The leading biotechnology laboratory on the southern edge of the Amazon, frontier science at the transition between two of the most biodiverse biomes on the planet.
AraguaiaBiotech, the Biotech Innovation Laboratory (ABLIB), was born from the vision of turning UNEMAT Campus Nova Xavantina into a reference hub for genomics and biotechnology. Located at the transition between the Amazon and the Cerrado, the laboratory holds a unique geographic position to study two of the most biodiverse biomes on the planet.
Under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Joaquim Manoel da Silva, ABLIB has brought together a multidisciplinary team of researchers specialized in genomics, molecular ecology, bioinformatics, and bioprospecting. With more than R$ 7 million raised through grants and strategic partnerships, the lab now operates a next-generation sequencing infrastructure, including Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms, across 1,573 m² of integrated laboratory space.
Our focus is the integrated application of advanced technologies to understand adaptive mechanisms, develop bioinputs, support biodiversity conservation, and create solutions for agriculture and health.
To develop genomic prototyping and innovative biotechnology solutions, integrating frontier research with the demands of agriculture, conservation, and health in the Amazon-Cerrado transition region.
To be recognized as a national and Latin American reference hub for metagenomics and applied biotechnology, connecting Amazonian biodiversity to solutions of global impact.
Scientific rigor. Innovation with purpose. Valuing biodiversity. Inter-institutional collaboration. Training of human resources. Generating value from the standing forest.
CT-Verde Amarelo grant (01/2022) for the creation of the open biotechnology prototyping laboratory at UNEMAT.
Agreement Ref. 1321/22 signed in August 2023. Beginning of infrastructure implementation and partnerships with RZK Agro, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Partnerships for Forests (P4F).
New FINEP grant approved for infrastructure expansion and acquisition of advanced sequencing equipment.
Federal recognition as a research, innovation, and service-provision laboratory, registration #19199 on the National Research Infrastructure Platform.
Acquisition and installation of next-generation sequencing equipment and consolidation of partnerships with the productive sector.
Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms operational, more than 40 collaborating researchers, and the launch of metagenomics services.
Amazon-Cerrado transition, direct access to two global biodiversity hotspots.
Illumina and Oxford Nanopore (MK1C) platforms for next-generation sequencing.
PhDs in genomics, molecular ecology, bioinformatics, and bioprospecting.
Yale, University of Michigan, AMNH, and leading Brazilian institutions.
A direct bridge between academic research, agriculture, conservation, and health.
Prototyping accessible to external partners. Simplified contracting.
Nova Xavantina sits at the heart of Brazil, on the southern edge of the Amazon, in a unique ecological transition zone between the Cerrado and the Amazon Rainforest. This privileged position allows ABLIB to access and study two of the richest and most threatened biomes on the planet. The concept of the "standing forest" guides our work: generating economic value through preservation, not destruction. Metagenomics, bioprospecting, and environmental DNA are the tools that make this possible.
Direct access to two global biodiversity hotspots
Unique aquatic ecosystems for eDNA research
University infrastructure integrated with the laboratory
AraguaiaBiotech is affiliated with UNEMAT and operated in partnership with FAESPE, connecting the university to the productive sector and to national and international funders.
Meet our partners
