The international missions of the Inova Export program, created by the Government of Goiás, through the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Secti), came to an end with a positive balance of new business for innovation companies in Goiás. In total, three South American countries were visited between September and October 2023: Bolivia, Colombia and Chile.
The program supports the export of products or services from technology-based companies in Goiás, with international missions being its last stage. In total, 18 participants went through nine selection and qualification stages to prepare them for expanding their operations in the foreign market.
The Internationalization of Innovative Enterprises manager at Secti, Sara do Socorro Silva, who accompanied the missions, says that the experiences were very productive. “Not only for businesspeople, who were able to reach new markets, but for the government as well.” She reveals that partnerships are being discussed to develop new technologies together. “There are good possibilities for partnerships with technology parks in these countries,” she says.
In the program, business conferences, discussions and signing of agreements were highlighted. Head of Secti, José Frederico Lyra Netto highlights that the balance of the missions was positive. “The focus is to provide the opportunity for these entrepreneurs, most of whom are small, to use innovation environments outside the country as well,” he explains.
Hoortech participated in the mission to Bolivia and praised the support the company received via Inova Export. “The program opened our eyes in search of new markets, awakened our desire to internationalize”, says the representative, Rafael Pacheco.
Created in the capital of Goiás and focused on products and technologies for growing food at home, the establishment had access to qualified labor to reduce bureaucracy in the company’s internationalization, which, according to Pacheco, was fundamental to achieving positive results in the medium and long term. “I am very happy with the triple alliance that is being successfully concluded. The State, in partnership with UFG and businesspeople, works together to develop our market”, he emphasizes.
Market
Entering the international market was a step that the company Interagi Tecnologia postponed. According to partner Regner Santos, who went on the mission to Colombia, conquering new markets is a goal. “Inova Export encouraged us to leave the little house in Brazil, the comfort of home”, he comments. The company, focused on creating technological solutions for organizations in the country, is already looking to close partnerships abroad. “We have a lot of experience in electronic government and Colombia has Brazil as a reference in this area, so we should close good deals”, he celebrates.
For Marília Rodrigues, partner at Vita Life, the main difficulty faced in the export process is “the cost of carrying out health registration in other countries”. The natural cosmetics industry, in Aparecida de Goiânia, already served international customers before incubation at Inova Export, however, the percentage of revenue from sales abroad still represents the smallest part of revenue. “With Inova Export, having the possibility of paying for registration, I have a great prospect of doing business”, she highlights.
Vita Life embarked on the mission to Chile and the fruits harvested went beyond selection and training. Now, there are customers interested in purchasing other goods produced by the industry. “Going to a meeting alone is different from going with the support of an institution”, she comments. She also remembers that “being face to face with potential buyers makes all the difference”.
Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation — Government of Goiás
