Registrations for the 2025 South Summit Brazil Startup Competition have been extended until January 23. Free and open to Brazilian and international startups, the initiative offers an opportunity for innovative companies to showcase their projects at Latin America’s leading innovation and technology event, taking place April 9–11 at Cais Mauá in Porto Alegre.
The competition, recognized as one of South Summit Brazil’s core pillars, attracted over 2,000 startups from 81 countries in 2024. This year’s participants will benefit from the Startup Program, which includes:
- Reverse pitch sessions with renowned investment funds;
- Matchmaking opportunities with investors and major corporations;
- Specialized mentoring;
- Exclusive partner discounts.
Selection criteria and competition dynamics
Startups will be evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, scalability, viability, team strength, and investment potential. The 50 finalists will present their projects on the event’s main stage and participate in business matchmaking sessions with investors and industry leaders.
“This competition is essential for giving startups visibility and driving the innovation ecosystem. Opportunities like this help entrepreneurs build strategic connections, attract partners, and scale their businesses,” highlights Simone Stülp, Rio Grande do Sul’s Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
2024 Highlights
Last year, 23 of the 50 finalists were international, representing 15 countries. However, a local startup from Porto Alegre, Ostera, won the “Most Scalable” category. The healthtech has previously received state government investments through Fapergs and the Innovation, Science, and Technology Secretariat.
Other 2024 winners include:
- Best Overall: Cromai (São Paulo/SP), in the agricultural sector.
- Most Sustainable: B4Waste (São Paulo/SP).
- Most Innovative: IBBX (Capivari/SP).
- Best Team: PhageLab (Chile).
About the event
The 2024 South Summit Brazil brought together over 23,000 attendees from 55 countries, including 900 investors managing assets exceeding $213 billion. The event hosted 7,000 companies and 3,000 startups, with over 800 speakers featured in panels, workshops, and discussions.
For 2025, the event will center on resilience as a driver for the state’s social and economic recovery. More information and registration details are available on the official South Summit Brazil website.
