# 43 leading companies with in-house R&D in Rio de Janeiro State

Tamtam tracks 43 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Rio de Janeiro State. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Vale, Petrobras and Neoenergia S.A.. Their median headcount is 598. Half of them were founded in 1975 or later. The most common headquarters are Rio de Janeiro (32), Macaé (2) and Niterói (2).

These companies with in-house R&D in Rio de Janeiro State are primarily large organizations in the energy, mining, and public health sectors. Vale, a global mining company, and Petrobras, an energy solutions provider, are among the largest. Other significant players include Neoenergia S.A., a leader in the Brazilian electricity sector, and Eletrobras, an oil and gas company focused on clean energy.

The list also features several prominent higher education and research institutions, such as the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and FIOCRUZ, which specializes in public health research. A notable pattern is the concentration of headquarters in Rio de Janeiro city, with a few companies like Oceanica and IFF - Instituto Federal Fluminense based in Macaé and Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói.

🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro State · 43 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Vale](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vale) (vale.com)<br>A global mining company focused on producing iron ore, pellets, and nickel with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation | Mining | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 71,933 |  |
| 2 | [Petrobras](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/petrobras) (petrobras.com.br)<br>The company aims to provide ethical, safe, and competitive energy solutions while focusing on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and employee well-being | Oil and Gas | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 56,267 |  |
| 3 | [Neoenergia S.A.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/neoenergia-s-a) (neoenergia.com)<br>Open capital company, Brazilian electricity sector leader. Operations span generation, transmission, distribution, and commercialization, serving 16 million customers across 18 states. | Utilities | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 16,000 | 1997 |
| 4 | [Eletrobras](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eletrobras) (eletrobras.com)<br>Generation, transmission, commercialization, and energy efficiency programs; electric sector leader in Latin America, clean and renewable energy matrix. | Oil and Gas | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 13,000 | 1962 |
| 5 | [Federal University of Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/federal-university-of-rio-de-janeiro) (ufrj.br)<br>A well-established and internationally respected institution, with historical roots dating back to the 18th century, offering a wide range of academic programs | Higher Education | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 10,389 | 1920 |
| 6 | [Universidade Federal Fluminense](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-federal-fluminense-niteroi) (uff.br)<br>A leading educational institution with diverse programs including undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as specialization and medical residency programs | Higher Education | 🇧🇷 Niterói | 8,445 | 1960 |
| 7 | [FIOCRUZ - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fiocruz-fundacao-oswaldo-cruz) (en.wikipedia.org)<br>A Brazilian institution focused on research and development in biological sciences, specializing in public health research and founded by Dr Oswaldo Cruz in 1900 | Truck Transportation | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 4,448 | 1900 |
| 8 | [Fiocruz](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fiocruz) (fiocruz.br)<br>Promoting health and social development, generating and disseminating scientific and technological knowledge, and promoting citizenship through healthcare research and technology | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 3,625 | 1900 |
| 9 | [Oceanica](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/oceanica) (oceanica.com.br)<br>Brazilian provider of services and engineering technology solutions for organizations involved in underwater activities | Oil and Gas | 🇧🇷 Macaé - RJ | 2,672 | 1978 |
| 10 | [Companhia Municipal de Limpeza Urbana - COMLURB](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/companhia-municipal-de-limpeza-urbana-comlurb) (rio.rj.gov.br)<br>The organization is a major public cleaning entity in Latin America, focusing on urban cleaning services in Rio de Janeiro | Utilities | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 2,595 | 1975 |
| 11 | [Grupo Bom Jesus](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/grupo-bom-jesus) (bomjesus.com)<br>The company trades commercial and seed soybeans, corn, cottonseed, and cotton lint. It also trades beans, sorghum, and seeds on a smaller scale. | Farming | 🇧🇷 Rondonópolis | 2,375 | 1976 |
| 12 | [PETROBRAS PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/petrobras-petroleo-brasileiro-sa) (petrobras.com.br)<br>A publicly traded company in the Oil and Gas industry, headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, founded in 1953 | Oil and Gas | 🇧🇷 Rio De Janerio Rj Br | 2,085 | 1953 |
| 13 | [Bio-Manguinhos / Fiocruz](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bio-manguinhos-fiocruz) (bio.fiocruz.br)<br>A leading unit of a health foundation, producing vaccines, diagnostic kits, and biopharmaceuticals since 1976 to meet public health needs | Biotechnology Research | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 1,665 | 1976 |
| 14 | [RNP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rnp) (rnp.br)<br>Provides secure, high-capacity internet and personalized services, promoting innovation for education and research across Brazil, connecting universities, institutes, and technology hubs. | Technology, Information and Internet | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 1,336 | 1989 |
| 15 | [Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fundacao-oswaldo-cruz-fiocruz) (fiocruz.br)<br>Public health institution affiliated with the Ministry of Health, dedicated to healthcare services and initiatives in the public sector | Public Health | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 1,328 | 1900 |
| 16 | [IFF - Instituto Federal Fluminense](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iff-instituto-federal-fluminense) (portal1.iff.edu.br)<br>A specialized educational institution offering a range of professional and technological education programs across various campuses | Higher Education | 🇧🇷 Macaé | 1,154 | 1909 |
| 17 | [ICONIC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iconic) (iconic.com.br)<br>A market-leading company formed from the merger of two lubricant businesses, specializing in development, production, and distribution of a wide range of products | Oil and Gas | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 989 | 2018 |
| 18 | [Instituto Nacional de Traumatologia e Ortopedia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-nacional-de-traumatologia-e-ortopedia) (into.saude.gov.br)<br>Specializing in treating complex orthopedic diseases and traumas, the organization excels in surgical procedures and research, with a focus on quality and innovation | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 891 | 1943 |
| 19 | [Farmanguinhos / Fiocruz](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/farmanguinhos-fiocruz) (far.fiocruz.br)<br>A technical-scientific unit focused on education, research, technological innovation, and drug production, specialized in essential medications, cost reduction, and public health access | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 745 | 1976 |
| 20 | [CEPEL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cepel) (cepel.br)<br>A research center focused on power generation, transmission, and distribution, with over 35 years of experience in energy research and development | Research Services | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 711 | 1974 |
| 21 | [Sondotécnica Engenharia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sondotecnica-engenharia) (sondotecnica.com.br)<br>A multidisciplinary engineering organization specializing in structural design, hydrology, oceanography, sediment transport, and feasibility studies with extensive project experience globally | Civil Engineering | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 682 | 1954 |
| 22 | [IplanRio](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iplanrio) (iplan.rio)<br>Specializing in managing information technology and communication resources for the city of Rio de Janeiro, providing services and solutions for public entities and improving citizen interaction | Government Administration | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 598 |  |
| 23 | [FGV Brazil](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fgv-brazil) (portal.fgv.br)<br>A leading institution focused on promoting social and economic development through research, innovation, and consulting in various fields globally | Higher Education | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 585 | 1944 |
| 24 | [IMPA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/impa) (impa.br)<br>A research institution and graduate school linked to the Brazilian Ministries of Science and Education, focused on pure and applied mathematics | Research Services | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 577 | 1952 |
| 25 | [Condor Non-Lethal Technologies](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/condor-non-lethal-technologies) (condornaoletal.com.br)<br>A Brazilian defense and security company specializing in non-lethal technologies, with over 35 years of experience exporting innovative products globally | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Nova Iguaçu | 575 | 1985 |
| 26 | [SENAI CETIQT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/senai-cetiqt) (senaicetiqt.com)<br>A leading Latin American center providing education, technology, and innovation services for the chemical and textile industries, focusing on real-world solutions Visit the website for more information | Higher Education | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 524 | 1949 |
| 27 | [Tecgraf / PUC-Rio](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tecgraf-puc-rio) (tecgraf.puc-rio.br)<br>Innovative RD&I institute at PUC-Rio campus, integrating competencies to develop computer systems and solutions in digital tech, data science, and more | Software Development | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 478 | 1987 |
| 28 | [Megalabs Brasil](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/megalabs-brasil) (linktr.ee)<br>We are a pharmaceutical industry focused on innovation, providing affordable therapeutic solutions in Latin America with a modern manufacturing facility and strong presence in multiple countries | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 472 | 1929 |
| 29 | [Wärtsilä Brasil](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wartsila-brasil) (wartsila.com)<br>A global leader in advanced technologies for maritime and energy markets, emphasizing innovation and efficiency to maximize environmental and economic performance | Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 437 | 1990 |
| 30 | [\[Brazil\] HD Construction Equipment](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/brazil-hd-construction-equipment) (hd-ce.com)<br>A Brazilian company manufacturing and exporting construction equipment machines and forklifts, focusing on customer needs and adapting to the market | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Itatiaia | 409 | 2012 |
| 31 | [Bombas Dancor](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bombas-dancor) (dancor.com.br)<br>A company founded in 1946 with three industrial plants, advanced technology, and research for high-quality products and customer service nationwide | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 377 | 1946 |
| 32 | [Oil States Brasil](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/oil-states-brasil) (oilstates.com)<br>Engineering, project management, welding, fabrication, testing, and offshore services for players in the energy market with 24/7 capabilities in Brazil | Oil and Gas | 🇧🇷 Macaé | 376 | 2000 |
| 33 | [Nuclebras Equipamentos Pesados S A Nuclep](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nuclebras-equipamentos-pesados-s-a-nuclep) (nuclep.gov.br)<br>Established in 1975, this company specializes in manufacturing replacement equipment for nuclear power plants, focusing on innovation and technology | Mechanical Or Industrial Engineering | 🇧🇷 Itaguai | 359 | 1975 |
| 34 | [Nortec Quimica S/A.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nortec-quimica-s-a) (nortecquimica.com.br)<br>Manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients for brand medicines, generics, Brazilian public health systems, and neglected diseases in alignment with WHO guidelines | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Duque de Caxias | 351 |  |
| 35 | [Fábrica Carioca de Catalisadores S.A.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fabrica-carioca-de-catalisadores-s-a) (fccsa.com.br)<br>A leading Brazilian producer of catalysts and additives for the oil refining industry, with over 30 years of experience in innovation and sustainability | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 348 | 1985 |
| 36 | [Diffucap](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/diffucap) (diffucap.com.br)<br>Specialized pharmaceutical manufacturer producing extended-release microgranules and tablets Own branded products, contract manufacturing, and exporting to various Latin American countries | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 330 | 1975 |
| 37 | [Instituto Vital Brazil](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-vital-brazil) (rj.gov.br)<br>A public laboratory in Brazil producing human medicines and serums, conducting research in pharmaceutical, biological, economic, and social fields since 1919 | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Niterói | 327 | 1919 |
| 38 | [MXM Sistemas](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mxm-sistemas) (mxm.com.br)<br>With over 30 years of experience, this platform offers a 100% SaaS ERP solution that drives digital transformation for national and multinational organizations | Software Development | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 326 | 1990 |
| 39 | [Confitec](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/confitec) (confitec.com.br)<br>Developing innovative, efficient solutions for the insurance industry, focusing on control, reliability, and security to promote personal and professional growth | Software Development | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 311 | 2003 |
| 40 | [Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-federal-do-rio-de-janeiro-71902408) (ufrj.br)<br>A prestigious and internationally respected university, established in 1920 by the Federal Government, offering a wide range of academic programs | Higher Education | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 307 | 1920 |
| 41 | [SICPA América do Sul](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sicpa-america-do-sul) (sicpa.com)<br>Leading provider of security solutions in identification, traceability, and authentication for governments, industries, and high-security prints worldwide With expertise in security inks | Security Systems Services | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 222 | 1977 |
| 42 | [Confiance Medical](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/confiance-medical) (confiancemedical.com.br)<br>Leading Brazilian manufacturer of Videocirurgia equipment, prioritizing innovation and commitment to surgeons, medical research community, and patients Recognized as a top workplace | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 183 | 2002 |
| 43 | [Sociedade Michelin De Participacoes Indust E Comercio](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sociedade-michelin-de-participacoes-indust-e-comercio) (michelin.com.br)<br>A global leader in manufacturing and selling tires for various vehicles, with a strong focus on sustainable growth, competitiveness, and social/environmental commitment | Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 164 |  |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

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## The same list elsewhere

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-rio-de-janeiro-state