Santa Catarina is recognized as one of Brazil's most innovative states. Among the factors driving this distinction is Cidade Pedra Branca, in Palhoça, which has established itself as a true urban laboratory for innovation and sustainability. This space allows technologies to be tested at real scale, connecting quality of life, economic development, and smart solutions for society.
At the center of this movement is Inaitec, a business ecosystem that, since 2010, has operated as an innovation hub, supporting startups and technology companies, as well as fostering public policies that have transformed Palhoça into one of the most relevant innovation hubs in the South of the country.
Inaitec's role in transforming Pedra Branca
Created through a partnership between the Palhoça City Hall, Hurbana, the University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), and the Palhoça Commercial and Industrial Association (ACIP), Inaitec began its operations with an incubation program that attracted the first startups to the region.
Over time, it expanded its presence, launching acceleration programs, internationalization, open innovation, and global business missions. This set of initiatives strengthened the business environment, bringing legal certainty, modern infrastructure, and strategic connections for companies of all sizes.
Pedra Branca as a laboratory-city
With a daily flow of approximately 35,000 people — including residents, students, workers, and visitors — Pedra Branca is today an ideal space to validate technologies in strategic sectors.
The innovations developed and tested in the technology park have direct impact in areas such as:
- Urban mobility
- Security
- Education
- Social inclusion
- Sanitation
- Energy efficiency
- Governance
According to Diego Chierighini, Inaitec's executive director, "Pedra Branca is a space where innovations and technologies can be tested at real scale, generating direct and significant impact on people's lives."
Results and economic impact
The impact of this model is already measurable. In 2024, the ecosystem driven by Inaitec recorded more than 500 new startups and companies and a growth of 120% in revenue. These figures show how the integration between the public sector, companies, and universities strengthens regional development and makes Palhoça a model of urban innovation in Brazil.
The Pedra Branca experience demonstrates that smart cities are not just a concept of the future, but a possible reality when innovation, sustainability, and collaboration work hand in hand. Inaitec has been a protagonist in this journey, showing that investing in innovation ecosystems is a strategic path to generating long-term economic, social, and environmental impact.
