Inaitec is in Barcelona, participating in the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) — the largest global event focused on solutions and technologies for smart cities.
The mission, carried out with the support of FAPESC (Foundation for Research and Innovation Support of the State of Santa Catarina), aims to expand international connections and strengthen Santa Catarina's innovation ecosystem, with a focus on the internationalization of startups and technology hubs.
High-level agenda
The delegation began its program at the Brazilian Consulate in Barcelona, where it was received by the head of the Technological and Commercial Promotion Sector, Luís Fernando Corrêa da Silva Machado.
On that occasion, initiatives to support Brazilian innovation institutions, technology hubs, and startups interested in operating in the Spanish market were presented, with special attention to Catalonia — one of Europe's most dynamic regions in technology and sustainability.
According to Inaitec's executive director, Diego Chierighini, the mission is a strategic opportunity to bring Santa Catarina closer to international innovation practices:
"Spain, especially the Catalonia region, has been consolidating itself as a major innovation center. Here in Barcelona, we can understand new technologies and trends being used across the world and, most importantly, understand what we can bring both to the Pedra Branca Technology Park and to all of Greater Florianópolis."
Startups and solutions for smart cities
The event brought together entrepreneurs and startups focused on smart cities, in the areas of urban mobility, digital infrastructure, sustainability, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Participants were able to validate their products, identify global trends and establish connections with representatives from across Europe and Catalonia.
"The entrepreneurs here all have products focused on smart cities. We were able to validate their products, see evolution trends, and beyond that, connect with European countries and the cities of Catalonia," adds Diego Chierighini.
Spain: an emerging powerhouse in innovation
Spain has been standing out on the global stage as a country that combines sustainable economic growth and investment in technology. With a GDP per capita of US$ 32,600 in 2023, the country ranks 15th worldwide, according to the World Bank. This economic solidity sustains a rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem.
Furthermore, Spain is the 2nd largest foreign investor in Brazil, reflecting a consolidated bilateral relationship increasingly focused on strategic sectors such as technology, clean energy, and smart cities.
In the Global Innovation Index 2025 (GII), the country appears as the 29th most innovative in the world, ahead of other European economies of similar size. The study highlights advances in digital infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation support policies, driven by public programs and a strong private sector.
Spain currently houses more than 11,000 startups and 17 unicorns — companies valued at more than US$ 1 billion — consolidating a fertile environment for technology entrepreneurship. The cities of Barcelona and Madrid appear among the leading global innovation clusters, according to the Global Innovation Geography (GII 2025) report, alongside ecosystems such as Berlin, London, and Tel Aviv.
This landscape makes Spain a strategic partner for Brazil and an example of how innovation policies, technology education, and public-private collaboration can drive sustainable development.
Why Barcelona and Catalonia are strategic for Santa Catarina
The Catalonia region is one of Europe's most vibrant innovation hubs.
- In 2024, Catalan startups raised €1.797 billion in investment, a 150% growth compared to the previous year (Barcelona TBS Education, 2024).
- In the same year, the region recorded 2,285 active startups, a 9% growth over 2023 (Catalonia Trade & Investment, 2024).
- Catalonia's GDP per capita, around €33,400, exceeds the national and European average, reinforcing the favorable environment for innovation (European Cluster Collaboration Platform, 2024).
These indicators show the potential for connection between the Santa Catarina and Catalan ecosystems, opening pathways for knowledge transfer, technology partnerships, and access to new markets.
Impact for Santa Catarina
Inaitec's participation in the mission reinforces three strategic pillars:
- International knowledge: bringing the world's smart city trends and practices back to Santa Catarina.
- Global partnerships: connecting local companies with European hubs, investors, and institutions.
- Internationalization: supporting the state's startups and hubs in expanding to external markets.
These actions help consolidate Santa Catarina as a reference in innovation in Brazil and abroad, strengthening Greater Florianópolis's position as a technology and entrepreneurship hub.
Next steps
The mission continues through the end of the week with a program that includes technical visits, strategic meetings, and participation in Smart City Expo panels. The goal is to identify cooperation opportunities and promote the Santa Catarina ecosystem on one of the planet's most relevant urban innovation platforms.
