The South Summit Brazil (SSB) 2025 kicked off on Wednesday, April 9, at Cais Mauá in Porto Alegre, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the globe. The event, which runs until Friday, April 11, focuses on resilience and sustainability, themes that resonate deeply in the wake of the devastating floods that struck the region in 2024.
Governor Eduardo Leite, who inaugurated the summit, emphasized the significance of this year's gathering, stating, "The South Summit is an event that points to the future. All editions are impactful, but this one has a special character because this area of the dock was invaded by water last year." He expressed pride in the reconstruction efforts and the mobilization of resources to host thousands of attendees from various countries.
Leite further highlighted the connections forged at the summit, stating, "We live in a transforming world, and we are hosting one of the largest innovation events on the continent, discussing important themes like innovation for climate resilience." The summit serves as a major platform for collaboration among academia, startups, and investment funds, creating opportunities for innovative projects and business ventures in Rio Grande do Sul.
Expectations are high for the event, with over 700 speakers, 1,000 investors, and 150 investment funds in attendance. More than 24,000 participants are expected over the three days, with 2,000 startups competing for recognition. Fifty finalists will present their innovative ideas, vying for awards in categories such as Best Team, Most Scalable, Most Disruptive, Most Sustainable, and Winner Global.
Among the notable attendees is Orkut Buyukkokten, the founder of the social network Orkut, who garnered a celebrity-like welcome. His presence at a pre-event gathering for investors was a highlight, sparking nostalgia among many participants. Another standout was Marcos Piangers, known for his engaging talks on fatherhood, who captivated the audience with his insights on emotion, work, and life.
Juliana Mota, founder of the fintech Pismo, which recently achieved unicorn status, shared her thoughts on the importance of emotional intelligence for entrepreneurs. "The entrepreneurial journey is very challenging. Maintaining focus and emotional stability is crucial, as obstacles often arise unexpectedly," she remarked.
In discussions about Brazil's role in a low-carbon economy, industry leaders like Gustavo Werneck and Daniel Raul Randon acknowledged the country's potential due to its clean energy matrix. Randon stated, "With the world’s growing concern over climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Brazil is well-positioned." However, concerns about human capital and the need for investment in talent development were also raised.
As part of the summit, the Secretariat of Environment and Infrastructure (Sema) presented the Municipal Climate Roadmap, a project aimed at fostering climate resilience among municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul. This initiative, which was first introduced at last year's summit, aims to integrate data and actions for climate mitigation and adaptation. Secretary Marjorie Kauffmann emphasized its importance, stating, "This is an example of how the union between innovation and governance can yield positive results."
The Roadmap has already seen participation from 311 of the 497 municipalities in the state, showcasing a collaborative effort to tackle climate challenges. The project has been recognized for its scientific foundation and is expected to guide effective climate actions tailored to regional needs.
Additionally, the summit features a Marketplace where startups and exhibitors can showcase their innovations, including solutions for quantifying CO2 emissions and developing decarbonization plans. One startup reported a 7% reduction in emissions from waste and transport, and a 31% reduction from fuel emissions, achieved through innovative practices.
New initiatives like the Viva o RS Boat, a collaboration between the state tourism department and local businesses, offer immersive experiences featuring the flavors and wines of Rio Grande do Sul, further enhancing the event's appeal.
As the summit progresses, the focus remains on fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and exploring innovative solutions for a sustainable future. With discussions ranging from digital transformation to social change, the South Summit Brazil 2025 is set to be a pivotal event for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators alike.
