Interview with Giovanna Carneiro, Manager, Innovation Factori Rio de Janeiro

Giovana, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and career journey?

Sure! I have always been very curious and since a young age had an interest in science. When I first stepped into a laboratory in high school, I decided I had to pursue a degree in science, so I did my undergrad, master, and doctorate in chemistry. Since my under graduation, I started to work in research studies related to the energy industry.

The first milestone for me was joining SLB. I was doing my master's at my original university, where I started studying. I was already conducting research funded by SLB. That's how I met my manager at that time. He brought me to the company, and my first six months there, at the Schlumberger-Doll Research Center in Boston, were truly transformative.

It was a magical experience. It was my first time traveling abroad, my first time leaving Brazil. I found myself in a completely new environment, surrounded by people from all over the world. Many of these individuals were people I had referenced in my research at the university.

Becoming a mother was another significant milestone in my life. It brought a new perspective and influenced my career in profound ways. Balancing motherhood and a demanding career taught me the importance of time management and prioritization. I learned to be more efficient with my time and to focus on what truly matters. Motherhood also instilled in me a sense of empathy and patience, qualities that have been invaluable in my professional life, making me more understanding and supportive of my team members, especially those who are also juggling multiple responsibilities. The experience of raising a child has enriched my life and career, making me a more well-rounded and compassionate leader..

How did your career prepare you for your role at Innovation Factori?

In my previous roles I immersed myself in research, development, and innovation activities, I became familiar with the market dynamics and our customers, especially Petrobras. Understanding the innovation process and managing multiple personas has been invaluable. Now, in a more commercial role, I need to deliver solutions quickly. My research background helps me engage with many people and create innovative solutions. This experience has taught me to encourage my team to think creatively and find different ways to solve problems.

Can you tell us about the market for Innovation Factori Rio? How is it looking at the moment?

Brazil is a strong market for innovation, encompassing research, development, and innovation in general. Our biggest customer, Petrobras, is a major proponent of innovation and invests heavily in it. They have the largest Research Center in Latin America, with over 1,100 people working there. This dynamic market is further supported by government policies that require high producers to invest a portion of their revenue in research projects. This fosters an innovative environment that benefits not only big players like SLB but also universities and startups.

SLB's strong background in research differentiates us from competitors. Since the launch of Innovation Factori in 2021, we have grown substantially, especially with AI-related projects. There is a strong appetite in the market for developing these solutions.

How do you see AI and other digital technologies shaping the future of energy?

AI offers significant opportunities to improve the safety and reliability of operations. One key area is the automation of repetitive tasks. For example, instead of a geologist spending two weeks identifying features in images, AI can complete this task in minutes or hours, allowing the geologist to focus on interpretation and correlation with other models. This leads to better insights and more efficient use of time.

In offshore operations, AI reduces the likelihood of human error by automating processes and minimizing the need for human decision-making at critical steps.

Additionally, generative AI can process vast amounts of unstructured data, such as legacy data from older wells and technical reports. This makes valuable information more accessible to engineers, enabling them to make more informed decisions on-site.

Digital transformation has really taken off in the last few years. What do you see as its biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge is organizing, contextualizing, and liberating the data. Today, there are multiple data sources, and when evaluating a big asset, it's crucial to streamline these sources into one place and contextualize them properly. If we don't do this first, models built on top of it will be less effective. So, taking the time to organize and contextualize the data is essential.

Another significant challenge is people's resistance to change.

By democratizing information and technology development, such as with the Lumi™ data and AI platform, we empower people to develop their own solutions. Giving them access to development is crucial. With the Lumi platform, we offer no-code development, so you don't have to be a programmer to create solutions. You can simply drag and drop boxes to develop, for example, a machine learning model. This hands-on experience helps people feel like they own the solution, not just end users.

What's the next big thing in technology for the energy industry?

The next big thing in technology for the energy industry is the combination of generative AI, intelligent agents, and specialized AI assistants that go far beyond traditional analytics. Generative AI can instantly turn massive, complex data—like seismic surveys, maintenance logs, and market forecasts—into clear insights, technical reports, design alternatives, and even code. This shifts engineers, operators, and analysts from spending time gathering and formatting information to focusing on high-impact decisions and innovation.

Pairing this capability with autonomous agents and generative AI assistants tailored to specific roles unlocks new avenues: drilling copilots that suggest operational tweaks, maintenance assistants that detect anomalies and create work orders, or trading copilots that simulate strategies and explain market movements. These assistants and agents continuously learn from real-time data and user feedback, acting as digital teammates that help energy companies operate safer, faster, and more sustainably, ultimately redefining how energy is produced, managed, and traded.

Looking at it from a different perspective. A competitive advantage for SLB and Innovation Factori lies in our expertise in the energy domain. So, I particularly appreciate our domain data science program, where we've trained experienced professionals in machine learning and AI. This combination of domain knowledge and data science skills allows us to create solutions that are highly relevant and effective. I suspect this tactic of enhancing traditional expertise with skills in AI could become the norm in the future.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring professionals in your field?

My advice would be to never stop learning and to stay curious. The industry is constantly evolving, and those who can adapt will thrive. Continuous learning is the foundation of success in our field. Technology is ever-changing, and staying updated with the latest advancements is crucial. I recommend taking advantage of online courses, attending industry conferences, and reading relevant publications.

Networking is equally important. Building a strong professional network can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and career opportunities. Engage with industry peers, join professional organizations, and participate in networking events.

Adaptability is another key trait. The ability to embrace change and navigate uncertainties is essential in a dynamic industry. Be open to new ideas, take calculated risks, and learn from failures. Additionally, focus on developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are vital for collaborating effectively and achieving success in any role.

Lastly, don't be afraid to seek guidance and mentorship. Learning from experienced professionals can provide valuable perspectives and accelerate your growth. Remember, success is a journey, and continuous improvement is the key to reaching your goals.