INAITEC, the innovation hub and business center of Greater Florianópolis, made its presence felt for the second consecutive time at the GITEX Dubai International Mission, held from October 9 to 15, 2025. Promoted by ApexBrasil and Sebrae, the mission brought the leading representatives of the national technology ecosystem for a strategic immersion in the Middle East, connecting Brazilian startups to investors, innovation hubs, and major markets.
Headquartered in Palhoça (SC), INAITEC was one of the five Brazilian hubs selected for the delegation. And it did not go alone: alongside it, five Santa Catarina startups joined the mission: Due Laser, Zoome, Therrara, Instramed and VECZEN — presenting their technological solutions at GITEX Expand North Star, considered one of the planet's largest innovation fairs.
"The experience was productive and strategic. We were able to present the innovative potential of the entire Santa Catarina ecosystem, reinforcing the relevance of Greater Florianópolis as a technology and entrepreneurship hub."
— Diego Chierighini, INAITEC's executive director
Connections that cross borders
The mission provided an intense agenda of meetings with investors, diplomatic authorities, and innovation promotion institutions. The Brazilian delegation was received by Brazil's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Sidney Romeiro, and conducted technical visits to centers such as:
- Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park)
- DIFC Innovation Hub
- Dubai Business Women Council
These spaces are references in articulation between government, academia, and the private sector — a model that inspires INAITEC's work in building an integrated and sustainable ecosystem.
The Santa Catarina startups that made their mark in Dubai
The companies brought by INAITEC represented the diversity and strength of Santa Catarina's innovation:
- Due Laser: specializes in high-precision laser cutting machines for industry.
- Zoome: content and technology producer focused on digital and educational experiences.
- Therrara: developer of personalized artificial intelligence solutions.
- Instramed: manufacturer of medical-hospital equipment, such as cardiac monitors.
- VECZEN: works with systems for industrial automation and energy efficiency.
Each had the opportunity to present their products, establish strategic connections, and open doors to international partnerships.
Internationalization as a growth engine
The GITEX Dubai mission reinforces INAITEC's commitment to startup internationalization, promoting access to new markets and innovation environments. With more than 2,800 connected companies and R$3.5 billion in annual revenue, the hub has been consolidating itself as one of the main engines of innovation in southern Brazil.
Throughout the mission, the global interest in solutions developed in Santa Catarina and INAITEC's role as a bridge between local talent and global opportunities became evident.
