From July 13 to 19, 2025, the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) in Recife became a meeting place for around 20,000 participants from the fields of science, education, politics, business, and civil society: The annual conference of the Sociedade Brasileira para o Progresso da Ciência (SBPC) is Brazil's largest and most important science conference. It takes place at a different university each year, always with the aim of promoting dialogue between science and society – with free admission for all interested parties.

This year, Münster was also represented: Dr. Anne Vortkamp, a member of the scouting team at the REACH – EUREGIO Start-up Center of the University of Münster and Münster University of Applied Sciences and founder of CARAPAX biotechnologies, accepted an invitation from the German House for Research and Innovation (DWIH) in São Paulo at the suggestion of the Brazil Center at the University of Münster. She participated in the DWIH's international round table and used her stay in Recife to establish contacts with leading innovation players in the region.

Women in Science and Innovation: An International Panel

On July 15, 2025, the panel “Women in Science and Innovation: Fostering Entrepreneurship in Universities” brought together international and Brazilian voices. In addition to Vortkamp, Prof. Dr. Laura Bechthold (TH Ingolstadt) and Brazilian chemist and entrepreneur Maitê Gothe also participated in the discussion. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Soraya Soubhi Smaili, Professor of Pharmacology and first female rector (2013-2017) at the University of São Paulo (Unifesp).

The discussion revolved around a central question: How can universities effectively promote women in science and entrepreneurship?

Empowerment begins at universities

In her keynote speech, Anne Vortkamp emphasized the connection between academic education, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial spirit:

“For me, empowerment begins at universities. A solid education builds self-confidence—and this self-confidence is the foundation for bringing your own ideas from research into the world and standing up for them. This can make a decisive difference, especially for women.”

Based on her own journey—from her academic career to founding CARAPAX biotechnologies, based on the results of her own doctoral thesis, to her work at REACH Scouting—Dr. Vortkamp demonstrated how important it is for universities to teach not only knowledge but also entrepreneurial skills.

She noted that the challenges for female founders in Brazil and Germany are surprisingly similar: lack of visibility, fewer networking opportunities, gender-specific prejudices. “Same same but different”, she summarized. “The contexts differ, but the hurdles are universal.”

"By encouraging students and researchers to pursue their ideas with determination and providing them with the necessary tools, we are laying the foundation for a more diverse and innovative start-up landscape – whether in Münster, Recife, or anywhere else in the world", Vortkamp affirms.

International stage for REACH TO EMPOWER

Vortkamp's presentation of REACH TO EMPOWER, a program of the REACH – EUREGIO Start-up Center that specifically addresses and supports marginalized groups – especially women – aroused particular interest. This includes formats such as the Women's Empowerment Breakfast, the Women's Empowerment Convention, and topic-specific workshops on visibility and self-marketing.

Although attendance at the panel was lower than hoped for, there were interested questions and intensive discussions with representatives of CESAR School, a private innovation and education institution in Recife. Initial ideas for future cooperation—such as joint formats for idea development (Ideation Labs)—have already been explored.

Recife as a location for innovation: port, high-tech, and universities

In addition to her conference presentation, Vortkamp used the time to get to know Recife's innovation landscape. The capital of the state of Pernambuco is considered one of the most important technology centers in Latin America – a reputation it owes primarily to Porto Digital.

• Porto Digital is a technology and creative industry center that has been developed in a former port district. Today, more than 14,000 people work here in over 475 companies from the IT, gaming, design, and start-up scenes. Vortkamp was particularly impressed by the close integration of universities, companies, and the public sector, which enables practical training and direct transitions into entrepreneurial projects.

• CESAR School is considered one of Brazil's leading innovation schools. It focuses on project-based learning, in which students work on real-world problems from companies at an early stage. Discussions with lecturers and those responsible revealed clear parallels to REACH formats such as Talents & Teams – and offered potential for bilateral exchange projects.

• A visit to the genetics laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) with Prof. Dr. Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon provided an insight into current research on plant stress. The visit also focused on possible scientific collaborations with the University of Münster, particularly in the field of sustainable agriculture.

Between language barriers and a sense of community

One of the most impressive experiences for Vortkamp was the openness of the SBPC conference: Although many events were held in Portuguese, which posed a challenge for international guests, the atmosphere was characterized by a willingness to exchange ideas and a sense of community.

“There is something for everyone here: research, education policy, social debates – and free admission for all interested parties. This makes the conference a fixed date for the Brazilian science community,” Vortkamp summed up.

What is particularly striking is that the SBPC is not only a specialist conference, but also a social event. Between lectures and discussions, music, theater, exhibitions, and science shows fill the campus – attracting not only specialist audiences, but also school classes, families, and local initiatives.

Global issues, joint strategies

Dr. Anne Vortkamp returned to Münster with many new contacts and ideas. For REACH, the discussions in Recife not only mean an expansion of international networks, but also the opportunity to learn about best practices from another innovation ecosystem.

Empowerment, visibility, and entrepreneurial support at universities—these topics connect Recife and Münster as well as Brazil and Germany. The SBPC annual conference showed that the challenges are global—and they are best tackled together.