Brazilian Impact Techs in Spain (BitS) will take up to three Espírito Santo-based impact techs to connect with the Spanish market; applications are open until August 1.

Another mission of the Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW) program is on the horizon. Created by the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) in partnership with Mobilização Capixaba pela Inovação (MCI) and FindesLab, the program follows the success of Brazilian Indtechs in Germany (BiG) with its next initiative: Brazilian Impact Techs in Spain (BitS). This mission will select Brazilian impact startups to engage with the Spanish market, fostering connections and generating concrete business opportunities, along with six months of follow-up to support their international expansion.

The program has two main goals: train up to 30 Brazilian impact techs for the challenges of internationalization through specialized mentorship and targeted content, and connect up to 15 top-ranked impact techs from the training track with stakeholders in Spain via a ten-day international mission, scheduled for October 29 to November 7. Applications are open until August 1 (details in the “Service” section at the end).

The mission aims to break stereotypes and demonstrate to the world that Brazilian innovation, driven by technology, has the potential to play a leading role in the global socio-environmental impact landscape. Impact techs are defined as technology-based companies that combine positive socio-environmental impact with sustainable financial results.

“We want to show the world that Espírito Santo is also committed to the future of the environment and society. Impact techs operate on the front lines. It is important to demonstrate that the state has emphasized this policy under Governor Renato Casagrande. But it’s more than that—we also want Espírito Santo’s tech-based companies working in this sector to make international connections, experience new cultures, learn from these missions, and establish profitable business. All of this will generate social and economic impact for Espírito Santo and Brazil. This mission will attract new investment to the state,” explained Elton Moura, Fapes’ Innovation Director.

Application and Selection Process

During registration, impact techs must declare whether their CNPJ (Brazilian business ID) is located in Espírito Santo. Based on this self-declaration, they will be divided into two selection tracks:

• Group A – Impact techs with CNPJ in Espírito Santo:

  • Pre-selection for training: up to 10 spots

  • Final selection for international mission: up to 3 spots

• Group B – Impact techs with CNPJ outside Espírito Santo:

  • Pre-selection for training: up to 20 spots

  • Final selection for international mission: up to 12 spots

The BSW mission is operated by FindesLab, which will select the startups to participate. Espírito Santo-based companies will receive BRL 100,000 each, funded by the State Science and Technology Fund (Funcitec), provided by Fapes.

Why Spain?

Spain stands out as one of Europe’s leading hubs for climate innovation, with over 11,000 startups and significant investment in impact technologies. The mission will focus on Catalonia and its capital, Barcelona—the 6th largest startup hub in Europe and host of global events such as the Smart City Expo World Congress.

The choice of Barcelona, focusing on Smart Cities, reflects the urgency of rethinking urban centers amid climate change. Cities face the greatest socio-environmental and financial challenges of the 21st century, demanding innovative and sustainable solutions. Impact techs are uniquely positioned to address these challenges. The mission aims to support the internationalization of these solutions, connecting the Brazilian ecosystem to the vibrant global scene.

How BSW Works

The Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW) program helps startups succeed internationally across four verticals:

• Industry: with indtechs

• Commerce & Retail: with retail techs

• Agribusiness: with agrifood techs

• Impact Businesses: with impact techs

Each mission will take place in a country with an active innovation and technology ecosystem in the corresponding vertical. “For example, Italy may host our agrifood techs. We plan the next destinations based on each vertical, following the same model: participation in a major industry event, training, networking, mentorship, market connections, and cultural immersion,” noted Elton Moura.

All BSW missions are supported by the Brazilian Embassy. “In every mission, Embassy representatives will accompany us. It’s important to highlight that BSW is directly linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI), which aims to promote Brazil’s image as an innovative nation,” he added.

Service:

• Call 002/2025 – Brazilian Impact Techs in Spain 2025 – BitS 2025: [Click here to apply]

• Application deadline: August 1, 2025

• Application site: https://findeslab.com.br/bits/

• Questions about the call: findeslab@findes.org.br

With information from FindesLab Communication Office

Press Contact:
Fapes Communication Office
Samantha Nepomuceno / Igor Gonçalves
(27) 3636-1867 / 3636-1858
comunicacao@fapes.es.gov.br