The innovation ecosystem of 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 the companies mapped or served by Sebrae Startups – the highest proportional rate in the country, according to data from the Startup Report Brazil 2024, published by the Sebrae Startups Observatory.
The states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Goiás, and the Federal District currently have more than 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 remarkable growth, with 82 new startups created in 2024 alone, representing a 43% increase compared to the previous year – the highest ever recorded in the state.
This advancement is directly connected to the strengthening of strategic sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and govtech, and to the presence of robust innovation ecosystems, such as the Hub Cerrado, based in Goiânia.
The Cerrado Hub is today the largest innovation ecosystem in the Midwest and one of the main ones 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 share capital.
In 2024 alone, more than 37 events were held and 200 hours of training with specialists were conducted, impacting approximately 12,900 people. The Hub is responsible for initiatives such as:
* Closed for Startups
Strategic Innovation Council
* Innovation Routes
During its 6 years of operation, Hub Cerrado has driven the growth of relevant startups, such as:
* TudoMed – corporate health management
* AgroSkills – accelerator for young leaders in agriculture
* Industrycare – data analysis and insights platform for the industry.
* sou.agrosolucoes – logtech for grains and inputs in agriculture.
* sittax – tax intelligence SaaS for accountants.
National and international recognition
The Cerrado Hub secured 1st place in the 100 Open Startups Ranking in 2024, in the Ecosystems category, and has been gaining international recognition through initiatives such as:
* Small Committee with representatives from Canada and Saudi Arabia
* Technical Mission Routes of Innovation, 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, private rooms, an auditorium, and a collaborative lounge, as well as programs that strengthen the innovation environment:
* Acelera Cerrado – acceleration for early-stage startups
* AgroCerrado – technological solutions for agribusiness
* Cerrado Angels – network of investors and training of new investors
* Cerrado Lab – consultancy in corporate innovation and access to tax benefits and startups.
The Hub also has an Innovation Strategic Council composed of nationally and internationally renowned figures, such as Jefferson Nesello (Zaxo M&A Partners), Celso Camilo (PhD, AI Center of Excellence – UFG), Bruno Klassman (CFO, Alun), Daniel Leipnitz (former-ACATE), and Paulo Santana (Founder, IPOG).
With this scenario, Goiás establishes itself as one of the main protagonists of the new map of Brazilian innovation – more digital, connected, decentralized, and committed to sustainable development.
