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Der Campus Nord ist abgebildet. Im Zentrum des Bildes der Mathetower. © Roland Baege​/​TU Dortmund

Registration Open for Startups Connected Program in Brazil

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Offical event image with event title and registration period © AHK São Paulo
The Startups Connected program is organized by the German-Brazilian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) in São Paulo and includes an annual challenge sponsored by the German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH) São Paulo. Science-based startups from Germany can apply until 31 July 2026 for this year's challenge “Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability”. The DWIH São Paulo aims to encourage German startups based on scientific research to bring AI solutions with environmental, social, and ethical impact to Brazil, while exploring opportunities for business development and R&D cooperation.

The applicant startup must offer an innovative solution within one or more focus areas related to sustainability and responsible digital transformation. This may include AI models for carbon footprint tracking, emissions reduction, climate risk assessment, renewable energy optimization, smart grids, biodiversity and environmental monitoring, circular economy, waste optimization, sustainable agriculture, bioeconomy, data privacy, ethical AI, algorithmic bias mitigation, occupational health and safety, inclusion, accessibility, community relations, and measurable social impact.

Only startups based in Germany that are planning to enter the Brazilian market are eligible to participate in the competition. The winning startup will receive a one-year membership with the AHK São Paulo, which includes participation in exclusive events, networking opportunities, and the chance to pitch its innovative project at the German-Brazilian Innovation and Sustainability Congress in São Paulo. In addition, the startup will receive support in identifying potential partners and establishing local contacts.

The winning startup will also benefit from a one-week roadshow in Brazil (including airfare and accommodations) to meet companies and potential partners selected jointly by the organizers and the startup. The trip, funded by the DWIH São Paulo, is tentatively scheduled for late September (subject to change upon consultation with the organizers).

The shortlisting of finalists will take place between August 3 and 14. The selected startups are expected to present their ideas in an online pitch to a panel of experts on August 25; the decision will be announced on the same day. The candidates will be evaluated by a mixed panel of Brazilian and German academics and entrepreneurs. The evaluation criteria include the solution’s level of innovation and its impact (scope and intensity), its potential for the Brazilian market, prior knowledge of the target market, and the profile of the startup’s leadership: Startups whose founders are researchers who are still active in academia or have recently left an academic institution will be given preference.

For further information on the challenge and registration please see this link.

 

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