Brazil Launches “PocketFab” to Produce Millions of Semiconductor Chips Locally

The University of São Paulo (USP), Senai and Fiesp has inaugurated the first unit of its "PocketFab" project, a pioneering initiative aimed at producing up to 60 million semiconductor chips per year through a network of compact, modular, and sustainable micro-factories.

The project seeks to reduce Brazil’s heavy reliance on imported electronic components, particularly for the automotive, medical, and industrial sectors.

A PARADIGM SHIFT IN MANUFACTURING

Unlike traditional multi-billion dollar semiconductor mega-fabs, the PocketFab model, or "pocket factories", focuses on accelerating innovation cycles within small, 150-square-meter facilities.

"PocketFab represents a paradigm shift in semiconductor production. It is a modular, flexible, and non-massive factory designed to be portable and scalable," said Marcelo Knörich Zuffo, coordinator of USP’s Innovation Center.

The project is a collaborative effort between USP, which handles chip design, and SENAI-SP, responsible for validation, industrial integration, and professional training. The Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP) also provides key support.

TARGETING CRITICAL SECTORS

The production will address chronic shortages in several high-growth areas:

• Automotive Industry: Chips for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), safety, and connectivity;
• Industrial Automation: Smart sensors for predictive maintenance and advanced machinery;
• Healthcare: Components for medical devices and health monitoring equipment.

NATIONAL EXPANSION AND JOB CREATION

The first unit, capable of producing 10 million chips annually, will serve as a blueprint for nine additional hubs across Brazil. Once fully operational, the 10-factory network is expected to create up to 5,000 jobs, including positions for engineers, researchers, and technicians.

The initiative has already engaged in direct dialogue with major industry bodies, including ANFAVEA (automakers), ABIPLAST (plastics), and ABINC (Internet of Things), to align production with market demand.

While a definitive timeline for the remaining nine units has not been set, the project marks Brazil's most significant step toward technological sovereignty in the semiconductor space.

Edge and Orizon Open Brazil’s Largest Biomethane Facility to Supply Industry and Transport

The biomethane plant, which Edge and Orizon opened last Saturday, serves as the company's largest facility and helps Brazil reach its energy transition goals while producing sustainable fuel. The facility, which operates in Paulínia, São Paulo state, located in southeastern Brazil, achieves a daily output of 225,000 cubic meters (m³/day), which supports the fuel needs of more than 1,000 urban buses.

The OneBio plant operates within an Ecopark that Edge (51%) and Orizon Valorização de Resíduos (49%) established as a joint project. The plant generates biomethane through its biogas treatment process, which extracts gas from urban solid waste streams. The plant operates its gas distribution system through existing pipeline connections while Edge manages its sales operations. Unilever has established a biomethane provision contract with Edge to support decarbonization efforts at its soap production facility located in Valinhos, São Paulo.

São Paulo leads Brazil in biomethane production, accounting for approximately half of the national capacity with nine operational units. The state currently has a production capacity of around 700,000 m³/day and expects to exceed 800,000 m³/day by December 2026, with a potential of 6.4 million m³/day.

The state expansion of natural gas and biomethane vehicle adoption proceeds through three policies which include environmental licensing simplification, natural gas and biomethane vehicle tax exemptions, and the "Conecta Biometano SP" platform. A 2025 regulation by ARSESP facilitates plant interconnection to the gas network, with costs covered by suppliers, aligning with the State Climate Change Policy (PEMC) and State Energy Plan (PEE 2050).

Biomethane functions as an industrial material which substitutes natural gas for two purposes. The FIESP study indicates that over 80% of São Paulo's biomethane potential lies in the sugar-energy sector which processes vinasse and filter cake and bagasse and straw.

Grupo Marquise in Ceará plans to spend R$100 million which equals $20 million USD for a new project that will create biomethane through solid waste processing at their Aquiraz landfill site. The GNR Fortaleza plant in Caucaia operates as the biggest facility of its type in North and Northeast regions because it produces 110000 m³ of output daily through its collaboration between Marquise Ambiental and Ecometano.

Cummins Brasil has begun field testing its B6.7N Otto cycle engine which represents the company's first medium engine designed for urban use that operates on natural gas and biomethane. This initiative supports Cummins' global "Destination Zero" strategy and provides an urban transport solution which operates more quietly and efficiently while meeting Euro VI and Proconve P8 standards through its dedicated system for continuous performance improvement.