Innovation ecosystem expansion in Northeast Brazil

Innovation and technological development are expanding across Northeast Brazil through educational initiatives and startup growth.

In Ceará, the Federal Institute of Ceará (IFCE) has established maker laboratories in multiple campuses, such as Fortaleza and Sobral, using tools like 3D printers and robotics to convert research into prototypes. This is supported by regional mobilization efforts from the Regional Innovation Committee of Centro-Sul and Conecta Sul, which aim to connect students, entrepreneurs, and public managers through a circuit of lectures and meetings.

Further expansion is noted in Pernambuco and Maranhão. In Igarassu, the Hub Canoa Grande utilized an ‘innovation tide’ methodology to increase the local startup count from one to 23.

In Maranhão, the Sebrae Startups Report Maranhão 2026 indicates the state hosts 471 active startups. The capital, São Luís, remains the primary hub, concentrating 294 startups, or 62.4% of the state total. Innovation is also spreading to the interior, with notable activity in Imperatriz (39 startups) and Balsas (22 startups). The Information Technology sector leads the landscape at 14.4%, followed by Education (11.7%) and Health/Wellness (9.1%). Artificial Intelligence is the most widely adopted tool, utilized by 40.1% of companies. Most business models are corporate-focused, with B2B and B2B2C models accounting for over 70% of operations. Local success stories include the AI-driven video platform Autoclipper and the Imperatriz-based delivery management startup Pediddo.