Brazil prepares for one of its main entrepreneurship events, the Startup Summit 2026

Brazil is set to host one of its largest entrepreneurship events, the Startup Summit 2026, which will take place from August 26 to 28 in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. The summit, organized by Sebrae Startups in partnership with the Catarinense Technology Association (ACATE), expects more than 10,000 participants, 200 speakers, and a wide network of entrepreneurs and investors. The event aims to foster business creation and strategic connections among startups, major corporations, public representatives, and innovation stakeholders. The main plenary session will feature 23 speakers over the three days, including notable figures such as Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze; Miguel Nicolelis, president of the Nicolelis Institute of Advanced Brain Studies; Bret Waters from Stanford University; Yuanyuan Li from Tsinghua University; and David Rosenberg from Notion. These experts will contribute insights into technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship during the summit’s sessions. One of the key innovations of this year's edition is the Startup Summit Global initiative, designed to expand the event’s international presence and strengthen ties between Brazil’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and global innovation actors. This initiative includes inviting foreign delegations, international investors, universities, and tech hubs from around the world. The programming also features representatives from nearly 30 countries, along with dedicated spaces for networking at the business fair and matchmaking rounds between Brazilian startups and international delegations. Diego Ramos, president of ACATE, highlighted the significance of hosting the summit in Florianópolis, noting the city’s technological density, human capital, and institutional support that favor the growth of innovative enterprises. He emphasized how holding the event in this environment reinforces the city’s entrepreneurial identity and helps present the Catarinense innovation ecosystem to investors, corporations, and entrepreneurs both nationally and internationally. In addition to the main event, the Startup Summit 2026 will include the Startup Summit Week, extending the program from August 19 to 29. During this period, attendees can participate in meetings, side events, technical visits, and activities organized by startups, communities, and companies within the innovation ecosystem in Florianópolis. This extended format allows for deeper engagement and collaboration throughout the month. Recently, the official stage of the Startup World Cup has been announced as part of the event lineup. Considered one of the largest global startup competitions, the Startup World Cup is promoted worldwide by Pegasus Tech Ventures. It will take place on August 25, just one day before the opening of the Startup Summit. This competition provides a platform for startups to showcase their ideas and compete for investment opportunities on an international scale. As preparations continue, organizers are focused on ensuring a robust and inclusive experience for all participants. With a mix of local and international expertise, the Startup Summit 2026 promises to be a pivotal moment for Brazil’s entrepreneurial community, offering valuable networking, knowledge exchange, and growth opportunities.