ACATE Observatory
ACATE Observatory is an environment that gathers data and information about the national technology sector, with a special focus on the State of SC.
The Panorama provides an overview of the main sectoral indicators and monitors their evolution in the various states of Brazil.
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Evolution of revenue in the technology sector
Santa Catarina's technology sector has strengthened as the fifth-largest national hub, with a total revenue of R$42.5 billion. With growth in recent years, the state has climbed two positions in the ranking since 2018.
In 2024, Santa Catarina once again stood out on the national scene, with an 11% growth rate in revenue, surpassing the technology sector in Rio Grande do Sul, which grew 2% and reached a total revenue of R$41 billion.
This revenue level represents 7.75% of the state's GDP, making it one of the highest state-level representations of the sector, behind only Amazonas and São Paulo. The technology sector's share of the state's GDP increased by 0.25 percentage points last year.
Overview of the SC Technology Sector
ACATE Observatory
The history of Santa Catarina's technology sector
In 1986, the year ACATE was founded, the Santa Catarina technology sector had around 100 companies and 1,500 professionals working in technology solutions.
Since then, the technology sector has experienced robust growth. Between 2007 and 2022, the number of employees in the sector grew by more than 300%, a rate far higher than the state's average growth rate of 57% and that of other traditional sectors of the Santa Catarina economy, such as construction (92%), tourism (71%), and industry (32%).
Technology sector hubs
With more than 29,400 companies, the state of Santa Catarina is the 6th largest state hub in the sector, hosting 5% of the companies in the sector in Brazil.
The capital Florianópolis is one of the main drivers of this performance, ranking 12th in Brazil with the largest number of technology companies.
Considering the size of its population, the capital stands out even more, with a rate of 12 companies per thousand inhabitants, the highest rate of all capitals in Brazil.
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Infrastructure
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Technology
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Energy
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Logistics
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Construction and architecture
ACATE Verticals
Evolution of companies in the technology sector in Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina is the state with the highest growth rate (+6.2%), followed by Espírito Santo (+4.5%) and Amapá (+4.4%).
The total number of technology companies in Brazil fell 0.3%. 15 states saw a decline in the total number of companies during the period, but the declines in the states of São Paulo (-0.4%), Rio de Janeiro (-4.49%) and Rio Grande do Sul (-1.26%) stand out.
100,000 employees in the technology sector in Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina's technology hub boasts high regional and sectoral diversification. Of the sector's total workforce, 55,000 are from Greater Florianópolis, which has a strong tradition in software development. While in other regions, such as the Itajaí Valley (17,100) and the Northern Santa Catarina region (13,600), there is a greater focus on data processing and internet services.
Clients
2nd most competitive state in Brazil
State Competitiveness Ranking
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2nd most innovative state in Brazil
IBID Innovation and Development Ranking
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The history of Santa Catarina's technology sector
In 1986, the year ACATE was founded, the Santa Catarina technology sector had around 100 companies and 1,500 professionals working in technology solutions.
Since then, the technology sector has experienced robust growth. Between 2007 and 2022, the number of employees in the sector grew by more than 300%, a rate far higher than the state's average growth rate of 57% and that of other traditional sectors of the Santa Catarina economy, such as construction (92%), tourism (71%), and industry (32%).
Innovation and Development Index
Santa Catarina stands out as the second most innovative economy in Brazil, according to the IBID 2024 general ranking. With a score of 0.415, the state is behind only São Paulo, which leads by a significant margin.
In the national innovation scenario, Santa Catarina is accompanied by Paraná, Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul, which complete the top 5.
This performance reinforces Santa Catarina's position as a hub of innovation and technological development in Brazil.
The IBID 2024 ranking also reveals specific areas in which Santa Catarina excels. The state ranks second in institutions and third in infrastructure, creative economy, and knowledge and technology.
The history of Santa Catarina's technology sector
In 1986, the year ACATE was founded, the Santa Catarina technology sector had around 100 companies and 1,500 professionals working in technology solutions.
Since then, the technology sector has experienced robust growth. Between 2007 and 2022, the number of employees in the sector grew by more than 300%, a rate far higher than the state's average growth rate of 57% and that of other traditional sectors of the Santa Catarina economy, such as construction (92%), tourism (71%), and industry (32%).
Growth of the technology sector
370% increase in total employment in 18 years.
Considering the initial date of 2007, Santa Catarina continues to consolidate itself as a technology hub, with a growing base of professionals driving the sector.
Technology sector's share of GDP
The technology sector's revenue of R$42.5 billion represents approximately 7.75% of all production in the state of Santa Catarina.
This sector's participation in the state's economy is greater than in the South Region and higher than most other Brazilian states, behind only the states of Amazonas and São Paulo.
The national average (7%) is the result of the total revenue of the technology sector in Brazil, R$815 billion, divided by Brazil's GDP in 2024, of approximately R$11.7 trillion.
The history of Santa Catarina's technology sector
In 1986, the year ACATE was founded, the Santa Catarina technology sector had around 100 companies and 1,500 professionals working in technology solutions.
Since then, the technology sector has experienced robust growth. Between 2007 and 2022, the number of employees in the sector grew by more than 300%, a rate far higher than the state's average growth rate of 57% and that of other traditional sectors of the Santa Catarina economy, such as construction (92%), tourism (71%), and industry (32%).
State Competitiveness Ranking
Santa Catarina stands out in the 2023 State Competitiveness Ranking, ranking 2nd overall in Brazil. The state leads in Public Safety, Social Sustainability, and Human Capital, demonstrating exemplary performance in these areas.
The state also stands out in Public Machine Efficiency, Infrastructure and Innovation, occupying 3rd place in each of these pillars.