South Summit Brazil 2025 confirmed Porto Alegre as one of Latin America’s strongest centers for innovation. The latest socioeconomic impact study reveals solid economic gains, global visibility and momentum for Brazil’s startup ecosystem.

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166 Million BRL Injected Into the Brazilian Economy

The 2025 edition generated 166 million BRL in national economic impact and created 3,976 jobs across Brazil. For every 1 BRL invested, 4.10 BRL returned to the economy. The event also contributed 13.7 million BRL in tax revenues.

Strong Regional Impact in Rio Grande do Sul and Porto Alegre

Rio Grande do Sul saw 134 million BRL in economic impact and 3,251 new jobs.
In Porto Alegre alone, April 2025 registered 2,138 new jobs, with growth in hospitality, events, retail and travel services. Hotel occupancy reached 90 percent, peaking above 92 percent on event days. Local ISS tax collection grew 29.5 percent when comparing the 2021 and 2025 March–May quarters.

Visibility on a Global Scale

South Summit Brazil 2025 recorded:

• 8,544 media stories, 89 percent in digital channels

• 3.3M BRL in earned media value

• 4.7 million website visits from 157 countries

• Social media communities of 60K on Instagram and 12K on LinkedIn

• 1.14M BRL in engagement value

A nationwide DOOH campaign delivered 1.8 billion impressions, 190 million ad transmissions and an estimated 72M BRL in media value.

Startup Ecosystem Growth

Brazil counts 19,706 startups and 234 innovation ecosystems, with Porto Alegre ranking as the third strongest startup hub in South America.
Success stories linked to the event include the fintech QI Tech, which became Brazil’s first unicorn of 2024, and Trashin, a sustainability startup awarded at South Summit and now operating nationwide.

Social Impact and Urban Regeneration

The event completed: 40+ social initiatives; 2,000+ social tickets distributes; and 12,000+ people impacted. Programs focused on young students, peripheral communities, immigrants and climate-affected populations. South Summit Brazil also invested 5 million BRL since 2022 in revitalizing Porto Alegre’s Cais Mauá, including 1.5 million BRL dedicated to post-flood reconstruction.

Looking to 2030

Projections indicate: 1.2B BRL in cumulative national impact, 131M BRL in tax revenues, and 26,000 jobs created across Brazil.

South Summit Brazil is not only elevating the country’s innovation landscape. It is building long-term economic, social and urban value with global reach.