Key Takeaways
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- Startup Day at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) aims to foster connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and academia, with a particular focus on innovation, technology, and gaming.
- The event provides various opportunities for engagement, such as talks, debates, mentorship programs, hackathons, and networking events to help cultivate an environment for innovative ideas to evolve into successful businesses.
- SebraeSPs SPARK program offers free guidance to students aiming to transform projects into research initiatives or startups through three online stages synchronized with the academic calendar, with top projects receiving international trips and cash prizes.
- The collaboration between USP and SebraeSP aims to strengthen ties with entrepreneurs across the state and create a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Startup Day, in its 12th edition, took place last Saturday (21) at the University of Sao Paulo (USP), hosted by Inova USP. Simultaneously, Startup Day unfolded in over 380 cities throughout Brazil, with more than 90 of these located in Sao Paulo. The event’s primary goal is to share expertise and foster connections between entrepreneurs and investors, with a particular emphasis this year on innovation, technology, and games at the USP venue. Nelson Hervey Costa, Superintendent Director of SebraeSP, hailed the event as a catalyst for innovation and startup growth. According to Costa, the event facilitated engagement through talks and debates, encouraged students to pursue entrepreneurship, and cultivated an environment where innovative ideas can evolve into successful businesses.
Startup Day USP’s focus on gaming enabled game developers and startup founders to discuss challenges, enhance the gaming landscape, collaborate, network, conduct business, and attract potential investors. The schedule included a talk show centered on innovation, alongside lectures addressing startup fundamentals, market research, deep tech, and growth strategies. A panel discussion on legal aspects and community building within the gaming industry was also featured. Attendees had the chance to explore various gaming and startup projects, mentorship programs, a hackathon, and an entrepreneurship initiative tailored for students from USP, Belas Artes, Insper, FGV, and ESPM. Professor Luiz Henrique Catalani, Vice-Coordinator at USP’s Innovation Agency, emphasized the significance of Startup Day in uniting SEBRAE and USP, two pivotal entities within Sao Paulo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Catalani noted SEBRAE’s role in connecting various stakeholders, while USP contributes talent and knowledge. Andre Fleury, another Vice-President at Inova USP, views Startup Day as the culmination of collaborative efforts between SEBRAE and USP. Both anticipate that the collaboration will strengthen USP’s ties with entrepreneurs across the state.
Startup Day at USP Boosts University-based Startups with SPARK Program and International Opportunities
The overarching aim of Startup Day at USP was to support university-based startups. SebraeSP seeks to assist small businesses at every stage by connecting research, academic talent, and market opportunities to transform knowledge into viable and scalable businesses. Seven capacity-building opportunities were presented at USP Startup Day, including the SPARK program, which offers free guidance to students aiming to transform projects into research initiatives or startups. Marcus Leite, head of Startup Programs at SebraeSP, explained that SPARK comprises three online stages synchronized with the academic calendar. These stages involve discussions on startup mechanics and strategies for converting ideas into tangible realities. Top projects will receive an all-expenses-paid international trip for participating students and teachers, in addition to cash prizes allocated for technology development. Applications are open until April via the provided link. Inquiries can be directed to 0800 570 0800. Through initiatives like Startup Day, USP and SebraeSP are working to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
In Case You Missed It
“In our ongoing journey to uncover the fascinating world of gaming’s societal influence, we’re thrilled to share Carlos Mendoza’s captivating piece, ‘We Discussed ‘Video Game Crash’ Book at USP’s Inova, in a Sebrae SP Event’. Published on March 21st, 2026, this insightful article takes us right into the heart of an event held at the University of São Paulo. Here, discussions around the ‘Video Game Crash’ book explored everything from game legalization to layoffs, with notable representatives from SEBRAE SP and Wildlife Studios adding depth to the conversation. But that’s not all! This article is also a wealth of insights into Brazil’s vibrant gaming scene and its hunger for localized content creation. So, come join the discussion here We Discussed ‘Video Game Crash’ Book at USP’s Inova, in a Sebrae SP Event.”
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