Belo Horizonte Fosters Innovation and International Business Connections Through Key Events

Belo Horizonte is highlighting its commitment to innovation and business development with significant events this month. The city is hosting the first edition of the Circuito Mineiro de Inovação (CMI) from November 13-14 at the Escola de Design of the Universidade Estadual de Minas Gerais. The event, supported by the Belo Horizonte City Hall, attracts over 2,000 participants including entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and investors, offering lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities. It focuses on four main areas: Innovation and Technology; Content and Development; Culture and Mineiridade; and Business and Impact.

Prominent municipal secretaries, such as Adriano Faria and Cheng, are participating in panels discussing Belo Horizonte's innovation policies. The PBH Inova project, highlighted during the event, emphasizes technological solutions for public services and attracting investments. Secretary Adriano Faria stressed that Belo Horizonte has a population of over 2.3 million and ranks third among Brazilian capitals by GDP with more than R$130.2 billion. He recounted the city's innovation milestones, including Google's 2005 acquisition of Akwan, the rise of San Pedro Valley's startup scene, the BH-TEC technology park, and the P7 Criativo hub, which underscores the city's leading position in innovation and the creative economy. Secretary Cheng pointed out the importance of international collaborations to boost local market reach.

Additionally, Belo Horizonte serves as a hub for international business engagements in agriculture. During the International Coffee Week from December 10 to 13, coffee producers from the region are set to participate in business rounds organized by agroBR, fostering connections with buyers from nine countries, including Chile, China, Singapore, and Qatar. The number of Brazilian coffee producers involved has grown from 42 in 2025 to 60 in 2026, signaling a growing interest in international markets. This initiative, supported by national organizations such as CNA, ApexBrasil, and Sebrae, aims to enhance Brazil’s coffee presence globally.

Producers like Luciana Silva de Abreu view these initiatives as essential for small-scale farmers, while buyers appreciate the opportunity to learn producers’ stories, enhancing consumer experience and fostering sustainable partnerships. These efforts illustrate Belo Horizonte’s integrated approach to nurturing innovation ecosystems and strengthening global business ties, positioning the city as a key player in Brazil’s economic and technological advancement.