An international organization present at the 2nd SP Conecta, an event promoted by Investe São Paulo on August 31st, which brought together several innovation support agents, corporations, startups, public agents and financiers, Catalonia Trade & Investment is interested in attracting Brazilian startups that develop technologies focused on smart cities, as highlighted by Josep Buades, director of the office in Brazil.
Buades explained that around 270 companies already operate in the Catalan smart city sector, and together they reach a turnover of 36.65 billion euros, with the main segments being: mobility, lighting and waste treatment. The ecosystem includes international research, development and promotion networks, universities, technology centers and sector entities. “The government of Catalonia has focused on bringing the public administration and the private sector together for the development of projects, as we want to evolve from the concept of a smart city to that of a smart region, giving support to smaller municipalities”.
Among the means of investment made available by the government is Startup Capital, a direct aid of up to 75 thousand euros for technological startups, which have three months to three years of life. The resources can be used to finance from the management of the operation to the commercialization of products and services.
One of the most dynamic regions in Spain and home to large companies, Catalonia has its main city in Barcelona, considered the 4th best in the world for digital entrepreneurship, according to a study carried out by three organizations (Nesta, Future Cities Catapult and Accenture). From November 14 to 16, the city will host the Smart City Expo World Congress 2017.
For contact with Catalonia Trade & Investment and more information, visit: http://www.catalonia.com/en/.
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