South Summit Brazil is teaming up with IEDC as part of its Centennial Event Series, celebrating 100 years of leadership in economic development and preparing the field for the future. The partnership is in collaboration with Invest RS, the development and investment promotion agency of Rio Grande do Sul and a strategic partner of the event.
“The inclusion of South Summit Brazil in the IEDC Centennial Series, an organization of which Invest RS is proud to be a member, reinforces the global relevance of the event and highlights the role of Rio Grande do Sul as a strategic hub for innovation and economic development,” said Rafael Prikladnicki, President of Invest RS.
A global meeting point for business connections between investment funds, companies, and startups, last year’s South Summit Brazil gathered 23,000 participants from 62 countries, including 900 investors and 140 funds with more than US$215 billion in assets under management. The event also hosted more than 3,000 startups and 800 speakers.
Focused on innovation, sustainability, and business generation, South Summit Brazil returns to Porto Alegre from March 25 to 27, 2026, for its fifth edition and part of IEDC’s Centennial Event Series.
“The inclusion of South Summit Brazil in this series strengthens the event’s role on the international stage and expands our ability to connect business and capital. This move reflects the evolution of the project, which now operates continuously to generate impact and strengthen Brazil’s dialogue with key sectors of the economy and the world’s most relevant innovation ecosystems,” said Wagner Lopes, Country Manager of South Summit Brazil.
IEDC and its partners are engaged in initiatives at the local and international levels, with a focus on increasing the event’s institutional visibility and strengthening the connection between the Brazilian economic ecosystem and global networks.
“As we celebrate IEDC’s centennial year, we are honored to partner with South Summit Brazil and Invest RS,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “Together, we are strengthening global collaboration and inspiring innovation that will define the next century of economic development around the world.”
South Summit Brazil connects visionary entrepreneurs, top-tier investors, and industry leaders in the perfect environment to accelerate business growth. It was brought to the country by the Government of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and has already held four successful editions in Porto Alegre since 2022. Created in Madrid 14 years ago, the event has generated more than US$17 billion in investments raised by startups through the Startup Competition. Click here to learn more.