Porto Alegre, located in southern Brazil, is emerging as a significant technology and innovation hub, particularly after hosting the South Summit conference since 2022. This event attracts around 20,000 attendees, including startup founders and investors, showcasing the city's potential in technology. According to StartupBlink, Porto Alegre ranks as the fifth-largest innovation center in Brazil, focusing on sectors such as agricultural, financial, and health technologies. Notable startups include PagBrasil, a fintech company that offers payment solutions, and CTA Smart, which specializes in fuel management systems. The city benefits from a relatively high education level, with 30% of its residents holding a bachelor's degree, nearly double the national average. However, Porto Alegre faces challenges in competing with larger cities like São Paulo, which dominates the tech landscape in Latin America. Local authorities are actively promoting the tech ecosystem through incentives and initiatives, including the R$113 million investment by the state's Innovation, Science and Technology agency since its establishment in 2019. Despite these efforts, some local entrepreneurs express concerns about the city's visibility in the global tech scene.