What Instituto Tecgraf/PUC-Rio does

Instituto Tecgraf/PUC-Rio is a non-profit research institute legally established within Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro that develops and maintains approximately 45 specialized technical-scientific software systems and supporting technology platforms. Founded in 1987 through a scientific cooperation agreement between PUC-Rio and Petrobras, the institute operates a self-sustaining R&D model in which interdisciplinary teams of roughly 350 researchers, professors, PhDs, and graduate students from PUC-Rio's Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering departments develop custom software on a commissioned basis for large industrial clients, primarily Petrobras, and maintain those products in production for over a decade. The portfolio covers the full oil and gas value chain — from seismic interpretation (V3O2, WebSintesi, VGE), reservoir simulation (GereSim, SIGMA 2D/3D, Marlim II, Tectos, PetroSensi/TC), and offshore rig scheduling (CORE), through maritime engineering (Anflex, MG/Sstab, Dynasim, Wcontrol, WMG), to downstream logistics (ALOPE, Bandeira Brasil, Pronav), with additional applications in healthcare imaging, augmented-reality broadcast, and military/security simulation.

Core technical assets include the OpenBus integration platform linking WebSintesi, VGE, MARLIM II, and GeoRisco; the CSBase framework for distributed execution of numerical solvers (used by LNCC/SINAPAD and EUBrazilCC); the CSGrid collaboration environment built on top of CSBase; the IUP multi-platform GUI library used in C, Lua, and LED; the SOMA scientific collaboration platform integrated with ParaViewWeb and Jupyter; and the DANKE knowledge extraction platform supporting relational databases, RDF datasets, and LLM-based Text-to-SQL. These frameworks underpin domain products such as the Anflex riser/mooring analyzer, the MG/Sstab naval stability system adopted by ABS, DNV, LR, and BV classification societies, and the new Ativo 360 digital-twin and predictive AI platform for production asset integrity, which won the Prêmio ANP de Inovação Tecnológica 2025 in the Industry 4.0 / Digital Transformation / AI category.

Revenue is generated primarily through long-term commissioned R&D and software development contracts with Petrobras plus supplementary co-funding from EMBRAPII (BNDES-EMBRAPII, Rota 2030, PPI IoT/Manufatura 4.0), the ANP R&D Investment Clause, and CATI incentives under the Informatics Law. Distribution is exclusively direct enterprise commissioning into client production environments; there is no consumer channel or self-service licensing. The institute markets primarily through academic publications (more than 1,800 documents in its publications database), industry conferences (SBGf, SIMGEF, CILAMCE), institutional awards, and EMBRAPII network referrals, in a relationship-driven, research-oriented go-to-market motion.

Name

Instituto Tecgraf/PUC-Rio

Legal name

Instituto Tecgraf de Desenvolvimento de Software Técnico-Científico da PUC-Rio

Website

https://tecgraf.puc-rio.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Instituto Tecgraf/PUC-Rio is a non-profit research institute within PUC-Rio that develops and maintains roughly 45 specialized technical-scientific software systems, primarily for Petrobras across the Brazilian oil and gas value chain, with secondary applications in healthcare, defense, and digital entertainment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technical-Scientific Software Development & R&D Services

NAICS

Engineering Services (541330), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700), Oil & Gas Field Exploration Services (1382), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Systems Engineering & Technical Program Management (BPAHAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Reliability, Safety & Risk Engineering (RAMS/PSM) Consulting (BPAHAIAK), Defense R&D, Test, Evaluation & Innovation (BPAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Technical-scientific software development
• Computational simulation services
• Geophysical visualization software
• Oil and gas engineering solutions
• Contract research and development

Headquarters

HQ city

Rio De Janeiro

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Contract R&D and Custom Software Development: The institute operates as a self-sustaining PD&I (Research, Development, and Innovation) institute that develops custom technical-scientific software systems commissioned by industrial clients. Revenue is generated through client-funded development projects, primarily from the oil & gas industry, with long-term product maintenance agreements.
2. EMBRAPII and Public Funding Programs: Funding from EMBRAPII (Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa e Inovação Industrial) and other public R&D financing mechanisms including BNDES-EMBRAPII, Rota 2030, PPI IoT/Manufatura 4.0, and others, which provide partial financing for collaborative R&D projects with industrial partners.
3. R&D Investment Clause (ANP/Cláusula de P,D&I): As an ANP-accredited unit, the institute is authorized to develop projects with resources from Brazil's oil sector R&D investment obligations, providing a funding stream linked to regulatory mandates in the oil & gas industry.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Instituto Tecgraf/PUC-Rio develops and maintains custom technical-scientific software systems commissioned by industrial clients, primarily large enterprises in the oil and gas sector. The institute delivers ~40+ specialized systems and proprietary technology platforms across the E&P value chain (geophysical interpretation, reservoir simulation, maritime engineering, refinery planning, logistics, plant engineering), alongside extensions into security/defense simulation, digital entertainment, and medical imaging. Products are deployed in production environments and actively maintained for over 10 years.

Product overview

The Instituto Tecgraf/PUC-Rio develops and maintains a portfolio of approximately 45 specialized technical-scientific software systems and core technology platforms for the oil and gas industry, digital entertainment, medicine, and security sectors. The portfolio includes domain-specific systems organized across the E&P value chain — from seismic interpretation (V3O2, WebSintesi, VGE) through reservoir simulation (GereSim, PetroSensi/TC, Marlim II, SIGMA 2D/3D, Tectos) and maritime engineering (Anflex, MG/Sstab, Dynasim, WMG, Wcontrol) to downstream logistics (CORE, ALOPE, Bandeira Brasil, Pronav) and plant engineering (Environ, Proteus, FAPEng, Auditor, MPA). An integrated suite centered on the OpenBus platform (WebSintesi, VGE, MARLIM II, GeoRisco) enables cross-system interoperability, while CSBase serves as the foundational open-source execution framework underlying products like InfoGrid, CSGrid, and multiple simulation systems. Supporting technologies include IUP for cross-platform GUI development, DANKE for intelligent data extraction, and SOMA for collaborative project management. The systems collectively support the full 'do poço ao posto' (from well to pump) value chain, with many products maintained in production for over a decade.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• V3O2 A geophysical data visualization system applying advanced scientific visualization techniques to exploit the 3D nature of geophysical data, supporting seismic acquisition, processing, structural/stratigraphic interpretation, reservoir characterization, and electromagnetic data inversion for oil and gas E&P.
• VGE A georeferenced search and visualization system for E&P concepts with document management, modeled as a specialized GIS with high specialization in oil and gas E&P domain concepts.
• WebSintesi A web-based interpretive seismic information processing support system providing access to seismic data, remote algorithm execution on processing servers, project management, and seismic information visualization.
• Anflex A computational system for aiding the design and installation operations of risers and mooring systems on oil and gas platforms, performing static and dynamic numerical analysis using the finite element method.
• InfoGrid A web-based project-oriented interface for computational grid environments, providing transparent access to distributed computing resources, algorithm execution, and monitoring.
• MG/Sstab An integrated system for complete design of floating units (FPSOs, semi-submersibles, drillships) combining 3D modeling with stability analysis and hydrodynamic simulation, serving as the Brazilian standard used by ABS, DNV, LR, and BV classification societies.
• Wcontrol A weight and load control program for maritime systems, managing weight and discipline-related project definitions for floating and fixed maritime units.
• WMG A graphical interface system for Wamit simulation results, acquiring geometric modeling data and interfacing with environmental data specifications for floating vessel motion analysis.
• Dynasim A system for complex projects in the mooring systems area requiring innovative solutions, developed in partnership with Petrobras, USP, and UFAL. Finalist for the ANP Award 2022.
• CORE A decision support system based on optimization for scheduling offshore rigs in Pre-Salt fields, managing the allocation of over 50 rigs across more than 350 wells over a 10-year planning horizon.
• PLANREF A decision support tool for refinery production planning and investment analysis, using visual interactive modeling and non-linear programming (NLP) to optimize refinery configuration for maximum revenue.
• ALOPE A petroleum allocation system ensuring adequate crude supply to refineries while balancing production platform tank emptying schedules, providing daily intake forecasts and integrated supply chain scenario management.
• Bandeira Brasil A logistics planning and monitoring system for the entire national supply chain of Petrobras, from raw material extraction through processing to final product distribution to consumers.
• Pronav A system for programming and tracking voyages and operations of the entire Petrobras maritime fleet, integrating with planning systems to generate fleet schedules.
• InfoPAE Móvel A vehicle fleet monitoring and management system supporting real-time tracking, risk management, SMS (Safety/Health/Environment), and logistics with embedded LUA-based onboard devices transmitting data via GPRS.
• GereSim An interactive graphical system integrating reservoir simulation activities, offering pre-processing tools, a visualization environment with superior graphical performance for large reservoir models, and geomechanical analysis capabilities.
• PetroSensi/TC An economic evaluation system for oil and gas exploration and production projects, simulating scenarios that assess the impact of price and cost variations on company value.
• SIGMA 2D e 3D Integrated geomechanical analysis systems combining mesh generation (MTOOL2D/3D), visualization (MVIEW/POS-3D), and numerical analysis programs for 2D and 3D finite element simulation supporting pre-salt and post-salt well design and reservoir engineering.
• Marlim II A system for simulating gas injection effects in newly discovered petroleum reservoirs to verify whether daily flow rates justify exploration, and for calibrating production well simulations with field data.
• Recon_MS A geological model restoration system that reconstitutes the original geometry of model layers before deformation, supporting validation of seismic and well interpretations and identification of petroleum systems.
• Tectos An integrated geo-mechanical analysis system using finite element methods for simulating geological structural and geotectonic processes in 2D and 3D, with gHEM analysis library supporting multi-physics and multi-field coupling.
• InfoPAE A suite of tools for emergency planning, preparation, and management based on the Incident Command System (ICS) methodology, organizing and managing space-time database information for oil spill response.
• Maps A system for generating environmental sensitivity maps for oil spills, providing georeferenced cartographic information for decision support and impact assessment.
• GeoRisco A geological and geotechnical data management system for geotechnical instrumentation readings on critical Transpetro pipeline sections, providing 3D visualization and alert generation for landslide and pipeline risk monitoring.
• SAAAP An environmental assessment system for selecting optimal pipeline routes considering economic, environmental, and engineering factors using optimization algorithms.
• Environ A 3D engineering tool for project acceptance, construction management, and plant operation supporting multidisciplinary CAD/CAE data integration, dashboard construction, 4D/5D simulation, and interactive massive 3D model visualization.
• Proteus A computational architecture for converting and publishing 3D engineering models into multiple visualization formats, integrating engineering and operation databases with visualization environments.
• FAPEng An engineering project auditing system for 3D electronic model verification and validation, automatically checking over 100 quality criteria against engineering rules in real-time integration with Environ.
• Auditor A database integrity verification system for the handover process between engineering/contractors and assets, validating engineering information against cross-referenced discipline databases.
• MPA A development and execution platform for industrial process automation applications using visual programming languages (flowcharts and SFC), running on PC instead of PLC and interfacing via OPC or VXL supervisory systems.
• SiVIEP An integrated viewer for multiple data types (reservoirs, geological surfaces, wells, platforms, integrated simulation, environment) with high-performance distributed rendering supporting multiprojected environments.
• Mapoteca A document and map catalog management application providing a multimedia, geographic, and temporal database with curated metadata and advanced search and visualization capabilities.
• Anasete A system for sequential witness analysis visualization and editing, integrating witness descriptions, images, well logs, synthetic seismograms, and petrophysical measurements on a common depth scale for rock-log-seismic calibration.
• CSBase An open-source framework for resource management and numerical solver execution in distributed, heterogeneous, and scalable computing environments, providing client/server architecture with transparent remote algorithm execution regardless of implementation language or execution platform.
• CSGrid A system for managing and integrating applications in heterogeneous and distributed computing environments, providing an extensive collaborative environment for abstracting computational resource usage.
• DANKE A data and knowledge extraction platform enabling keyword search in relational databases and RDF datasets with intelligent extraction mechanisms, previously used in three COVID-19 applications.
• IUP A multi-platform library for creating graphical user interfaces for desktop applications, providing high performance through native controls per platform and a simple, stable API in C, Lua, and LED.
• SOMA A platform supporting the construction of solutions requiring data, programs, and computational resource sharing in technical-scientific collaboration projects, with integration to ParaviewWeb and Jupyter Notebook.
• Ativo 360 A digital platform integrating digital twin, predictive AI, computer vision, immersive inspection, and CAD/CAE for production asset integrity management. Developed in partnership with Petrobras, UFF, and Fundação CERTI; winner of the ANP Technological Innovation Award 2025 in Category V – Industry 4.0 / Digital Transformation / AI.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ativo 360 reduced AI model detection performance improvement by 75% with 35% less human intervention (from mAP 0.52 to 0.91) in mammography data annotation tasks
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability12 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• UFF (Universidade Federal Fluminense)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2025Partner in the Ativo 360 project for digital asset integrity management, which won the Prêmio ANP de Inovação Tecnológica 2025. Tecgraf collaborated with UFF alongside Petrobras and Fundação CERTI.
• Fundação CERTIminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative partner in the Ativo 360 project, working alongside Tecgraf, UFF, and Petrobras to develop the digital platform for production asset integrity management.
• EMBRAPII (Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa e Inovação Industrial)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Tecgraf was selected as an EMBRAPII Unit in 2015 (Public Call 02/2015), acting in the area of 'Computational Solutions in Engineering.' EMBRAPII connects the institute with industrial partners and provides co-funding for R&D projects through mechanisms including BNDES-EMBRAPII, Rota 2030, PPI IoT/Manufatura 4.0, and others.
• PetrobrasflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 August 1986The founding partner of Tecgraf. A cooperation and scientific/technological exchange agreement was signed on August 14, 1986 between Petrobras and PUC-Rio, represented by the Padre Leonel Franca Foundation. This convênio was the origin of Tecgraf and remains its primary industrial client and research partner, with the institute developing ~40 systems used in production across the entire E&P chain.
• MARINHA DO Brasil (Brazilian Navy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization. The institute develops maritime systems including naval stability analysis and mooring systems that serve naval applications.
• RNP (Rede Nacional de Ensino e Pesquisas)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSigned a cooperation document in 2014 to disseminate the work developed within universities through the RNP national network.
• PUC-Rio (Departments of Informática, Engenharia Civil, Engenharia Mecânica, Engenharia Industrial)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe institute develops the majority of its projects in cooperation with PUC-Rio's Departments of Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering. These departments supply academic research and graduate student talent, forming the foundation of the institute's human capital.
• ALIS – Soluções em Engenharia e SistemasminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner organization providing engineering and systems solutions in the oil and gas sector, complementing Tecgraf's software offerings.
• Núcleo de Computação Aplicada – UFMAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as an academic partner organization collaborating with Tecgraf on applied computing research.
• CCEAD – PUC-RiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization within the PUC-Rio ecosystem.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ANSYS: Global leader in engineering simulation software (Fluent, Mechanical, LS-DYNA) for multi-physics simulation across aerospace, automotive, energy, and electronics. Comparable as a broad simulation incumbent whose multi-physics CAE tools overlap with Tecgraf's SIGMA 2D/3D, Tectos, and Anflex finite element systems.
• SLB (Schlumberger): Global oilfield services and digital technology giant with extensive E&P software portfolio (Petrel, ECLIPSE, INTERSECT, DELFI) covering reservoir simulation, drilling, and digital twin capabilities that overlap with Tecgraf's GereSim, SIGMA, and V3O2 systems. Comparable as a broad incumbent whose digital E&P platform competes with Tecgraf's specialized offerings in Petrobras's stack.
• Halliburton Landmark: Halliburton's Landmark division provides DecisionSpace and iCruise software suites for E&P workflows including reservoir simulation, drilling, and geoscience — directly overlapping with Tecgraf's V3O2, Dynasim, and seismic interpretation portfolio. Comparable as a broader oilfield services incumbent with overlapping E&P software capabilities.

Direct peers

• Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI): Norway's leading applied research center for geotechnical engineering, with proprietary offshore geotechnics, geo-hazards, and environmental engineering software serving offshore oil & gas operators. Comparable as a specialized applied research institute serving offshore E&P with custom software and engineering services.
• Petroleum Experts (PETEX): Edinburgh-based provider of integrated production modeling and reservoir engineering software (MOVE, Prosper, GAP) widely used by Petrobras and major O&G operators. Comparable as a specialized engineering software vendor serving the same E&P disciplines (reservoir, production, risers/moorings) as Tecgraf's Anflex, GereSim, and MARLIM II systems.
• IFP Energies nouvelles: France's public research and training body for energy, focused on oil & gas, renewables, and sustainable mobility with strong multi-physics simulation, reservoir engineering, and process optimization capabilities. Directly comparable as a non-profit applied energy R&D institute with similar commissioned software and field-expert model.
• TNO: Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, operating a similar self-sustaining applied-research institute model with energy, defense, and industrial digitalization focus. Comparable as a non-profit applied research organization combining academic talent, multi-domain R&D, and industrial client commissioning.
• Fraunhofer Society: Germany's largest applied research organization with 76 institutes operating a similar self-sustaining model combining academic research with industrial contract R&D across multiple verticals. Comparable as a non-profit university-affiliated applied research network with multi-domain commissioned software and consulting capabilities.
• SINTEF: Norway's largest independent research institute operating under a similar self-sustaining applied-research model, with deep oil & gas simulation and software R&D focus serving Equinor and other Nordic operators. Comparable as a non-profit university-affiliated R&D institute doing commissioned technical-scientific software for energy clients.

Regional players

• IPT (Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas): Brazil's largest applied research institute affiliated with the São Paulo State Government, providing technology solutions, testing, and engineering consulting across infrastructure, energy, and industry. Comparable as a regional Brazilian applied research peer with similar multi-disciplinary industrial R&D and commissioned technology development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCPOroMRldylaAAS-_LjIogA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Instituto Tecgraf/PUC-Rio