Laís Souza stands for the first time in public and pays tribute to a scientist in São Paulo
Former Olympic gymnast Laís Souza took the stage this Thursday during the opening of a major technology and innovation event held at São Paulo. Ela used an assistive technology device to perform standing. The gesture occurred while presenting the prize for the first edition of Brazilian Engineering Awards.
The moment drew attention as it marked one of Laís Souza’s first public appearances in this condition since the accident he suffered in 2014. The athlete paid tribute to the biologist and professor Tatiana Sampaio. Universidade Federal researcher Rio Janeiro received recognition for her work on polylaminin. Essa molecule has potential in regeneration of spinal cord injuries and received Anvisa approval for clinical trials in 2026.
Homenagem highlights link between technology and recovery
Laís Souza, who became quadriplegic after aerial skiing training more than a decade ago, walked with brace support to the stage. The act symbolized the practical application of advances in engineering for cases of spinal cord injury. Tatiana Sampaio was the first awardee in the new initiative. Brazilian Engineering Awards seeks to identify projects that raise the level of national engineering on the international stage.
Mariano Gomide, founder of VTEX, was present at the ceremony alongside the two. The main event, known as one of the biggest in the technology sector in the world, served as the stage for the launch of the awards. The choice of Laís Souza for delivery reinforced the theme of innovation applied to health and quality of life.
- The award recognizes talents in Brazilian engineering
- Tatiana Sampaio researches molecule for tissue regeneration
- Polilaminina advances to clinical trials with regulatory approval
- Laís Souza represents real cases of patients with spinal cord injury
- Assistive Dispositivo enabled upright posture on stage
Acidente of 2014 changed the athlete’s trajectory
The former gymnast competed in Olimpíadas and won medals at Pan-American competitions before the incident. In 2014, during preparation for aerial skiing, Laís Souza suffered a serious injury that left her unable to move her lower limbs and part of her upper limbs. Desde then follows rehabilitation treatments. The standing appearance this week represents a visible milestone in the process.
Especialistas follows cases like hers to assess the impact of new technologies. The device used by Laís Souza is an example of an engineered assistive solution. Ele allows support and controlled locomotion in specific situations. The image of the athlete on stage quickly circulated among participants and spectators.
Pesquisa of Tatiana Sampaio opens perspectives in healthcare
The UFRJ biologist focuses her efforts on polylaminin. Essa substance has shown promising results in studies on recovery from spinal cord damage. Approval for clinical trials by Anvisa in 2026 paves the way for future applications in humans. Pesquisadores hope the compound will contribute to treatments that improve patient mobility.
The award presented by Laís Souza recognizes exactly this type of contribution. The Brazilian Engineering Awards initiative aims to encourage more projects with potential for social transformation. Organizado in the context of the São Paulo innovation event, the launch seeks to connect academia, industry and real cases of impact.
Technology Evento gains prominence with the episode
The VTEX DAY 2026 program began with a focus on advances in the sector. The surprise on stage during the tribute increased the visibility of the award. Participantes reported that the moment combined emotion and technical content. Laís Souza concluded the delivery with a sentence about reaping the rewards of current initiatives in the future.
The use of assistive devices is gaining ground in discussions about accessibility and rehabilitation. Engenheiros and scientists present were able to see in practice how innovations come out of the laboratory. The presence of Laís Souza served as a bridge between research and the daily lives of those facing motor limitations.
Próximos steps towards rehabilitation and award
Laís Souza continues medical and physical therapy follow-up. Equipes specialists evaluate progress with new technological tools. Paralelamente, the Brazilian Engineering Awards organization plans future editions with more categories and participants. The objective is to consolidate the award as a national reference.
The case illustrates how large-scale events can amplify discussions about applied science. Em São Paulo, the meeting brought together professionals from different areas. The tribute to Tatiana Sampaio and Laís Souza’s gesture remained a symbolic record of the edition.
