The innovation ecosystem in the Central-West region has been undergoing a significant transformation. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of startups in the region grew by 189% among companies mapped or supported by Sebrae Startups — the highest proportional rate in the country, according to data from the Startup Report Brazil 2024, published by Sebrae Startups Observatory.
The states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Goiás, and the Federal District now account for over 1,800 active startups, with Mato Grosso do Sul leading (595), followed by Mato Grosso (525), the Federal District (481), and Goiás (327). In this scenario, Goiás shows notable growth, with 82 new startups created in 2024 alone, representing a 43% increase from the previous year — the highest ever recorded in the state.
This progress is directly linked to the strengthening of strategic sectors like agribusiness, logistics, and govtech, as well as the presence of robust innovation ecosystems such as Hub Cerrado, headquartered in Goiânia.
Hub Cerrado is now the largest innovation ecosystem in the Central-West and one of the most prominent in the country. With over 527 resident companies, 80 startups in operation, and an active presence in 17 Brazilian states, the Hub already represents more than R$ 20 billion in social capital.
In 2024 alone, more than 37 events were held, and 200 hours of training with experts were conducted, impacting approximately 12,900 people. The Hub is responsible for initiatives such as:
* Cerrado for Startups
* Strategic Innovation Council
* Innovation Routes
Over its six years of operation, Hub Cerrado has driven the growth of notable startups, including:
* TudoMed – corporate health management
* AgroSkills – accelerator for young leaders in agribusiness
* Industrycare – data analysis and insights platform for the industry.
* sou.agrosolucoes – logtech for grains and agricultural inputs.
* sittax – SaaS for tax intelligence for accountants.
National and international recognition
In 2024, Hub Cerrado achieved 1st place in the 100 Open Startups Ranking in the Ecosystems category and has been gaining international prominence with initiatives such as:
* Petit Comitê with representatives from Canada and Saudi Arabia
* Innovation Routes Technical Mission, which positions Goiânia as the Capital of Artificial Intelligence
* Structure and strategic programs
With over 3,000 m² of physical infrastructure, the Hub offers coworking spaces, private rooms, an auditorium, and a collaborative lounge, along with programs that strengthen the innovation environment:
* Acelera Cerrado – acceleration for early-stage startups
* AgroCerrado – technological solutions for agribusiness
* Cerrado Angels – investor network and training for new investors
* Cerrado Lab – corporate innovation consulting and access to tax benefits and startups.
The Hub also has a Strategic Innovation Council composed of prominent national and international figures, such as Jefferson Nesello (Zaxo M&A Partners), Celso Camilo (PhD, AI Center of Excellence – UFG), Bruno Klassman (CFO, Alun), Daniel Leipnitz (ex-ACATE), and Paulo Santana (Founder, IPOG).
With this scenario, Goiás establishes itself as one of the key players in the new Brazilian innovation map — more digital, connected, decentralized, and committed to sustainable development.
