Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Brazilian executives increasingly travel to China to study innovation
Brazilian executives are shifting innovation trips from Silicon Valley to China, visiting cities including Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou.
They tour technology companies, startup incubators, research centres and universities to learn about developments in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
Interest has grown since short-term travel became easier, and organizers say executives want to understand Asian innovations before they reach Brazil.
StartSe organized more than 20 trips to China in 2026, twice its number of trips to Silicon Valley.
Companies including GM, Ambev and Bradesco have sent executives, with some seeking to learn from Chinese competitors active in the Brazilian market.
The trips cost at least 36,000 reais and last at least six days; the source gives no next step.
Brazilian executives are increasingly travelling to China to study its innovation ecosystem.
The trips include visits to companies, startup incubators, research centres and universities.
StartSe organised more than 20 missions to China in 2026, twice as many as it organised to Silicon Valley.
Executives from companies including Ambev, Bradesco, McDonald’s, iFood, Volkswagen and General Motors have taken part in missions.
Organisers say executives want to understand developments in Asia before they reach Brazil, while some companies also face competition from Chinese businesses.
- Who
- Brazilian executives and businesspeople, including teams from major companies.
- What
- They are travelling to China on organised missions to study innovation and visit businesses and research institutions.
- When
- The number of missions has grown, particularly since last year. StartSe organised more than 20 China missions in 2026.
- Where
- China, including Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou.
- Why
- To learn about China’s innovation ecosystem and understand developments in Asia, including those affecting competition in Brazil.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The need for a visa for short-term trips to China fell, and missions to the country grew.
StartSe organised more than 20 missions to China, twice its total for Silicon Valley.
GM vice-president Fábio Rua travelled to China on a mission with other company executives.
StartSe partner Fabio Neto moved to Shanghai as demand for trips increased.
- StartSe missions
- More than 20 to China in 2026
- Comparison
- China missions were twice the number of StartSe’s Silicon Valley missions in 2026
- Trip cost
- From R$ 36,000
- Minimum trip length
- Six days
- Companies named
- Ambev, Bradesco, McDonald’s, iFood, Volkswagen and General Motors
What people are saying
The new is in the East
The Brazilian is worried. They have seen a lot of new things arrive to compete. Now they want to understand what is happening in Asia before it reaches Brazil
We need to learn from them
We don't need to go there to see the competition; it is here