Softex bridges the gap between Brazilian talent, companies, and global markets — driving innovation, building skills, and shaping public policies that position Brazil at the forefront of the digital economy.
Since 1996, Softex has organized its work around six interconnected themes — each one addressing a critical need in Brazil's technology and innovation ecosystem. Together, they form a comprehensive strategy for lasting, equitable growth.
We accelerate early-stage tech ventures with structured mentorship, market-connection events, and targeted funding pathways. Our acceleration programs have supported more than 700 startups to date — helping founders move from prototype to scale with less friction and more resources.
The Softex Observatory produces authoritative data on Brazil's ICT sector — from workforce size to export volumes — giving government, academia, and industry the evidence base they need to craft effective, forward-looking policies and investment strategies.
Through the Brazil IT+ program and partnerships with Apex-Brasil and leading trade bodies, we prepare Brazilian software companies for international expansion — from readiness assessments and cultural training to in-market presence across the US, Europe, and Asia.
Softex manages and co-funds applied research projects in artificial intelligence, microelectronics, embedded systems, and cybersecurity. We connect universities with industry, reducing the gap between lab discovery and commercial deployment.
From free AI courses for workers re-entering the job market (Escola do Trabalhador 4.0) to advanced software engineering certifications, Softex builds pipelines of qualified tech professionals — reducing skills gaps that hold Brazilian companies back.
We convene the players who define Brazil's tech future: government ministries, research institutions, multinationals, and grassroots innovators. Softex Experience and our annual events create the networking infrastructure for a truly collaborative national innovation system.
People reached through events, training programmes and publications across Brazil
Professionals trained in strategic areas including AI, software engineering, and microelectronics
Startups supported through acceleration, mentorship and market-access pathways
Amazon region states reached — fostering innovation and sustainable development in an underserved frontier
Each program targets a specific gap in Brazil's innovation landscape — from international readiness to grassroots inclusion.
Brazil's most comprehensive software export programme, preparing domestic companies for entry into US, European, and Asian markets through readiness diagnostics, soft-landing support, and direct introductions to international buyers and distributors.
Learn moreFree, certificate-bearing online courses focused on practical AI skills for workers re-entering or transitioning in the job market. Built for flexibility, the curriculum covers machine learning fundamentals, data literacy, automation, and prompt engineering.
Learn moreBrazil's authoritative source of ICT sector data. The Observatory publishes annual reports, thematic studies, and real-time dashboards covering workforce trends, investment flows, export volumes, and competitive benchmarking against global peers.
Learn moreThe Brazilian model for software process improvement and capability assessment, aligned with international standards such as CMMI and ISO/IEC 33000. MPSBR certification improves product quality, reduces rework costs, and signals maturity to global clients.
Learn moreA dedicated programme bringing digital innovation infrastructure to Brazil's Amazon region — training local developers, supporting regional startups, and connecting Amazonian talent to the national and international tech ecosystems.
Learn moreA comprehensive gender-equity initiative that has benefited more than 10,000 women — through leadership academies, technical reskilling bootcamps, mentorship with senior industry figures, and targeted acceleration for women-led startups.
Learn moreSoftex's programmes touch virtually every vertical that depends on technology — from agriculture to finance — because Brazil's digital transformation is not sector-specific; it's national.
Export-ready product companies and service vendors looking to scale domestically and internationally.
Digital payment platforms, open-finance solutions, and banking technology innovators.
Precision agriculture, supply-chain visibility, and AI-powered crop monitoring startups.
Telemedicine platforms, diagnostics AI, and hospital management systems improving access and quality of care.
Digital learning companies redefining vocational and higher education across Brazil's diverse regions.
Embedded systems, IoT, automation, and connected manufacturing solutions for the factory floor.
Security software companies supporting national cyber resilience and enterprise data protection.
Game studios and interactive media companies — including the Amazônia Geek programme for regional talent.
Softex has been a trusted partner to Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, BNDES, Apex-Brasil, and key regulatory agencies for nearly three decades — giving our programmes structural authority and funding stability that few organisations can match.
From the favelas of Manaus to the technology corridors of São Paulo, our programmes adapt to the realities of each region. We don't apply a Brasília template to Belém — we build with local communities, for local communities.
Every Softex initiative is informed by the Observatório's research. We don't guess what the market needs — we measure it, publish the findings, and let the data shape our programme design year after year.
Fifty percent of Softex's own leadership positions are held by women. Our FAST programme reached 60% Black and mixed-race beneficiaries. Diversity is not a communications strategy for us — it's embedded in how we recruit, design, and measure success.
ESG Commitments at a Glance
50% of leadership positions held by women
60% of FAST programme beneficiaries identify as Black or mixed-race
Active in 4 Amazon states promoting green-tech and sustainable innovation
Full financial and programmatic reporting published annually
Digital transformation demands collaboration between companies, government, academia, and innovation ecosystems committed to sustainable technology development. In this landscape, Softex plays a critical role — driving initiatives focused on innovation, professional training, and strengthening Brazil's digital competitiveness.
Marco Stefanini
Founder & Global CEO, Stefanini Group
Softex's work in connecting the dots between the public sector, academia, and the private market is something Brazil desperately needs. The Observatório's research helps us make smarter investment decisions — it's a resource we rely on every year when planning our government-relations strategy.
Eros Ramos
Director, Apex-Brasil
The Softex Mulher programme gave me access to a network I wouldn't have found anywhere else, and the mentorship was genuinely substantive — not performative. My startup went from idea stage to a signed enterprise contract within 14 months of joining the programme.
Lucia Rodrigues
Founder, tech startup — Softex Mulher Alumna
We understand that navigating a large organisation's portfolio can feel daunting. These are the questions we hear most often — answered honestly and without jargon.
Still have questions? Contact usWhether you're a startup seeking acceleration, a corporation looking for qualified talent, or an institution wanting to co-design public policy — there's a place for you in the Softex ecosystem.
