Cais Açu Lab is the country’s first port innovation platform, promoted by Port of Açu administration. Born from the ambition to become an engine of innovation not only for the port itself but for the entire Brazilian port sector, Cais Açu Lab emerged to address critical challenges and seize growing opportunities in the industry.
Ports face increasing demands for decarbonization, digitalization, operational efficiency, and resilience. While the sector is essential for global trade, it has historically lagged in adopting innovation at scale. Recognizing this gap, the Port of Açu created Cais Açu Lab to catalyze transformation, bringing together stakeholders across the value chain—industries, startups, academia, and public entities—to co-create solutions.
In just two years, Cais Açu Lab has established itself as a pioneer, with 50+ partners and over 115 projects advancing in areas such as energy transition, digital transformation, new business development, and process improvement. This includes initiatives ranging from the deployment of digital twins and autonomous vessels to the creation of green hydrogen hub and circular economy models. Beyond its role as an innovation hub, Cais Açu Lab serves as a powerful platform to generate social and environmental impact. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and entrepreneurship, it creates meaningful opportunities for the local population, drives regional economic growth, and supports nature conservation efforts such as biodiversity protection and resource efficiency.
Cais Açu Lab is designed as an open and accessible platform, breaking down barriers between companies, innovators, and the port community. It promotes connections, inspires ideas, and fosters the development of Brazil’s port ecosystem. As the first of its kind in the country, Cais Açu Lab positions the Port of Açu not only as a logistics leader but as a beacon of sustainable innovation for the future of maritime industries.