The History and Legacy of InnovaCities: A Journey of Innovation and Impact
InnovaCities, created in 2011, has established itself as one of the main platforms for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the discussion of Smart Cities and Smart Tourist Destinations in Latin America. The initiative aims to consolidate Foz do Iguaçu as a hub of innovation with regional and international impact, especially in the tri-border region between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The 2025 event aligns with strategic programs of the Ministry of Tourism, seeking to strengthen event tourism and the internationalization of Brazilian destinations.
Highlights and History of the Event
Reach and Audience:
Over its 13 editions, the event has reached an estimated total audience of over 200,000 people. The 2013 edition in Vitória, Espírito Santo, was a notable highlight, attracting a record-breaking 130,000 attendees in three days.
Geographic Expansion:
InnovaCities was held nine times in Espírito Santo, three times in Paraná (in Foz do Iguaçu, Cascavel, and Toledo), and had an international edition in Angola, expanding its influence to the African continent.
Economic Impact and Partnerships:
The event has generated an economic impact of over R$ 2 million in negotiations and contracts. More than 30 scientific, technological, and educational partnerships have been signed with national and international institutions.
Features and Objectives:
Free Entry and Inclusion: InnovaCities is distinguished by its free entry policy, which removes financial barriers and allows independent inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and students to participate and showcase their projects. This inclusive model is unique among the fairs endorsed by the International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA).
Content and Projects:
More than 2,000 innovative projects have been presented throughout the editions, covering areas like health, education, food security, sustainability, and public management. The event has also trained over 2,000 students, teachers, and researchers through the "Innovation Genome" methodology.
Consolidation of Foz do Iguaçu:
The event's goal is to consolidate Foz do Iguaçu as a center for innovation, science, technology, and business, in addition to its well-known tourist appeal. The city has been recognized as a Smart Tourist Destination by the Ministry of Tourism since 2023.
InnovaCities is not just a fair, but a continuous movement of social and technological transformation. Its annual staging is essential for monitoring the evolution of projects and consolidating a dynamic innovation ecosystem, leaving a legacy of sustainable progress.