The ambitious project Porto Maravalley, also known as POMAR, is emerging as a prominent initiative of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, overseen by Invest.Rio, a division connected to the Municipal Secretariat of Economic Development, Innovation, and Simplification of Rio (SDMDEIS), with a primary focus on the technology and innovation sector. In an exclusive interview with REsource, Chicão Bulhões, the Municipal Secretary of Economic Development, Innovation, and Simplification of Rio, unveiled the comprehensive plans and expectations for the transformation of Porto Maravilha, a prominent business district that houses some of the city's most modern properties."

The city government has committed R$ 40 million to renovate and construct a 10,000 square meter warehouse, with a clear goal in mind: to establish an innovation hub, a space that will serve as a collaborative and development-friendly environment for startups, companies, investors, and the academic sector.

"Our initial expectation is to attract over 200 startups and a thousand entrepreneurs from various sectors of the economy, creating a minimum of 5,000 job opportunities. Moreover, we have several other parallel initiatives that can further bolster these numbers. Our construction efforts are slated for completion by 2023, and within 2 years, we anticipate that the people of Rio will recognize the magnitude of this remarkable revolution we are spearheading in the city," stated Bulhões.

However, the project's ambition extends beyond nurturing the city's innovation and technology scene; it aspires to turn Rio de Janeiro into a genuine reference hub for innovation across Latin America. The dynamic activities centered around Porto Maravalley are also deemed pivotal in revitalizing the urban core of the city.

In conjunction with Porto Maravalley, other initiatives are contributing to a surge in economic activity in Rio, such as Reviver Centro and Reviver Centro Cultural, which have already hosted significant events like the Web Summit Rio, one of the world's largest gatherings for technology and innovation. Another promising endeavor is the Sandbox.Rio project, providing companies with an opportunity to test innovative products and services in a controlled environment in Rio de Janeiro.

In addition to its economic impact, the project prioritizes social aspects. A prime example of this is the presence of IMPA Tech, which will occupy half of the warehouse. The institute will grant scholarships to talented young individuals from all corners of the country. "Students will receive scholarships and housing, thanks to direct investments from the Federal Government and the Rio City Hall - providing an opportunity for students from across the country who excel in the Brazilian Mathematics Olympiad in Public Schools (OBMEP) to study, develop professionally, transforming their lives and those of their families," shared the Secretary.

IMPA Tech will offer undergraduate courses in critical areas like Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics, contributing to the training of highly qualified professionals well-prepared for the challenges of the job market.