Learn About Smart's History
Our history is marked by a trajectory of achievements and innovation since the founding of SSD. It all began in 2019, when the research group led by Professor Sandro Lautenschlager participated in the Sinapse de Inovação program and emerged victorious with the project of an Ultrasonic Smart Sensor for Sludge Level Measurement. This achievement marked the birth of the Smart Sensor Design (SSD) startup, dedicated to developing intelligent products for the sustainable use of natural resources. Our journey demonstrates how the combination of personal and academic experiences can lead to the development of products with market potential, contributing to the formation of new talents and establishing a solid bridge between the academic and professional worlds. Since then, we have achieved significant milestones, including securing resources and awards, such as support from CNPq and FINEP, as well as participation in the first phase of the innovative women's award in 2023.
Sinapse Inovação - SSD Foundation
In 2019, the company participated in the Sinapse da Inovação program, with the support of the SSD Foundation. Sinapse da Inovação is a renowned pre-incubation program that aims to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses, offering financial resources, training, and mentorships. This participation in 2019 marked a crucial step in the validation and initial impetus of the proposal, possibly in the ideation or prototyping phase of a key project.
CNPq RHAE - Hiring researchers for the company
The year 2021 was significant with the hiring of researchers for the team through the RHAE (Human Resources in Strategic Areas) program of CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development). This program is fundamental for promoting innovation in companies, subsidizing the inclusion of masters and doctors to work directly on R&D projects, strengthening internal technical and scientific capacity and accelerating the development of new solutions.
First international contract - Service provision
Also in 2021, the organization achieved an important milestone by signing its first international service provision contract. This event represents the global validation of its expertise and capacity, indicating that its services or technologies are competitive and relevant beyond national borders. It is an indication of expansion and recognition in the international market.
CNPq Master's and Doctorate Scholarships MAI/DAI
The year 2021 continued to be a period of great effervescence for the R&D area, with the granting of Master's and Doctorate scholarships via the MAI (Academic Master's for Innovation) and DAI (Academic Doctorate for Innovation) programs of CNPq. These programs encourage the training of highly qualified human resources who develop their theses and dissertations within the business environment, generating applied knowledge and innovative solutions directly for the company's needs, in addition to strengthening the bridge between academia and industry.
Open innovation COMPESA
In 2022, the company engaged in an open innovation project with COMPESA (Pernambuco Sanitation Company). Open innovation is a strategic approach where organizations seek and incorporate external ideas, knowledge, and technologies to drive innovation. Collaboration with a sanitation company like COMPESA suggests a focus on solutions for water or environmental challenges, using external expertise to co-create solutions.
FINEP Enabling Technologies
The year 2023 marked the reception of support from FINEP (Financier of Studies and Projects) for the development of Enabling Technologies. FINEP is one of the main innovation fostering agencies in Brazil, and investment in enabling technologies means that the company is developing essential tools, platforms, or knowledge that can be the basis for various other future innovations or applications, with potential for great technological and market impact.
FINEP first phase innovative women
Still in 2023, the company was selected for FINEP's 'Innovative Women' program. This initiative aims to foster and support female entrepreneurship in the field of innovation, recognizing and boosting businesses led or co-led by women. Participation in this program reinforces the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, while validating the quality and innovative potential of the projects developed by women on its team.
FINEP/MCTI Economic Subsidy — Smart Drone Sonar Latest
In 2026, Smart Sensor Design was selected in the MCTI/FINEP/FNDCT Public Call for Continuous-Flow Economic Subsidy for Innovation — Intellectual Property Commercialization Support Program, with the Smart Drone Sonar project. The project tackles river siltation, which reduces riverbed depth, causes floods, and affects riverside communities. Such monitoring currently depends on fixed stations, limited to a few points by their high cost, or on manual and infrequent measurements. Based on patent BR 102018014158-9, Smart Drone Sonar is an amphibious drone with an aquatic measurement and navigation system, able to travel entire watercourses and monitor the river channel continuously. Funded by FINEP and MCTI, the project foresees a functional prototype aimed at the sustainable management of water resources and the prevention of natural disasters.
Our Values
With our cutting-edge products, we offer intelligent solutions for your challenges.
Smart Solutions
With our next-generation products, we offer smart solutions for your challenges.
Cost Reduction
Our solutions help reduce operational costs, increasing efficiency and resource utilization.
Environmental Preservation
We contribute to environmental preservation by optimizing water and energy use in WTPs and WWTPs.
New treatments
We contribute to the development of more efficient and less toxic medicines for tropical diseases, especially parasitic ones. Initial actions include basic research, identification of action targets, and preclinical tests.
Bring our technology into your operation
Talk to our technical team about pilots, deploying our products, and joint R&D partnerships.
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