Study Trip to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (M2 IMT&DD)

Brazil 2025: Immersion in a Living Lab for Sustainable Innovation

1. A Strategic Field for Rethinking Transitions

Brazil, a country of vast natural resources and deep social contrasts, offered a unique learning environment for the IMTDD students. Taking place in the symbolic context of the 200th anniversary of French-Brazilian diplomatic relations—and on the road to COP30 in Belém—the Learning Expedition aimed to connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges and opportunities.

Over ten days, the students traveled through São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, meeting with key players in sustainability, technology, and impact-driven entrepreneurship. The objective was to bridge theory and practice through an experience grounded in local realities and international collaboration.

2. Corporations and Institutions Facing Climate Urgency

Several major corporations opened their doors to the students, including Petrobras, whose cutting-edge CENPES research center exemplifies low-carbon innovation and environmental R&D. At L’Oréal Brazil, the students explored how the group’s “L’Oréal for the Future” strategy translates into inclusive social programs and concrete climate commitments on Brazilian soil.

Other companies such as Helexia (solar energy solutions) and DP6 (data science for ethical marketing) illustrated how the private sector can contribute to sustainable transitions. ESG frameworks were not presented as constraints, but rather as strategic levers for resilience and impact.

3. Social Innovation and Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

A core component of the expedition was dedicated to Brazil’s vibrant social innovation ecosystem. At Bioma Food Hub, students discovered a community of entrepreneurs reinventing the food system through circular models and regenerative agriculture. Startups like Nude are paving the way for low-carbon, plant-based products with a strong commitment to transparency and ethics.

Organizations such as Bemtevi and Instituto Gênesis (PUC-Rio) highlighted the importance of mission-driven finance and university-based incubators. These actors demonstrated how economic viability and social transformation can be mutually reinforcing—particularly in contexts marked by inequality and exclusion.

4. Toward a Long-Term France–Brazil Innovation Dialogue

The expedition also shed light on the strength of Franco-Brazilian partnerships. Meetings with Business France, the France-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, and top academic institutions such as USP and PUC-Rio emphasized the value of ongoing cooperation across research, business, and diplomacy.

At the end of the program, the students proposed the creation of a France–Brazil Innovation Alumni Club to strengthen the ties built during the expedition and foster new collaborations around COP30 and beyond. The goal: to promote a generation of leaders capable of driving inclusive and sustainable transitions on both sides of the Atlantic.

This Learning Expedition would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the academic, administrative, and student teams involved. The students warmly thank Florent Pratlong, faculty lead, for his trust, guidance, and insight throughout the journey. Deep thanks also go to Sarah Douch and Fériel Nasri for their unwavering support in the logistical and administrative coordination of the trip. The Sorbonne Innovation & Technologies Association and the students who helped organize this collective project played a key role in its success. Finally, the entire class extends its sincere gratitude to all the Brazilian institutions and organizations visited for their generosity, engagement, and the richness of the dialogue.