When we talk about smart cities, applied innovation, and sustainable development, Palhoça, in Greater Florianópolis, stands out as a real example of transformation. Behind this progress is the ongoing work of Inaitec, an innovation hub that, for more than a decade, has worked to position the municipality as a national reference in technology and public innovation.
Today, with more than 230,000 inhabitants, the city is reaping the rewards of a consistent innovation policy, with direct impact on job creation, business openings, and the population's quality of life.
Innovation that drives the economy
In 2024 alone, Palhoça recorded:
- More than 4,000 new businesses opened
- 3,748 new jobs, according to Caged data
- R$ 3.5 billion in annual revenue from companies in the technology park ecosystem
- One of the best Human Development Index (HDI) values in the region: 0.757
With solid infrastructure, economic diversity, and a constantly evolving urban environment, the municipality has been consolidating its position as one of southern Brazil's leading technology hubs.
Inaitec's role in this movement
Created through a partnership between the Palhoça City Hall, Hurbana, Unisul, and ACIP, Inaitec led the implementation of the local innovation ecosystem. With more than 500 companies supported and 30,000 people impacted daily, the institute acts as a bridge between startups, the public sector, universities, and investors.
In 2024, Inaitec recorded 120% revenue growth and established itself as a reference hub for city halls across Brazil seeking to understand how public policies can foster innovation environments with direct economic impact.
Cidade Pedra Branca: urban laboratory for smart solutions
One of the greatest symbols of Palhoça's transformation is Cidade Pedra Branca, a planned neighborhood that houses more than 2,800 businesses. The area is a testing ground and implementation site for solutions focused on urban mobility, security, sanitation, energy, and data use.
Startups such as Medeage, Sanova, and Blue World, headquartered at Inaitec, develop technologies that reduce water consumption in companies and condominiums by up to 50% — solutions that generate environmental, financial, and social impact.
A replicable public model
The success of the local ecosystem is also the result of a solid legal foundation. Highlights include:
- Complementary Law 192/2015: creation of the Palhoça Innovation Accounting Fund (FCIP)
- Complementary Law 54/2019: regulation of the fund and creation of the management council
- Law 4,293/2015: tax incentives for strategic sectors
- Nota Fiscal Palhocense Program: a portion of ISS (services tax) can be converted into investments in local startups
These innovative policies transformed the city into a national reference, attracting the interest of other city halls and institutions that want to replicate the model.
A city connected to the future
Inaitec continues to expand its operations through acceleration programs, internationalization, business missions, and open innovation. By strengthening the culture of innovation and connecting all ecosystem actors, the institute contributes to making Palhoça one of the best places to live, do business, and innovate in Brazil.
Palhoça shows that public innovation can indeed transform realities — and Inaitec is a driving force.
