Innovation and Entrepreneurship


Innovation and Entrepreneurship

LAGES CONSOLIDATE AS AN INNOVATION HUB WITH EACH PASSING YEAR. ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUELS THIS ENVIRONMENT FAVORABLE TO DEVELOPMENT.

Lages, in the heart of the Serra Catarinense region, stands out as a hub of innovation and development. With modern infrastructure and a vibrant ecosystem, the city has established itself as a reference in southern Brazil for those looking to invest in technology, research, and sustainable development.

The city is home to the Orion Technology Park, one of the largest in the state, bringing together startups, established companies, and research centers in an environment of collaboration and creativity. The space acts as a true innovation engine, offering technical support, acceleration programs, and connections with national and international investors. Orion is also a Regional Hub of ACATE - Santa Catarina Technology Association, whose mission is to foster an innovative and entrepreneurial culture, coordinating actions to activate the innovation ecosystem and enabling high-growth potential businesses to transform the regionʼs economy.

Another highlight is MIDILages, a business incubator located at the University of Planalto Catarinense (Uniplac). MIDILages serves as a bridge between innovative ideas and the market, providing technical support, mentoring, and infrastructure for early-stage startups. This partnership between academia and the productive sector strengthens the local innovation ecosystem and promotes high-impact entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Lages boasts leading educational institutions that train highly qualified professionals in strategic areas. This synergy between academia, incubators, and businesses ensures knowledge transfer and the development of innovative solutions for various industries.

Orion Technology Park Expansion

Orion Parque was inaugurated in 2016 and has continued to grow ever since. The technological complex now houses two more technology centers and advanced projects from other partners.

MIDILages Incubator

MIDILages aims to promote an environment that stimulates creation, development and improvement of micro and small companies, both traditional and technological, in the areas of information technology, biotechnology, telecommunications, among others.

Human Capital and Proximity to Academy

With institutions of excellence in education, Lages trains highly qualified professionals in strategic areas such as technology, research, and innovation. This synergy between academia and the productive sector drives knowledge transfer, ensuring innovative and competitive solutions for companies that choose the city as their base.

Growth and Economic Potential

Santa Catarina is one of the most innovative states in Brazil, with 80% of startups concentrated in just 10 cities, and Lages, with 54 mapped startups, demonstrates a continuously growing ecosystem. This environment is ideal for new companies seeking a city with competitive costs, tax incentives, quality infrastructure, and proximity to the main markets in southern Brazil.

Why invest in Lages?

Orion Park and MIDILages: A structured support ecosystem for startups, offering technical assistance, mentorship, and acceleration programs.

Professional Qualification: A specialized and collaborative workforce, strengthened by the close relationship between educational institutions and the productive sector.

Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in Lages is more competitive than in large urban centers, with incentives provided by organizations like ACIL and CDL, which support the cityʼs commercial and industrial development.

Quality of Life: Modern urban infrastructure and proximity to nature, combined with support from the Rural Association, which promotes sustainable development and agribusiness, integrating rural and technological sectors to strengthen the local economy.