InovaSul Project Takes Unesc to the Leaders SC Award in the Regional Development Category

Unesc received a special recognition in the Regional Development Highlight category during the 13th edition of the Líderes SC 2026 Award. The ceremony took place on the evening of Wednesday (11/11) at Alameda Casa Rosa in Florianópolis, bringing together business leaders, authorities, and representatives from various sectors of Santa Catarina society.

This achievement was driven by the work developed through InovaSul, a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening the socioeconomic conditions of the regions represented by the Association of Municipalities of the Carboniferous Region (Amrec) and the Association of Municipalities of Extreme South Santa Catarina (Amesc).

"Receiving this recognition brings joy to the entire academic community. Unesc has built a trajectory of commitment to regional development, focusing on the education of individuals, the production of knowledge, and the pursuit of solutions to societal challenges. This honor also represents the work of many individuals who are part of the Institution and believe in education as a transformative force. We will continue to work to bring together the university, businesses, government, and the community, expanding our contribution to Santa Catarina," says Gisele Silveira Coelho Lopes, the acting rector of Unesc.

Promoted by the Santa Catarina Business Leaders Group (Lide), the award recognizes companies, institutions, and initiatives that contribute to the economic and social development of the State. In 2026, the event also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the organization.

"This recognition demonstrates that regional development occurs when different sectors work towards common goals. InovaSul embodies the ability to bring together knowledge, entrepreneurial initiative, and institutional collaboration to create solutions that yield results for society. Unesc has a history of commitment to the territory, and this achievement values a collective effort that believes in education, innovation, and cooperation as pathways to expand opportunities and prepare the region for future challenges," emphasizes Luciane Bisognin Ceretta, the State Secretary of Education and licensed rector of Unesc.

Engagement with productive sectors

The InovaSul project aims to bring together productive, academic, and institutional sectors to build an innovation ecosystem capable of driving economic and social growth, with attention to sustainability and the needs of future generations.

The initiative tracks emerging economic trends and stimulates innovation in products and processes, entrepreneurship, and regional competitiveness. The proposal also integrates productive efficiency and social-environmental responsibility into a strategic vision for the future of the territory.