Brazilian Retail Techs in Argentina aims to foster lasting connections between Brazilian retail tech companies and the innovation ecosystem of the neighboring country.

Eleven Brazilian retail tech companies are in Argentina for an international innovation mission promoted by the Government of the State of Espírito Santo, through the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes), in partnership with Fecomércio-ES. BretA 2026 – Brazilian Retail Techs in Argentina – began last Sunday (May 10) and runs through May 16.

Of the 11 Brazilian companies participating, 10 are from Espírito Santo, reinforcing the strength of the state’s innovation ecosystem. Among the Espírito Santo-based tech companies, eight are participating in the mission with financial support from Fapes.

“The expectations for this mission are very positive, especially because it is the first one carried out in Latin America. Bringing Brazil and Argentina closer together has always been one of Fapes’ goals,” highlighted Elton Moura, Fapes’ Director of Innovation.

According to Moura, Espírito Santo had already been strengthening ties with the neighboring country through initiatives that resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Fapes and Conicet (Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council). The partnership also led to the first research call under the Pilar Network.

“Now, we are taking another important step by promoting connections between Brazilian startups and the Argentine market, which shares similarities with Brazil but also has its own characteristics and many opportunities,” Elton concluded.

For Lucia Araujo, Fapes’ Administrative and Financial Director, the mission strengthens the Foundation’s internationalization strategy. “Fapes has been expanding its actions, and strengthening ties with Latin America was already a step we wanted to take. We are very optimistic about this mission and believe that startups from Espírito Santo will have the opportunity to showcase the state’s full potential to Argentina and the international market,” she stated.

André Spalenza, coordinator of the Fecomércio-ES Trade Observatory, is part of the Espírito Santo delegation participating in the mission. For him, the initiative represents an important opportunity to strengthen the retail and services sector.

“We have very positive expectations, especially because of the strength of the institutions involved, such as Fapes and Fecomércio-ES. Commerce and services play a highly relevant role in the economy, and a mission like this opens doors for new business opportunities, connections, and internationalization. We believe the participating retail techs will have the opportunity to strengthen relations between Brazil and Argentina and demonstrate the potential of our sector,” he pointed out.

The mission is also carried out in partnership with Bcome Global, a company dedicated to the internationalization of innovative businesses. Claudio Goldbach, the company’s coordinator, spoke about the importance of Fapes in making BretA possible:

“It is fundamental. From the moment Elton Moura realized that internationalization programs could change people’s lives and, consequently, the lives of companies, he joined forces to make it happen. As a result, he demonstrated the value of these initiatives to everyone involved and to the State,” emphasized Goldbach.

Mission Begins in the City of Tandil

On Sunday (10), Monday (11), and Tuesday (12), the Brazilian delegation carried out technical and cultural visits in the city of Tandil, a tourist destination in the province of Buenos Aires, located about 350 kilometers from the federal capital. The city offers attractions related to gastronomy, religion, and ecotourism, and is also home to a Conicet unit.

“Tandil’s main economic sectors are similar to those of Espírito Santo. In addition, Conicet opened its doors to receive the entire delegation and present how research and innovation work hand in hand. For these reasons, Tandil was chosen as the starting point of our mission,” explained Giulia Brunoro, a member of the Fapes Global team.

Espírito Santo Company Brings Sustainable Solutions to Argentina

GreenWay, an Espírito Santo-based impact tech dedicated to developing sustainable solutions through microalgae biotechnology, focusing on decarbonization and the circular economy, is participating in its second international mission promoted by Fapes. Israel Soares, the company’s leader, shared his expectations:

“During the BitS mission to Spain, we had the opportunity to close two very important cooperation agreements for the company, in Portugal and Spain. This allowed us to diversify our portfolio of services and products and also gain confidence that our solution has global scalability,” he said.

“After BitS, we began looking for new missions aligned with our purpose. In BretA, we saw a major opportunity to operate in the Argentine market with solutions focused on decarbonization and reducing climate impacts. We believe in the potential of the country’s agricultural sector, especially regarding technologies for carbon capture and methane emission reduction. Our expectation is to replicate the positive results achieved during BitS,” added Soares.

Startup from Linhares Bets on Smart Hiring Solutions

IAJob, a startup from northern Espírito Santo, is participating for the first time in an international mission promoted by the State Government. Mirella Souza, the company’s founder and CIO, is bringing to Argentina an AI solution that reduces retail hiring time from 23 days to just 24 hours, using technology to recruit operational staff quickly and efficiently.

“I believe all this networking and collaboration between countries makes a huge difference. Bringing technological innovation from Linhares, in the interior of Espírito Santo, to Argentina will make a significant impact on the growth of both IAJob and entrepreneur Mirella. My expectations are very high,” commented the CIO.

Mirella Souza also highlighted the importance of the State Government’s support for participating in the mission: “I would not be here without this support. Fapes’ financial grant made all the difference and made it possible for me to participate in the mission, something I would not have been able to do on my own. It is an honor to have been selected. I am living this experience intensely to make the most of this opportunity.”

What is BretA 2026?

BretA 2026 is part of Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW), an internationalization program created by Fapes. The mission is promoted by the Foundation in partnership with Fecomércio Espírito Santo, Bcome.global, Sebrae, the Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI) of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mobilização Capixaba pela Inovação (MCI). Its main objective is to establish lasting connections between Brazilian retail tech companies and Argentina’s innovation ecosystem.

Press Information:

Fapes Communications Office
Samantha Nepomuceno | Igor Gonçalves
+55 (27) 3636-1867 | +55 (27) 3636-1858
comunicacao@fapes.es.gov.br