Inauguration of the First Innovation Training Center in Brazil

Klimber, along with MetLife Brazil, UNILEHU, the OAS, and Microsoft Brazil, proudly announced the opening of the POETA INNOVATION Center at UNILEHU University — a pioneering initiative that aims to enhance productivity, employment, and entrepreneurship through training in the skills required for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs. The center is coordinated by UNILEHU, the local partner of The Trust for the Americas (a foundation affiliated with the Organization of American States), and focuses on bringing training in innovative technologies to the Curitiba community.

The POETA Program (Partnership for Economic Opportunities through Technology in the Americas) has evolved into a social franchise model for development that strengthens a network of Technology Centers led by NGOs, public and private entities, and academic institutions. Founded in 2005 in Central America, The Trust for the Americas’ model has expanded across Latin America and the Caribbean, offering tools, services, and benefits to promote social inclusion and generate economic and educational opportunities for vulnerable populations.

3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence are powerful tools with the potential to transform how people work and improve their socioeconomic conditions. By providing POETA program beneficiaries with access to training in these fields, we aim to equip individuals with cutting-edge skills that enable them to access quality jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.

This project marks a significant milestone, as it is the first POETA Center at UNILEHU University offering innovative subjects — and one of the few in Latin America. It is designed to create regional impact by massively promoting knowledge in innovation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, boosting productivity and performance for individuals already employed or seeking to enter the labor market in Brazil and abroad.

The POETA Innovation Center at UNILEHU is ready to open its doors and welcome a new era of innovation training in the region — a crucial step toward a future where technology and innovation enhance economic opportunities and transform lives.

“Today we inaugurated the POETA Center in Curitiba — it was a day full of emotions, joy, and new opportunities. More than 50 participants, along with professionals from various companies and local organizations, attended the event, featuring speeches by Cristiano Saab, James Maganha, and Diego Naveira from Klimber; Leonardo Ventura and Amanda Moraes from MetLife; and Yvy Abbade from UNILEHU. This is the first center we’ve funded in Brazil and the third in the region. The initiative reflects Klimber’s commitment, alongside The Trust for the Americas, to promoting entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and financial education across Latin America. This new center, supported by MetLife and Microsoft, is unique in its inclusive approach, focusing on innovation, 3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Through our support, more than three thousand young people in vulnerable situations will receive annual training in the skills demanded by an increasingly tech-driven job market.” — ESG Team, Klimber

“We are very proud to take part in an initiative like this, which promotes digital inclusion among young people in vulnerable situations while advancing one of MetLife’s core pillars: innovation. Through this project, we empower people to access the job market or start their own ventures — something highly meaningful in a society that needs more opportunities,” said Paula Toguchi, AVP of New Business and Innovation, MetLife Brazil.

“This space represents more than a development opportunity — it’s a gateway to the future. We are committed to providing our students with the tools and knowledge they need to build successful careers and contribute to innovation in their communities,” said Aline Gonçalves, representative of Unilehu.

“Offering innovative and high-quality educational programs focused on the use and adoption of technology to promote empowerment and digital equity is our main goal with the inauguration of the new POETA Center and Maker Space at Unilehu. Thanks to our 13-year partnership with Unilehu, the support of Microsoft, and contributions from Klimber and MetLife, this space brings together the experience of all partners to offer comprehensive training, tools, and access to emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and 3D printing. We hope that each individual, by developing these new skills, can design their own future and become a true protagonist in their transformation journey.” — Fátima Galeazzo, National Coordinator, The Trust for the Americas (Brazil)