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 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 today have more than 1,800 active startups, with Mato Grosso do Sul standing out (595), followed by Mato Grosso (525), the Federal District (481), and Goiás (327). Within this context, Goiás shows remarkable growth, with 82 new startups created in 2024 alone, representing a 43% increase compared to the previous year – the largest ever recorded in the state.
This progress 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 Hub Cerrado, which is based in Goiânia.
Hub Cerrado is currently the largest innovation ecosystem in the Central-West region of Brazil and one of the leading ones in the country. With over 527 resident companies, 80 operational startups, and an active presence in 17 Brazilian states, the Hub already represents more than R$ 20 billion in equity capital.
In 2024 alone, more than 37 events were held and 200 hours of training were provided by experts, impacting approximately 12,900 people. The Hub is responsible for initiatives such as:
* Cerrado for Startups
* Strategic Innovation Council
* Innovation Routes
During its 6 years of operation, Hub Cerrado has boosted the growth of relevant startups, such as:
* TudoMed – corporate health management
* AgroSkills – an accelerator for young leaders in agriculture
* Industrycare – a data analytics and insights platform for the industry.
* sou.agrosolucoes – logtech for grains and agricultural inputs.
* Sittax – tax intelligence SaaS for accountants.
National and international recognition
Hub Cerrado achieved 1st place in the 2024 Ranking of 100 Open Startups, in the Ecosystems category, and has been gaining international recognition with 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.
Strategic structure and programs
With over 3,000 m² of physical space, the Hub offers coworking spaces, private offices, an auditorium, and a collaborative lounge, in addition to programs that strengthen the innovation environment.
* Acelera Cerrado – acceleration program for early-stage startups
AgroCerrado – technological solutions for agribusiness
* Cerrado Angels – investor network and training for new investors
* Cerrado Lab – consulting firm specializing in corporate innovation and access to tax benefits for startups.
The Hub also has a Strategic Innovation Council made up 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 executive) and Paulo Santana (Founder, IPOG).
With this scenario, Goiás establishes itself as one of the main protagonists in the new map of Brazilian innovation – more digital, connected, decentralized, and committed to sustainable development.
