In the week of October 8–19, 2024, INAITEC, an innovation hub located in Palhoça, Santa Catarina, participated in GITEX Expand North Star, one of the largest and most prestigious international events in technology and entrepreneurship.
The event, which took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, brought together more than 100,000 participants, including startups, investors, business leaders, and industry enthusiasts, ready to explore the latest global technology trends and innovations.
INAITEC, represented by its executive director Diego Chierighini, stood out at the panel titled "Creating a culture of innovation," discussing the importance of developing a sustainable mindset that empowers entrepreneurs to thrive in Brazil's dynamic technology landscape.
"It is essential to share our experience in a global environment that allows us to establish valuable connections with major investors and technology leaders," says Chierighini.
INAITEC was represented by five companies from its ecosystem: ZOOME Produções LTDA, Forpay Digital Bank, Saguaro Comunicação, Pronutra do Brasil, and Eurotec Technology – which received special recognition by qualifying as a semi-finalist in the Supernova Challenge, one of the most important startup competitions in the world.
In this article, we will detail the participation of these startups, the impact of their innovations, the achievements of Eurotec Technology, a specialist in developing IoT-based innovation solutions for the agroindustrial sector, and how this international mission strengthened INAITEC's innovation ecosystem and boosted global opportunities for Santa Catarina companies.
Startups making their mark in Dubai
ZOOME Produções LTDA
Specializing in audiovisual content production, ZOOME Produções LTDA was represented by Christian Pozzobon, Marcos Cardoso and Yul Ian Gutierrez. The company showcased its solutions focused on video production and creative content, which have gained ground in Brazil and attracted international attention.
According to Pozzobon, "representing Brazil at an event of this magnitude is a significant recognition of our work, as well as a unique opportunity to expand our business globally." The ZOOME team took the opportunity to establish strategic connections with investors and potential international partners, promoting their solutions to new markets.
Forpay Digital Bank
The digital bank startup, Forpay Digital Bank, was also present with its representatives Janaína Lima and Evandro Kuhnen.
They presented innovative solutions for the banking sector, especially focused on optimizing financial transactions and digital account management.
For Janaína Lima, participation in the event was a great opportunity to demonstrate the fintech's disruptive potential and its ability to offer solutions that meet global demands. "Being in this environment is fundamental to expanding our frontiers and presenting our solutions to an international audience," said the executive.
Saguaro Comunicação
Another startup that took part in the mission was Saguaro Comunicação, represented by Alexsander Silva and Regina Pinho Campos. The company, which operates as a software house providing business mentoring consultancy focused on technology, presented its technological solutions aimed at transforming how companies handle their data and communication strategies.
Alexsander Silva highlighted the importance of participating in events like GITEX Expand North Star: "Closely observing the most innovative trends in the world of technology helps us anticipate international market movements and position ourselves competitively," he notes.
Eurotec Technology
Finally, Eurotec Technology, represented by Marcelo Vargas Hilman and Thiago Fluck Vieira, brought its innovations in the nutrition and health sector. Focused on developing solutions for both the food and supplement markets, the company aims to positively impact the health and well-being of its customers.
"Participating in an event like this gives us the opportunity to share our vision with a global audience and find new ways to expand our business beyond Brazil," according to Marcelo Hillman.
Results of the international mission and participation in the Supernova Challenge
During GITEX Expand North Star, Eurotec Technology, one of the startups from INAITEC's ecosystem, was a semi-finalist in the Supernova Challenge, the largest international competition for early-stage startups.
Specialized in IoT solutions for the agroindustrial sector, Eurotec gained recognition for its technological innovations and the practical application of its solutions in one of the world's most important economic sectors.
This achievement reinforces the importance of Brazilian participation in global events like GITEX and demonstrates the strength of Santa Catarina startups in expanding their horizons and competing at an international level.
In addition to the competition, the startups participated in a series of technical immersion visits to innovation hubs in the United Arab Emirates, as part of an itinerary prepared by ApexBrasil.
These visits included meetings with the Dubai Business Women Council, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, IN5 Tech, DIFC, DTEC – Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Commercity HQ, providing a comprehensive view of global technology trends and business opportunities.
INAITEC's mission to Dubai was a success. The event provided networking opportunities, learning, and international visibility for its incubated startups.
The international recognition of companies like Eurotec Technology in the Supernova Challenge and the active participation of all the startups present reaffirm the fundamental role that INAITEC plays in strengthening technology entrepreneurship in Brazil.
After this experience, INAITEC returns to Greater Florianópolis with new perspectives, ready to apply the lessons learned on the global stage to continue promoting innovation in the Santa Catarina and national ecosystem.
