SP's innovative business acceleration program opens registrations

What do a delivery of religious products have in common, a website that uses AI and geolocation to connect specialized professionals and platforms that promote only the work of black people and immigrants? These are some examples of successful businesses accelerated by the VAI TEC (Program for the Valorization of Technological Initiatives -, which opens the registrations for its 11th edition on January 23. 

The acceleration of the up to 25 selected in this edition begins in June and lasts 6 months. In this period, each business will receive a total of R$ 52 thousand and technical support to boost the business. 

“In 10 years of the program, 320 projects have been accelerated proving the value of a public policy that reinforces the ecosystem of entrepreneurship, technology and innovation of the city of Sao Paulo”, informs Renan Vieira, president of ADE SAMPA (Sao Paulo Development Agency), which runs the initiative of the City of Sao Paulo, through the Municipal Secretariat of Economic Development and Labor. 

“With VAIEC, the City of Sao Paulo reinforces its commitment to innovation as a tool for inclusion, economic development and generation of opportunities throughout the city, especially in the peripheries.By supporting technology-based businesses with financial resources, training and technical support, the program strengthens the Paulistano entrepreneurial ecosystem and drives creative solutions that respond to real challenges of the population, generating employment, income and positive social impact”, says Rodrigo Goulart, municipal secretary of Economic Development and Labor.

In the 10 editions of the program, the South Zone represents 29,4% of accelerated business, followed by the East Zone with 24,5%, and North Zone with 22,1%. The West Zone represents 13,6% and Center 10,1%. Among the accelerated businesses, are the Happ Fe, which works in the niche of Afro-Brazilian religious articles, acting with delivery. The founders of Happ Fe participated in the 2025 edition of VAI TEC alongside the work More Afro, a program that also uses professional services and Bumbol.

To participate in VAI TEC in 2026 entrepreneurs need to have innovative businesses, formalized or not, that use technology as an essential part of the business model and have potential for local development and generation of employment and income. The Program covers the entire city of Sao Paulo, especially the peripheries, and can enable businesses that propose AI solutions in Health, Urbanism, Mobility and Education; Management Systems or Software; Development of Innovative Applications and/or Platforms; Cybersecurity and Data Privacy; Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality for Immersive Experiences; Blockchain and Distributed Technologies. 

The selected project must be composed of two members over 18 years of age at the time of registration and residents in Sao Paulo, who must participate in at least 85% of the activities, carried out during business hours.In this edition, projects in the audiovisual, games and green economy sectors will be referred to participate in specific programs to accelerate ADE SAMPA for these areas.

SERVICE: Registration 11th edition of the VAI TEC Program

Period: from 23/01 to 23/02/2026

Site:  https://adesampa.com.br/vaitec/ 

Information: vaitec@adesampa.com.br 

Realization: City Hall of Sao Paulo (Municipal Secretariat for Economic Development and Labor)

Operation: ADE SAMPA (Sao Paulo Development Agency)