São Paulo Launches 11th Edition of VAI TEC to Accelerate Tech Businesses

São Paulo has opened applications for the 11th edition of the VAI TEC program, a technology business acceleration initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the city, particularly in underserved areas. Up to 25 businesses will be selected to receive R$ 52,000 in funding alongside technical support over a six-month acceleration period starting in June 2026. Since its inception, VAI TEC has accelerated 320 businesses, contributing significantly to local economic development and job creation, especially in São Paulo's peripheral zones such as the South, East, and North regions.

The program targets innovative companies that leverage technology with the potential to impact local economies, focusing on sectors including audiovisual, gaming, green economy, and applications of artificial intelligence in health, urbanism, mobility, and education. Past participants like Happ Fé and Mais Afro illustrate the program's reach in supporting diverse business models addressing community needs.

Renan Vieira, president of ADE SAMPA, highlighted the program's role in reinforcing São Paulo's commitment to innovation as a driver for inclusion and economic growth. Rodrigo Goulart, municipal secretary of Economic Development and Labor, emphasized the program's support for entrepreneurs addressing real challenges in their communities.

Meanwhile, in Canoas, the Programa Acelerando Negócios held a free lecture aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and boosting business development, although details about the event were not disclosed.

In the private sector, advertising agency Artplan showcased entrepreneurial growth under Antonio Fadiga's leadership. Ranked 7th among new business agencies by Meio & Mensagem, Artplan gained seven new clients in 2025, emphasizing multidisciplinary delivery, internal leadership investment, and the use of 'creative data' to enhance client services. Fadiga highlighted the agency's agility as a Brazilian firm, allowing for swift decision-making and fostering a startup culture within the agency to meet client demands.

Together, these programs and business perspectives illustrate the dynamic ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship and technological innovation in Brazil in 2026, combining public acceleration incentives with private sector growth strategies to stimulate economic advancement and inclusion opportunities.