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

Tamtam tracks 32 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. This list ranks the 30 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Vale, Petrobras and Neoenergia S.A.. Their median headcount is 711. Half of them were founded in 1974 or later.

These companies with in-house R&D in Rio de Janeiro are mostly large organizations in the energy, mining, and public health sectors. Among them are Vale, a global mining company, and Petrobras, an energy provider. Eletrobras is a Latin American leader in the electricity sector, while Neoenergia S.A. operates across generation, transmission, distribution, and commercialization of electricity.

Several institutions are dedicated to public health research and services, such as FIOCRUZ - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, and its units Fiocruz, Bio-Manguinhos / Fiocruz, and Farmanguinhos / Fiocruz, all focused on scientific and technological knowledge for health.

🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro · 30 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 | [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 |
| 7 | [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 |
| 8 | [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 |
| 9 | [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 |
| 10 | [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 |
| 11 | [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 |
| 12 | [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 |
| 13 | [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 |
| 14 | [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 |
| 15 | [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 |
| 16 | [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 |
| 17 | [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 |  |
| 18 | [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 |
| 19 | [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 |
| 20 | [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 |
| 21 | [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 |
| 22 | [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 |
| 23 | [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 |
| 24 | [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 |
| 25 | [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 |
| 26 | [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 |
| 27 | [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 |
| 28 | [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 |
| 29 | [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 |
| 30 | [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 |

## 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.

## More company lists in Rio de Janeiro

- [The largest companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (1,037)
- [Retail chains in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-rio-de-janeiro) (126)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-rio-de-janeiro) (107)
- [Education providers in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (91)
- [Financial services firms in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-rio-de-janeiro) (91)
- [Multinational companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (80)
- [Healthcare providers in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-rio-de-janeiro) (71)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-rio-de-janeiro) (68)
- [Retail companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (68)
- [E-commerce companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (62)
- [Public sector organisations in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-rio-de-janeiro) (60)
- [Manufacturers in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-rio-de-janeiro) (55)
- [Professional services firms in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-rio-de-janeiro) (53)
- [Financial Services companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (52)
- [Energy companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/energy-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (50)
- [Hospitals and Health Care companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (44)
- [Franchise networks in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/franchise-networks-rio-de-janeiro) (42)
- [Logistics companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (37)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (36)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (34)
- [Hotel and hospitality groups in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-groups-rio-de-janeiro) (31)
- [Oil and Gas companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/oil-and-gas-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (31)
- [Wellness and Fitness Services companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/wellness-and-fitness-services-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (31)
- [Investment Management companies in Rio de Janeiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/investment-management-companies-rio-de-janeiro) (29)

## The same list elsewhere in Brazil

- [Companies with in-house R&D in Brazil](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-brazil) (755)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in São Paulo State](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-sao-paulo-state) (370)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Minas Gerais](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-minas-gerais) (62)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Paraná](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-parana) (61)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Santa Catarina](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-santa-catarina) (58)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Rio de Janeiro State](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-rio-de-janeiro-state) (43)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Rio Grande do Sul](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-rio-grande-do-sul) (42)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in São Paulo](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-sao-paulo) (145)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Companies with in-house R&D in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-the-world) (34,346)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Latin America](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-latin-america) (1,191)

---

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