HUB Conecta Launches Scale to Brazil Program to Help Global Startups Enter Brazil

HUB Conecta has introduced Scale to Brazil, a new international market expansion program created to support high-potential startups seeking to establish and grow their presence in Brazil.

Developed with the institutional support of the Latin American Startup Alliance (ALAS), the initiative combines strategic preparation, business immersion and tailored connections with key players across Brazil's innovation ecosystem.

Why Scale to Brazil Was Created

Scale to Brazil was created by Junior Rodrigues, Founder & CEO of HUB Conecta and Executive President of ALAS, after years of collaborating with startup ecosystems across Latin America.

According to Rodrigues, many entrepreneurs throughout the region share the same ambition of entering Brazil but often view the country's market as difficult to access.

"Throughout my work with startup ecosystems across Latin America, I have heard the same question countless times: 'We want to expand to Brazil, but we don't know where to start.' Brazil offers extraordinary opportunities, yet many startups still see it as a complex and inaccessible market. Scale to Brazil was created to change that perception. Our mission is to help founders navigate the Brazilian market with the right preparation, the right connections and the right strategy, transforming uncertainty into real business opportunities."

Rather than operating as a traditional acceleration or soft-landing program, Scale to Brazil is designed as a structured market expansion journey that prepares startups, connects them with strategic stakeholders and helps them build business opportunities in Brazil.

Curitiba to Host the First Edition

The inaugural edition of Scale to Brazil will take place in Curitiba, Brazil, in October 2026.

The city was selected for its position as one of Brazil's leading innovation ecosystems, offering international startups opportunities to engage with corporations, investors, universities, technology parks and government agencies while exploring potential partnerships and customer relationships.

Program Structure

The eight-week program combines online preparation, an in-person business immersion and personalized follow-up support.

Participants will receive:

• Two strategic online preparation sessions.
• A two-week business immersion in Curitiba.
• Curated business matchmaking opportunities.
• Meetings with corporations, investors, government agencies, universities and technology parks.
• A Demo Day and investor meetings.
• Six weeks of personalized one-on-one mentoring following the immersion.

Focus Sectors

The first cohort will prioritize startups operating in the following industries:

• Industry 4.0 & Advanced Manufacturing.
• Smart Cities.
• GovTech.
• HealthTech.
• FinTech.
• RetailTech.
• DeepTech.

Applications Open Until August 15

Only 10 international startups will be selected for the inaugural edition, allowing for personalized support, customized business agendas and strategic networking opportunities within Brazil's innovation ecosystem.

To encourage participation, one startup will receive a full scholarship covering 100% of the program fee.

Applications are now open and will remain available until August 15, 2026. Interested startups can apply through the program's official application form.