Ecossistemas Agtech no Brasil: localização, caracterização e atores envolvidos

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8482503042

• Palavras-chave: ecossistemas de inovação; agtech; agropecuária; inovação; startups.

• Keywords: innovation ecosystems; agtech; agriculture; innovation; startups.

• Abstract: Objective: From 2010 on, the acronym Agtech, which refers to the expression "agricultural technology", has been used to name agricultural technology based startups operating in various fields, such as biotechnology, internet of things, artificial intelligence and marketing platforms. The term is also used to characterize a new emerging economic sector with potential to transform the agricultural sector, increasing productivity and reducing environmental and social costs. The term Agtech has also been associated with the application of the recent approach of innovation ecosystems to the agricultural context. Agtech startups play an important role in this environment, interacting with agricultural producers, educational institutions, research centers, investors, large companies and innovation support organizations to generate new technologies and disruptive business models. Some countries are known for their Agtech ecosystems such as the United States, Israel, Australia, Canada and China. In Brazil, several Agtech ecosystems coexist, with different levels of organization, maturity and results. Municipalities such as Piracicaba (SP), Cuiabá (MT) and Londrina (PR) have been highlighting and other places have great potential for development. This work mapped the main agricultural innovation ecosystems in Brazil, characterizing them and identifying the actors that participate in them. Methodology: Exploratory and qualitative approach. Results: The article presents an overview of the agricultural innovation ecosystems in Brazil and its characteristics, considering the 5 regions of the country. Preliminary studies indicate that about 90% of Agtech startups are located in the southern and southeastern states, and more than half are in the state of São Paulo. The study also identified agtechs ecosystems in the North, Northeast and Center-West regions, which have great potential to promote regional development. Practical limitations: Some existing challenges are the lack of organized information on ecosystems as well as the rapid acceleration of the startup life cycle. Impacts: The significance of farming in the Brazilian economy and its positive track record in adopting new technologies reinforce an expectation of great business potential for Agtech startups in the country. In this context, mapping existing agtech ecosystems can contribute to their strengthening. Originality: The academic studies found address specific localities or national approaches, or do not specify innovation actors focused on agriculture. This research stands out by presenting an overview of the main agtech Brazilian ecosystems and offering a macro analysis that can contribute to support public policies to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.