The mission runs through May 16 and will take Brazilian and Espírito Santo-based tech companies to Retail Day, the world’s largest retail tech trade show.

Brazilian Retail Techs in Argentina (BretA) is moving at full speed, with 11 Brazilian tech companies — 10 of them from Espírito Santo — visiting key institutions that promote Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I), while also participating in business matchmaking sessions with Argentine entrepreneurs. The mission continues through May 16 and is promoted by the Government of the State of Espírito Santo through the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes), alongside strategic partners.

On Monday (11), the second day of the mission, the delegation visited Unicen – Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, home to the Scientific and Technological Center of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Conicet). The agenda stems from a partnership established between Fapes and Conicet through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which enabled the launch of an unprecedented research call in Espírito Santo: the Pilar Network – Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

“In previous meetings with Fapes, we identified many shared interests and saw a major opportunity to strengthen ties with Brazil, a country with which we already have a historically positive relationship. This partnership strengthens institutional bonds, expands collaboration, and opens pathways for innovative solutions and new business opportunities. We are very happy to be part of this process,” highlighted Alejandro Zunino, director of Conicet Tandil’s Scientific and Technological Center.

Commenting on the synergy between Brazilian companies, universities, and innovation ecosystems in Argentina and Brazil, Alejandro Zunino emphasized the importance of institutional connections in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

“There is already a very close relationship between Argentina and Brazil, including in professional training and knowledge exchange. When institutions such as Fapes and Conicet connect, it creates more strength and structure for new partnerships, increasing the chances of generating innovation, business opportunities, and solutions with real social impact,” he stated.

Espírito Santo Auto Parts Tech Company Sees Opportunities with Conicet

Kenit, a tech company focused on the auto parts sector that uses data intelligence to optimize purchasing and inventory management — reducing shortages and eliminating excess tied-up capital — is part of the Brazilian delegation on the mission.

José Brittes, co-founder and CEO of the startup, said he was particularly interested in the visit to Conicet Tandil because of the artificial intelligence technologies being developed there and how they are being applied in the market. According to him, the exchange with Argentine researchers was very positive, especially due to similarities with the work the startup already carries out alongside major technology companies.

“From what was presented, they share the same goal of developing internal technologies to support tech companies. I was able to ask questions about how they are creating these solutions and bringing them into practical market applications, which is a major challenge. Technology often remains in the theoretical field, and transforming it into something applicable is complex. It was a very positive exchange,” he commented.

The startup is among the eight selected companies that received financial support from Fapes to participate in the mission. For the entrepreneur, the Foundation’s support goes beyond financial investment.

“Fapes’ support is important not only because of the funding, but also because of the entire experience the mission provides. It is an opportunity for startups to think bigger and move forward in the internationalization process,” he concluded.

Visit to Conicet Tandil Leads to New Partnerships Between Espírito Santo and Argentina

Following the delegation’s visit to Unicen, the Fapes delegation participated in a meeting with representatives from Conicet Tandil. The meeting aimed to formalize a new partnership between Fapes and the Council focused on innovation.

According to Elton Moura, Fapes’ Director of Innovation, the meeting was highly productive and opened up new partnership possibilities between the institutions.

“This conversation created a major opportunity for us to jointly develop mobility projects, both by bringing Argentine researchers to Espírito Santo and sending researchers from Espírito Santo to work here in Argentina. The idea is also to expand this exchange to extension projects, innovation initiatives, and startups,” he highlighted.

Also participating in the meeting were Administrative and Financial Director Lucia Araujo; Financial Planning and Budget Manager Geanderson Campos; and members of the Fapes Global program team, Giulia Brunoro and Isabela Sfalsin.

Fapes Featured Prominently in the Mission Agenda

Still on the second day of the mission, Fapes delivered an institutional presentation to the delegation and representatives of the Tandil Business Chamber. For Elton Moura, the moment was important to showcase the work being carried out in Espírito Santo in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

“It was an opportunity to present the initiatives of the State Government, through Fapes, and also demonstrate the strength of Espírito Santo’s innovation ecosystem and our partners, such as SECTI, Sebrae, MCI, Fecomércio, Bcome Global, Findes, and several other institutions,” he stated.

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