Week in November consolidates Brazil and Portugal as innovation hubs.
The week of November 10-13 marks a turning point for technological innovation in Brazil and Portugal. While Lisbon hosts the Web Summit 2025, Brazil reinforces its presence at international trade fairs and advances in projects related to advanced computing, sustainability, and digital transformation. The numbers and initiatives reveal an ecosystem in accelerated motion.
Advanced computing as a startup accelerator
The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) presented yesterday, November 12th, at the Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon, the session “Advanced Computing Opportunities for Startups and SMEs”. The highlight was the InoVIA Program, which provides vouchers for innovation, allowing quick access to supercomputers such as Deucalion and MareNostrum 5.
The initiative acknowledges a real barrier: startups and small businesses rarely have access to high-performance computing infrastructure. The program changes this equation, democratizing access to AI and advanced computing for companies that want to innovate but lack the resources to do so.
Brazil invests in AI and data science.
In Brazil, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) has accelerated funding for research and development, focusing on artificial intelligence, data science, and innovation. The Centelha 3 program has reached the Federal District with an investment of R$7.1 million, selecting up to 47 projects that will receive R$150,000 in grants and scholarships from CNPq.
Meanwhile, the MCTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation) announced an investment of R$200 million in science, technology and innovation in Piauí, with the creation of IMPA Tech — the first institute of pure and applied mathematics in the Northeast. This initiative is part of the government's plan to combat regional inequalities.
Technology at the service of the climate.
At the pre-COP30 conference held in Rio de Janeiro, more than 300 global leaders debated innovative solutions to the climate crisis. The Franco-Brazilian startup Morfo presented a technological reforestation model that uses drones, sensors, and ecological analysis to restore degraded areas.
The system maps eroded and low-fertility terrain, then drones perform automated seed planting in biodegradable capsules adapted to each soil type. The company operates in municipalities in Rio de Janeiro state, such as Miguel Pereira, and is preparing new projects focused on regenerating degraded pastures, using MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) systems to measure environmental impact.
Brazilian agritech conquers the European market.
Brazil has a strategic presence at Agritechnica 2025, the largest agricultural technology fair in Europe, held from November 9th to 15th in Hannover, Germany. Nine Brazilian companies are part of the national pavilion, showcasing more than five agricultural machines and implements to the international market.
Participation is organized by the Brazil Machinery Solutions (BMS) Program, a result of the partnership between ABIMAQ and ApexBrasil. The event brings together more than 430,000 visitors from approximately 130 countries, consolidating Brazil as a global supplier of high-technology mechanical capital goods.
Digital transformation in states
Rondônia held the 2nd edition of Conexão Tech.RO on November 10th, 11th, and 12th, bringing together students, professionals, and enthusiasts for three days of immersion in technology and digital transformation. The event included lectures, workshops, and roundtables on topics shaping the present and future of innovation.
According to Governor Marcos Rocha, "events like this strengthen public administration and inspire new talent." The initiative reinforces Rondônia's strategy to consolidate itself as a benchmark in digital transformation.
Global context: China accelerates in AI.
Meanwhile, China has launched more than 1,500 major artificial intelligence models, consolidating its position as the second country in computing capacity and the second largest investor in research and development. The country has launched 1,509 AI models and has more than 500 million AI users, in addition to being a world leader in renewable energy production, which represents 60% of its total capacity.
What changes for you?
This convergence of initiatives signals a structural shift: innovation is no longer the privilege of large corporations and is becoming accessible to startups, SMEs, and less developed regions. Democratized access to advanced computing, investments in AI and data science, and sustainability solutions indicate that the coming years will be defined by those who manage to integrate technology, environmental impact, and economic inclusion.
For companies and professionals, the message is clear: innovation is now infrastructure. Those who do not integrate into these ecosystems—whether by accessing computing vouchers, participating in incentive programs, or adopting sustainable technologies—risk falling behind.
Photo by Kvalifik on Unsplash
English