EmbraturLAB, Embratur's innovation laboratory for tourism, was officially launched on Tuesday the 2nd, during the Web Summit Rio, one of the largest technological events in the world. On the occasion, the Director of Management and Innovation of the Agency, Roberto Gevaerd, announced the opening of registrations for the first acceleration program for startups focused on tourism – registrations can be made until June 5.
The program will last 3 months and will support the development of up to eight startups that present innovative solutions to improve the experience of international tourists in Brazil. The best ideas will go through a practical test stage, in Rio de Janeiro, and those that obtain the most positive responses will be promoted by Embratur to be used throughout the country.
“We started to help think of solutions and improve the experience of international tourism here in Rio de Janeiro. If it works, we will multiply the initiatives throughout Brazil”, said Gevaerd.
During the launch, the director also highlighted the relevance of tourism in the economic scenario of Brazil. “Tourism is responsible for almost 7% of the national GDP. More than seven million people are employed in the sector and for every R$1 invested in tourism, R$20 returns to the economy. We are talking about those who sell mate on the beach, for example, even those who are in the hotel or in tourist agencies. It is a very rich chain that dialogues with various sectors, ”he explained.
The solutions offered by startups must cover challenges related to infrastructure, mobility, means of payment, quality and availability of accommodation, sustainability and gastronomy, among other topics. The selected startups will have access to training and mentoring with the support of technically qualified professionals in the sector, as well as access to non-reimbursable financing.
Camaraderie
The acceleration program is a partnership between EmbraturLAB and Turistech Hub Brasil, one of the main innovation hubs in Latin America. The Hub was created to lead the tourism innovation agenda and promote the competitiveness of the sector and environmental sustainability. EmbraturLAB has an alliance between Embratur, universities, researchers and entrepreneurs that are promoting innovation actions in tourism.
Acceleration calendar:
May 2 – Opening of registrations
June 5 – Closing of registrations
June 20 – Selection of the 15 semifinalists
July 14 – Presentation and announcement day of the winners
July 24 to November 1 – Acceleration