São Paulo – They provide state-of-the-art technology for irrigation, digital platforms for environmental conservation, law services for high-tech business, and several other innovations that put them among Brazil’s boldest firms. And representatives of seven of these firms, better known as startups, are embarking Sunday (26) on a search for knowledge, experience exchange and opportunities in the Gulf.
The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), through its innovation hub ABCC Lab, is taking ten executives from tech-based startups on a mission to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from Sunday to March 2. The trip is intended to be an immersion into the innovation ecosystem of these two countries. The group has appointments in Qatar from February 26 to 28 and the UAE from March 1 to 2.
The head of International Consulting of the ABCC and the ABCC Lab, Karen Mizuta, said the Arab countries are a part of the world largely untapped by startups but there are many opportunities for them in the region, including an environment with less competition compared to the one found in the world’s already filled-to-capacity major innovation hubs. During the mission, Brazilians will be able to pitch their products and services to local potential partners.
“Many solutions provided by Brazilian startups match the needs of the Arab world, what those countries require to face their challenges. We strongly believe in the potential of this relation, which could contribute to further diversifying Brazil-Arab trade, making it more technological and value-added,” Mizuta said.
The executive mentions food security as having a huge potential for Brazil-based agtechs. Food supply is a challenge for Arab countries due to the region’s climate, but this can be alleviated with agricultural technologies, Mizuta pointed out. Another sector where she sees a great potential is payment digitization, where some countries are lacking, and fintechs and e-commerce platforms have the opportunity to enter.
Sustainability is another good sector to be explored by Brazilian cleantechs and greetechs by providing emission reduction and carbon credit generation projects to Arabs, Mizuta believes. The executive said Brazil also has many edtechs and healthtechs that provide educational platforms for children with special needs.
Innovation entrepreneurs
The ABCC mission to the Gulf will feature Coill, a company that created a platform where Brazilian small landowners put their land to be adopted by investors interested in preserving the Amazon; Fienile, which developed the world’s first center pivot with artificial lightning; Orbital, which combines consulting services and the development of digital systems for companies; and Youds, a real estate management firm that provides services to improve travel experiences.
The mission also includes law firm Silva Schütz, which specializes in technology, innovation and corporate law and supports startups in internationalization processes; EasyHash, a cross-platform software that operates with asset tokenization; and Itaipu Technology Park, which gathers companies and education institutions that work for bringing about innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
Program
The group will have a busy schedule in Qatar and the UAE with trainings and visits to technology parks, free zones and innovation hubs, experience exchange events with local startups, and other activities. Brazilians will also have Demo Days, pitch sessions to present their solutions to potential partners that could help them take their products and services into the Arab market.
The program was prepared by the ABCC with the purpose that the mission participants develop their internationalization capacities, benchmark for trends and innovations, check the proposed solution adherence on site in the target market, understand the softlanding legislation and regulation of the countries, meet the ecosystems, and network for exchanging expertise and fostering business.
The mission will be accompanied by the head of the ABCC office in Dubai, Rafael Solimeo, its Business executive Layal El Ghaddaf, and ABCC International Business analyst Leonardo Machado.
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Opening picture for illustrative purposes only.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
