Simplifying Strategic Innovation Plans: How Atlântico Drives Key Results for Energy Companies

The new cycle of the five-year strategic innovation plan (PEQuI 2024–2028), launched by Brazil’s electricity regulator, significantly raises expectations for Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) investments by electric utility companies. The focus is now on achieving tangible results, measurable returns, and delivering direct benefits to consumers and the broader energy sector.

As an affiliated Embrapii Unit, Atlântico brings extensive experience in regulated projects and acts as a strategic innovation partner for electric utilities. We support companies in meeting the ambitious Key Results (KRs) defined by innovation plans and regulatory frameworks, helping drive meaningful value and impact.

Atlântico: Experience, Innovation, and Impact

With over 23 years of expertise, Atlântico is a leader in technological innovation focused on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). We have built a solid reputation advancing technology through:

• Over 1,350 technology projects delivered to domestic and international clients

• More than 40 patent applications

• Over 80 scientific publications

• Support for 12 tech startups through acceleration and market mentoring

Our vast experience in the energy sector includes collaborations with leading Brazilian companies such as Chesf, Copel, Enel, ISA Energia, Engie, ABRATE, and AES Brasil. 

Through our affiliation with Embrapii, we have access to co-investment funds that enable risk-sharing and provide financial backing for innovation projects. Additionally, we actively facilitate partnerships between energy companies and startups to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative solutions.

As an Embrapii unit specialized in Intelligent Manufacturing, Atlântico excels in Artificial Intelligence solutions focused on real impact and measurable outcomes.

Atlântico as a Driver of Key Innovation Goals

Communication: Our design and technical communication team is ready to support electric utilities in producing high-quality audiovisual materials that help publicize the outcomes of RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) projects. We ensure these materials meet strategic plan requirements and increase the visibility of investments in innovation.

Financial Return: Our projects aim to generate practical solutions with market potential. We encourage creation of licensable intellectual property, marketable new products, and technologies that can provide financial returns through royalties, licenses, or direct applications, targeting at least a 1% return on investment. Additionally, we maintain an entrepreneurship ecosystem that supports transferring R&D solutions to the market.

Applicability of RDI Projects: We work on demand-driven projects closely aligned with utilities’ challenges and strategies. This increases the likelihood that results will be adopted within operational environments, reinforcing real use of developed technologies, processes, or products.

Investments in Strategic Themes: Our competencies and project portfolio align with priority themes such as digitalization, energy efficiency, and electrification of the economy, ensuring compliance with the 50% investment target in these areas.

Investments in High TRL Projects: We have expertise in the development of projects from TRL 3 to 9 and support utilities in advancing projects with practical applications and market potential above TRL 6. Through co-investment programs, we co-finance projects up to TRL 7, sharing risks with utilities and helping bring solutions to market.

Third-Party Resources: As an affiliated Embrapii unit, Atlântico can co-invest part of the project’s total value as financial counterpart, provided the project aligns with our expertise area (Intelligent Manufacturing) and relevant guidelines.

Postgraduate Degrees: Our projects include master’s and doctoral education components. We promote partnerships with universities and research centers to foster talent development.

Intellectual Property: We maintain a modern, flexible innovation policy managed by a specialized team focused on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer. We support everything from IP strategy to registration and technology transfer alongside utilities. We view IP as a strategic asset that must be created with a focus on value creation and market application.

Scientific Publications: We publish in high-impact journals and encourage scientific production with partner researchers, contributing to technical dissemination and academic validation.

Regional Development: Based in Fortaleza (Northeastern Brazil), Atlântico is a technology hub strongly supporting innovation in Northern, Northeastern, and Central-West regions. We play a leading role in nationally impactful projects.

Partnership and Collaboration

Atlântico connects energy companies with startups, academic institutions, and research organizations to maximize impact. Our PRAIA program incubates and accelerates startups, fostering co-development and scalable innovation. We are more than a technology provider. We bring strategic regulatory insight, co-investment opportunities, ecosystem connections, and a strong focus on delivering measurable business value. Atlântico is a trusted partner for leading the digital and energy transition in today’s global energy landscape. We can help build your strategic innovation portfolio.