INNOVATE™ Curitiba

Innovations of the World

INNOVATE™ Curitiba

Curitiba, an example of innovation.

Curitiba – PR – Brazil – develops economically while increasing the quality of life of its citizens and generating efficiency in urban operations focusing on innovation and Smart City projects. To promote actions in this sense, the city, through the Curitiba Agency for Development and Innovation, created the Vale do Pinhão program.

The program is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and involves municipal secretariats and the innovation ecosystem of Curitiba, which is composed of all actors whose objective is the development of innovation: universities, accelerators, incubators, investment funds, research and development centers, startups, cultural and creative movements. For Curitiba, participating in the Innovate Project is yet another clear demonstration of the city’s and state’s focus on innovation, said Dario Paixão, Head of the Curitiba Innovation Agency.

Through INNOVATE™ Curitiba, we unpack the innovation ecosystem of this dynamic city and showcasing the people and organizations that are making Curitiba one of the most innovative hubs in South America and beyond.

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Innovators

Featured Innovators

UFPR

FOUNDED IN 1912, UFPR IS THE OLDEST UNIVERSITY IN BRAZIL.

It was initially known as the University of Paraná, and it has been since then a national reference when it comes to teaching, research, and outreach services. Therefore, the UFPR historic building, located at Praça Santos Andrade, was chosen by Curitiba residents as the very symbol of the city. Initially,...

HOTMILK

THE MAIN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM IN THE SMARTEST CITY IN THE WORLD

Hotmilk is the innovation ecosystem of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), considered the most innovative university in the country. Regarded as the primary innovation ecosystem in Paraná (and positioned among the largest in Brazil), Hotmilk operates on multiple fronts: accelerating over 100 resident startups, opening new business opportunities...

TECNOFIT

HELPING FITNESS BUSINESSES IMPROVE MANAGEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Tecnofit, the leading software company in the health and fitness industry since 2017, distinguishes itself by offering cutting-edge solutions for managing gyms and other fitness businesses and professionals. Founded by Anderson Cichon, the current CTO, and fueled by the visionary outlook of Antonio Maganhotte Junior, the present CEO, the company...

ADEMICON

A SPECIALIST IN CONSORTIUMS WHO LEADS THE SEGMENT AMONG INDEPENDENT MANAGERS

Over the course of its 32-years, Ademicon has become a true benchmark in consortium. It went from a company with regional operations to a brand with a national presence, earning the position of Brazil’s largest independent consortium manager in terms of active credits. Currently, according to data from the Central...

CAST GROUP

WITH OVER 33-YEARS OF HISTORY, CAST GROUP STANDS OUT AS A LEADING BRAZILIAN COMPANY IN IT

Specializing in IT and TA consulting and solutions, it offers comprehensive services, including development outsourcing, applications, infrastructure, SAP solutions implementation, 4.0 industry and digital transformation. Pelissari, one of Cast group’s companies, has a solid track record of over 20-years in the technology market, focusing primarily on ERP solutions. Specialized in...

MadeiraMadeira

GET TO KNOW THE CURITIBA UNICORN THAT TRANSFORMED THE FURNITURE AND DECORATION MARKET IN THE COUNTRY

Established in 2009, MadeiraMadeira is now the largest online furniture and decoration platform in Latin America. Prior to its foundation, the company’s story began with brothers Daniel Scandian and Marcelo Scandian. Coming from an entrepreneurial family background, they grew up with the same values. During a challenging period in both...

MILI

LEADS THE BRAZILIAN TISSUE SECTOR WITH INNOVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT AND QUALITY PRODUCTS

With a 40-year legacy, Mili stands out as the leading 100% Brazilian manufacturer in the tissue sector. Headquartered in Curitiba since 1983, a city recognized as the most intelligent in the world by the World Smart City Awards, the synergy between Mili’s innovative mindset and the proactive and favourable environment...

OLIST

MEET OLIST, THE LEADING ECOSYSTEM IN E-COMMERCE SOLUTIONS FOR SMES

Founded in 2015, Olist is a benchmark startup in e-commerce solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, focused on operational management, increased competitiveness in marketplaces and multichannel sales. In 2021, the company acquired Tiny e Vnda, companies based on high technology that offer top-notch services and share the same goal of...

ADAM ROBO

GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST BLINDNESS

Every five seconds, according to the World Health Organization, a person loses their sight, and within every minute, a child joins those statistics. Adam Robo stands as a pioneering Health Tech startup in the realm of ophthalmology, dedicated to the global mission of preventing and combating blindness. This noble cause...

ACOM

EASE AND SECURITY

ACOM Sistemas is a company founded in Paraná, it develops management software for clients in Brazil. It has a focus on contributing to the digital transformation of businesses, especially in the out-of-home food sector, through the ERP EVEREST Food Service®. This software integrates the entire operation, from the sales receipt...

AMCHAM

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BRAZIL

The American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) is a non-profit institution present in the Brazilian market since 1919. In more than 100 years of history, it has sought to develop the market in various fronts and currently has branches in 16 cities across the country. Not neglecting its American roots and...

FORBIZ BUSINESS SOFTWARE

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

With a history spanning over three decades, Forbiz Business Software has consistently pioneered innovation and excellence in the business landscape. Strategically located in Curitiba, the company has established itself as the Diamond Distribution Channel for the esteemed Senior Sistemas, reaffirming its dedication to delivering solutions that not only enhance productivity...

FURUKAWA ELECTRIC

INNOVATION AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY ARE PILLARS OF FURUKAWA ELECTRIC LATAM

FURUKAWA ELECTRIC-INNOVATION AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY ARE PILLARS OF FURUKAWA ELECTRIC LATAM, A TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY WITH HEADQUARTERS IN CURITIBA. Innovation is in the DNA of Furukawa Electric LatAm (FEL), which has been present in Brazil for 50-years and remains at the forefront of technology by offering connectivity solutions that anticipate market...

LEANKEEP

REVOLUTIONIZING FACILITY MANAGEMENT: THE LEANKEEP SUCCESS STORY

In the dynamic world of facility management and maintenance, one name stands out for its innovative approach and remarkable success: Leankeep. This SaaS company has transformed the way businesses handle their maintenance and facilities management, offering a suite of solutions that cater to a diverse range of sectors including condominium...

MAGNETRON

STRENGTH, DETERMINATION, AND CHALLENGE

Currently, in Brazil, one in every three cities has more motorcycles than cars, totaling over 32 million registered motorcycles. This scenario reflects a market with significant investment potential, and Magnetron is always at the forefront in seeking the best solutions to serve this sector. Founded in the 1960s, the company...

INTECSO

PIONEERING EXCELLENCE IN LABORATORY ANALYSIS AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Founded under the visionary leadership of Paula Fernandes de Siqueira Machado, Intecso emerged in response to the challenges encountered in research and development within the feed industry. Motivated by her passion for innovation, Paula spearheaded the development of disruptive industrial processes in the soybean processing chain. Recognizing the obstacles and...

CITS

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY – VANGUARD INSTITUTE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CITS-INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY – VANGUARD INSTITUTE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN CURITIBA Since its establishment in 1992, coinciding with the formulation of incentive policies by the Brazilian government for multinational companies to produce in Brazil and the creation of programs to foster the development of businesses, CITS has...

SMART CITIZEN’S

TECHNOLOGY ENGAGES COMMUNITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES

With the AMA platform, this traditional logic is broken because residents of socially relevant areas start taking care of their territory. The local leader, who would already take care of the neighborhood, now has the opportunity for paid collaboration. The service is georeferenced and constantly evaluated by neighbors and the...

SEBRAE/PR

ENCOURAGES COMPANIES TO PROMOTE INNOVATION IN THEIR BUSINESSES

Sebrae/PRWith the purpose of fostering entrepreneurship and developing micro and small businesses, the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service of Paraná (Sebrae/PR) is a private institution that, since 1972, has been working with business consultancy and development, innovation, entrepreneurial education, startups and articulates the strengthening of the business environment....

UNIVERSIDADE POSITIVO

STANDS AS A PILLAR OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WITH A RICH HISTORY OF 35-YEARS

Focused on professional excellence, the university has played a pivotal role in shaping over 10 thousand entrepreneurs in the past 20 years, leading to the establishment of 24 thousand businesses nationwide. Committed to sustainable development since 2019, Universidade Positivo incorporates the United Nation’s sustainable development goals into every facet of...

PARANÁ STATE

SECRETARIAT FOR INNOVATION, MODERNIZATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PARANÁ

According to the Connected Smart Cities 2023 ranking, Paraná holds a prominent national position, with ten cities from the state, including Curitiba, among the top hundred in the overall ranking. Moreover, Paraná is recognized as a leader in sustainability and innovation in Brazil, as indicated by the renowned Bright Cities...

NEODENT

FOCUSED ON INNOVATION AND EDUCATION, NEODENT IS A REFERENCE IN DENTAL IMPLANTS IN BRAZIL

Celebrating 30-years of democratizing implants treatment in Brazil, the company advances in developing solutions to make oral health accessible to the population. “In the 1990s, over a third of the Brazilian population couldn’t even dream of properly taking care of their oral health, let alone consider dental implants,” declares Geninho...

CONDOR CONNECT

CONNECTING GREAT IDEAS TO GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

The Condor Connect accelerator has been working for over 4-years leading to growth and investing in the acceleration of startups focused on retail and trends. Today, there are nine businesses in acceleration and six in VC investments. It found Curitiba’s innovation ecosystem the ideal place to consolidate its operation, adding...

IDERIS

6-YEARS OF HISTORY OF BRAZIL’S LARGEST MARKETPLACE INTEGRATOR

Ideris was born in Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná, located in the southern region of Brazil, in the year 2017. The company is the result of the Tecnoparque program, which drives innovative local projects. Curitiba is a reference for innovation in Brazil, and in 2023, it was...

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The Publisher

Francisco Britto

Britto holds a degree in Advertising and Journalism and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration. He has over 40 years of experience in marketing and sales. He has worked in companies such as Grupo Pão de Açúcar, DPZ, Young & Rubican, W / Brasil, among others, always in the areas of customer service and planning.  At Wunderman... click to read more

The Publisher

Francisco Britto

Britto holds a degree in Advertising and Journalism and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration. He has over 40 years of experience in marketing and sales. He has worked in companies such as Grupo Pão de Açúcar, DPZ, Young & Rubican, W / Brasil, among others, always in the areas of customer service and planning.  At Wunderman... click to read more

Other Ecosystems