By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media
São Paulo, Brazil-based Stepan Company is deepening its presence in the Latin American country’s fast-growing agricultural sector. The chemical solutions provider is unveiling a series of new investments aimed at strengthening innovation and technical support across Brazil’s farm economy. Stepan has opened a dedicated agriculture laboratory at the Parque Tecnológico de Piracicaba, Brazil, a prominent hub for agtech research and commercialization where it has also formed a partnership with PwC’s ag hub.
This new facility at the Parque Tecnológico de Piracicaba in Brazil marks a big step forward for Stepan’s ag business, accelerating the development of formulations for chemical and biological crop protection products, adjuvants and specialty fertilizers. It gives their teams a dedicated spot to trial product ideas, check for safety and effectiveness, and brainstorm fresh innovations by working alongside R&D folks. Additionally, the lab helps tackle tricky regulations and IP issues, while building ties with local farmers, startups, universities and industry stakeholders through Stepan’s investments to bring cutting-edge, sustainable tech straight to Brazilian growers.
Stepan Vice President of Global Crop Productivity David Allen stated, “Piracicaba is a vibrant innovation ecosystem for agriculture. Establishing a dedicated laboratory here is a strategic move to accelerate our local development capabilities and strengthen our connection with Brazilian producers.”
The new lab will be closely linked with Stepan’s broader network of agricultural R&D centers, creating a two-way channel for sharing formulation expertise, field insights and testing protocols.
Alongside the Piracicaba facility, the company is also tightening its ties across the agtech ecosystem. As an Innovation Corporate investor, Stepan is expanding its role within PwC Agtech Innovation, one of the largest agricultural innovation hubs in Piracicaba, giving it access to networking opportunities, targeted innovation forums and direct collaboration with startups, research institutions, universities and industry partners. The relationship is intended to raise Stepan’s profile within Brazil’s agri-business community and support the development of more sustainable, technology-driven solutions for farmers.
Stepan Regional Platform Manager Rafael Kambara commented, “We want to be where innovation happens. Expanding our presence in PwC’s hub allows us to collaborate with the key players driving transformation in Brazilian agriculture.”
PwC Agtech Innovation has become a key catalyst for Brazil’s farm economy. Based in Piracicaba and built on the foundation of the former agtech company Garage hub, it operates as one of the country’s leading agri-business innovation platforms, connecting large agri-businesses, startups, producers investors and researchers to co-develop emerging technologies. By leading open-innovation programs, events and pilot projects, the hub’s mission to make Brazilian agriculture more competitive, inclusive and sustainable, while exporting native solutions to other markets.
The content put forth by Global AgInvesting News and its parent company HighQuest Partners is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only. All information or other material herein is not to be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Global AgInvesting and HighQuest Partners are not a fiduciary in any manner, and the reader assumes the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content on this site.