Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has officially launched the Electronic Platform for Agricultural Innovation (Mapa Conecta) — a groundbreaking initiative designed to connect startups, investors, and innovation hubs across the country. The platform aims to transform Brazil into a global leader in open innovation for agribusiness.
Developed in partnership with the Federal Data Processing Service (Serpro), the digital tool provides AI-driven features, multilingual access, and customized navigation for different user profiles — from startups to research institutions. Its goal is to facilitate connections, strengthen local innovation ecosystems, and develop cutting-edge technologies for agricultural production chains.
According to Cesar Teles, general coordinator of Agricultural Innovation at the Ministry’s Secretariat of Innovation, the platform is crucial for bridging regional gaps.
“More than 40% of agribusiness startups are concentrated in São Paulo. This is wonderful for São Paulo, but for the rest of Brazil, it means missing out on huge potential,” he said. “Perhaps a solution developed by one of these tech companies could be implemented in Ceará or Santa Catarina. So, why not?”
The launch took place during the Curicaca Festival in Brasília, as part of the “Mapa Conecta Brasil 2025” event. So far, 15 Brazilian states — including Pará, Mato Grosso, Bahia, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul — have signed cooperation protocols to promote innovation through the platform.
Aline Cappele, manager of Serpro’s Department of Business and Digital Intelligence Solutions for Agribusiness, emphasized that the platform will help address key challenges like climate change and food security.
“Agriculture still faces many challenges that need to be overcome through innovation. We have a program, a digital platform, and a partner to tackle this challenge,” she stated.
The initiative also aligns with Brazil’s broader innovation strategy, incorporating themes such as rural connectivity, bioeconomy, and digital agriculture. With Mapa Conecta, Brazil positions itself at the forefront of agri-tech transformation, fostering collaboration and driving sustainable growth across the agricultural sector.
