"The Country Has Turned Its Cultural Diversity into a Competitive Asset"

Leaders League: What sets Rio de Janeiro’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem apart from other regions of Brazil?

Rio de Janeiro has a unique cultural identity, deeply rooted in creativity and diversity, which directly influences its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Just like Carnival is an expression of our ability to combine art, technology, and collaboration in a global spectacle, the startup and innovation environment in Rio stands out for its multidisciplinarity and its capacity to integrate different sectors – from technology to the creative economy. Additionally, the city has strong internationalization potential due to its global visibility, which favors partnerships and attracts investment.

What are the main challenges faced by companies in the sector?

Tech companies in Brazil, including those in Rio, face challenges such as excessive bureaucracy, limited access to capital, and weak integration with international markets. However, just as the country has managed to turn its cultural diversity into a competitive asset – as evidenced by its Oscar win and the global impact of Carnival – startups can use that same adaptability and creativity to overcome barriers.

How does the association provide support?

The association supports companies through programs like Assespro Acelera, which connects entrepreneurs with investors and specialists. It also fosters a collaborative environment where networking and knowledge exchange drive startup growth.

How do you assess Brazil’s level of competitiveness in innovation and technology compared to other countries?

Brazil has significant potential, but still faces challenges in consolidating its global competitiveness. While countries like the United States and China have highly structured innovation ecosystems, Brazil stands out for its adaptability, creativity, and resilience – traits born from our rich culture and key competitive advantages in the global market.

Just as the Oscar win and Carnival demonstrate Brazil’s ability to lead in creativity and engagement, the tech sector can harness that same energy to gain ground in innovation. The major challenge is turning that potential into public policies and incentives that support the sustainable growth of companies.

How can artificial intelligence boost Brazil’s competitiveness?

Artificial intelligence could be the key driver for Brazil to transform its creativity into a global competitive advantage. Just as Carnival uses technology to enhance performances and experiences, AI can optimize processes, predict trends, and personalize solutions across various sectors.

In the diverse landscape of Brazilian entrepreneurship and innovation, AI can be a strategic differentiator for startups, helping them position themselves more innovatively and efficiently in the global market. The combination of Brazil’s cultural DNA with the power of AI has the potential to generate unique tech solutions that create value and unlock new opportunities on the world stage.