# Economic and agricultural innovation in Ilhéus, Bahia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/economic-and-agricultural-innovation-in-ilhus-bahia
> Updated: 2026-08-24T19:38:26.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Ilhéus, Bahia, is pursuing a strategy to diversify its local economy by integrating technology and innovation with its traditional cultural and agricultural assets. This movement began with initiatives like the Ilhéus Innovation Festival, which utilized the city’s Historic Center to connect entrepreneurship and technology with local heritage, aiming to attract travelers interested in the creative economy.

This focus on innovation extends to the region’s cocoa industry. At ExpoCacau 2026, the Cocoa Innovation Center (CIC) highlighted advancements in the supply chain, including the National Special Cocoa Contest of Brazil. Furthermore, the CIC is promoting the AgroCIC project, which has invested over R$1.6 million to convert degraded areas into agroforestry systems using cocoa, acai, banana, and forest species.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Cocoa Innovation Center participates in ExpoCacau 2026

The Cocoa Innovation Center is participating in ExpoCacau 2026 in Ilhéus, Brazil, hosting cocoa contests and promoting agroforestry projects to increase producer productivity.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cocoa-innovation-center-participates-in-expocacau-2026

### 2026-08-21: Ilhéus integrates innovation and tourism in Bahia

Ilhéus, Brazil, is diversifying its tourism by hosting innovation festivals in its Historic Center, blending technology and entrepreneurship with its traditional cocoa history and cultural heritage.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ilhus-integrates-innovation-and-tourism-in-bahia

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Cite as: Economic and agricultural innovation in Ilhéus, Bahia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/economic-and-agricultural-innovation-in-ilhus-bahia