In a major victory for agricultural health innovation, the Brazilian startup Protege Química has claimed the top prize at the Gramado Summit 2026. The company won the event's prestigious Startup Battle, a competition that serves as a highlight of the major tech and business conference.
The winning solution is a specially formulated cream designed to create a protective barrier on the skin. This barrier significantly reduces the absorption of nicotine for workers during the tobacco harvesting process, directly addressing a critical occupational health hazard.
The competition was fierce, drawing over 70 startups to enter the contest. From this large pool, 14 finalists were selected to present their ideas on the main stage, where Protege Química ultimately emerged as the champion.
The startup was founded by two chemistry technicians from Santa Cruz do Sul, a city in Rio Grande do Sul with a strong historical connection to the tobacco industry. Their personal connection to the region's primary industry fueled their drive to find a practical solution for its workers.
Their innovation targets a condition commonly known as "green leaf sickness," a form of nicotine poisoning caused by dermal contact with the plant. This illness is a persistent risk for rural laborers who handle tobacco leaves daily without adequate protection.
By developing a topical cream, Protege Química offers a direct and accessible method to mitigate this risk. The product's success at the summit highlights a growing focus on creating tangible, user-friendly technologies that improve safety and quality of life for specific worker communities.
Based on reporting from g1.