BRASILIA, Brazil—May 27, 2020— Today, Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO, news, filings) and Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations, and Communications (MCTIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines a program and investment that will boost skills development and digital transformation in Brazil. Participating in the virtual event were Brazil’s Minister Marcos Pontes, Executive Secretary Julio Semeghini, Secretary of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Paulo Alvim,  and Secretary of Telecommunications Vitor Menezes, joined by  Cisco Global Innovation Officer Guy Diedrich, Cisco Senior Vice President and Brazil Country Sponsor John Kern, Cisco President Latin America & SVP in the Americas Jordi Botifoll, and Cisco Brazil Country Manager Laercio Albuquerque.

This agreement is part of a strategic investment by Cisco through its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Program, called Brasil Digital e Inclusivo. It is also designed to reinforce Brazil’s social recovery and economic stability as the country enters a new post-pandemic reality.

With the purpose of promoting economic growth and skills development, the program will focus on digitizing education, healthcare, cybersecurity, agribusiness, public safety, and manufacturing in connection with industry, academic and public sector partners.

The initiatives pertaining to the Brazilian Federal Government of President Jair Bolsonaro will be designed and executed by Cisco in collaboration with MCTIC.

Among the CDA initiatives announced are the following:

  • National Science, Technology and Innovation System Monitoring Platform: Cisco will work closely with MCTIC to develop an intelligent digital platform to support the monitoring, management and development of public policies in the country, by promoting research and fostering innovation in Brazil
  • Cybersecurity: Cisco will continue to deliver on several activities to promote cyber-attack prevention, resilience, and training in Brazil.
    • A Cyber Education Program that will be launched through Cisco Networking Academy, which will impact around 7,000 young people in the country and develop new talent to meet the growing demand for professionals in this area, both in the public and private sectors, and in Information Communications Technology (ICT) more broadly
    • Cisco will also work with MCTIC on the adoption of best practices with regard to threat intelligence, detection, prevention, and analytics.
    • Through the Cybersecurity Innovation Council, Cisco has also created a new regional platform in collaboration with Organization of American States (OAS) for cybersecurity education and best practice sharing, of which Brazil is a member.
  • Industry 4.0: Cisco will create an Experience Center focused on fostering innovation and supporting cutting-edge Industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing technologies. Cisco will also develop a training program for professionals who will work in this segment, including knowledge and skills in the integrated use of  IT  and automation in industrial environments. Cisco intends on supporting the training of 2,000 professionals over the next three years.
  • Response to COVID-19: Cisco is supporting healthcare institutions and making video and virtual collaboration technology available to allow remote care and better interaction between doctors and patients. In addition, Cisco has been providing critical technological infrastructure to several field hospitals that have been set up to serve COVID-19 patients.

Cisco is also supporting the National Council of Justice (CNJ) with the provision of a videoconferencing platform for virtual sessions, allowing the return of court activities across the country during the pandemic.

  • Cisco will also invest in selected initiatives in Brazil related to areas such as Smart Cities, IoT, 5G and Wi-Fi6, among others.

According to Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications, astronaut Marcos Pontes, Brazil must focus on promoting strong integration between the public and the private sector in fostering the necessary innovation that meets the needs of the country, while improving the technology ecosystem. “This partnership between MCTIC and Cisco is an example of this transformative union. Science and technology are fundamental elements of the economic and social development of Brazil,” said the Minister.

“It is our responsibility as policymakers and business leaders to help create inclusive futures for our communities that are now at increased risk of being left behind by the digital divide,” said Jordi Botifoll, Cisco President Latin America & SVP in the Americas. “We are proud of our longstanding commitment and presence in Brazil and recognize its economic significance in Latin America.”

“Through the Country Digital Acceleration program, Cisco has the opportunity to positively impact communities, governments, and businesses around the world by unlocking the value of digitization,” said Cisco Global Innovation Officer, Guy Diedrich. “This announcement is another key milestone on our journey with the Brazilian government and people of Brazil that will lead to continued prosperity.”

“Over the past 25 years, Cisco has played an integral role in the development of Brazil’s telecommunications and network infrastructure,” said Laercio Albuquerque, Cisco Brazil Country Manager. “Our hope with this investment is to bolster Brazil’s competitiveness, with a resilient workforce that is well trained to meet the demands of the market.”

25 Years of Cisco in Brazil

Over the past 25 years, Cisco has played an important role in the development of the country’s telecommunications and connectivity infrastructure, essential for boosting the digital economy and innovation. Cisco technology has supported the main telecommunications and Internet networks in Brazil and was part of important events including Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the most connected and secure Games ever. Cisco has also promoted innovation in Brazil, focused on solutions developed with start-ups, technology partners, academia, and customers.

In the education segment, Cisco Networking Academy is present in all Brazilian states with about 650 academies throughout the country. In 2019, the program trained more than 62,000 students in Brazil, totalling more than 297,000 students since its inception in the country.

About Country Digital Acceleration

Since its inception five years ago, Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Program has developed strategic partnerships with governments across the world. Now officially active in 34 countries, CDA projects align with a nation’s priorities and bring digital solutions to unique societal challenges. By helping governments realize their digital agendas, CDA is helping countries stimulate economic growth and create an inclusive digital future where no one is left behind. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CDA has coordinated over 70 relief projects around the world.

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