49 072,66€ (FCT)
  • Financiamento Finançor: 0,00€
  • Calendário: 01/01/2025 a 30/06/2026

 

JOULIA – Electrification of industrial processes using induction and microwaves technologies

O projeto JOULIA visa desenvolver tecnologias inovadoras de aquecimento elétrico por indução e micro-ondas, aumentando a eficiência energética e recurso a eletricidade em processos industriais de média temperatura, como o fabrico de rações ou a produção de bolachas, para os quais ainda não existem soluções comerciais alternativas. As soluções serão otimizadas com modelos digitais e validadas a um nível de maturidade em ambiente operacional (nível 7). A Finançor acolherá o desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias nos seus processos de fabrico, providenciando suporte técnico e uma perspetiva comercial, permitindo a eletrificação destes processos. O projeto promove a transição energética, reduzindo a dependência de combustíveis fósseis e fortalecendo a competitividade da indústria europeia, com a colaboração de 16 parceiros de 7 países da UE, incluindo centros de investigação, fornecedores de tecnologia e indústria química e alimentar.

  • Financiamento: 5 298 114,42€ (Horizon Europe)
  • Financiamento Finançor: 100 187,50€
  • Calendário: 01/01/2025 a 31/12/2028

 

AlgaeFusion – Autochthonous microalgae and cyanobacteria biorefineries for animal nutraceutical feed and cosmeceutical product development

O projeto AlgaeFusion é uma iniciativa de investigação e desenvolvimento que aplica biotecnologia ao sector agroalimentar, através da utilização de microalgas e cianobactérias autóctones dos Açores para o desenvolvimento de rações com propriedades nutracêuticas. Desenvolvido em parceria entre a Fundação Gaspar Frutuoso e a Finançor – Agro-Alimentar, S.A., o projeto assenta num modelo de economia circular, promovendo o aproveitamento de recursos endógenos, a inovação industrial e a transferência de conhecimento da academia para a indústria, contribuindo para a criação de valor, sustentabilidade e emprego qualificado na Região Autónoma dos Açores.

  • Financiamento: 463 467,00€ (FEDER e Governo Regional dos Açores)
  • Financiamento Finançor: 34 827,00€ (FEDER)
  • Calendário: 02/12/2025 e término 01/12/2028
  • Projeto AlgaeFusion: https://algaefusion.uac.pt/