On a discovery tour through the vibrant innovation and start-up life in Brazil

The trip began in São Paulo, where Ms Heller gave a presentation on studying and researching at THI and networked with partner institutions and interested participants at the open day of the German House for Research and Innovation (DWIH). A meeting with the São Paulo Chamber of Foreign Trade (AHK) was also on the programme, which focused on the Chamber's strong focus on innovation and sustainability in Brazil. In Curitiba, Ms Heller and Ms Mair visited colleagues from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), with which THI has a long-standing partnership. In the Department of Innovation and Cooperation, they had an interesting exchange of experiences on the subject of cooperation with industry. They also got to know the brilliant minds at EngePro Consultoria Jr. on campus. These student groups are dedicated to real industry projects and acquire entrepreneurial skills in the process. The visit to the HOTMILK startup incubator was also remarkable, showing the incredible support that startups receive from the university ecosystem. The fourth stop, took them to Florianópolis, the "Silicon Valley" of Brazil, also known as "Silicon Island", which proudly claims the highest density of startups per capita in Brazil. The collaboration with the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), the educational institution SENAC and the technology park and innovation centre ACATE brought the island's vibrant technology ecosystem and innovations to light.  The trip opened the door to joint projects, workshops, pitches and events for SAFIR management and the CoE.