A contribuição do Startup Weekend na criação de negócios: um estudo de caso das startups Inova.ai e Meu Bom Velhinho em Chapecó/SC

Abstract

This study addresses the creation of businesses through short-term entrepreneurship events, focusing on the dynamics of fostering regional entrepreneurship. Considering the strategic role of innovation ecosystems in stimulating the emergence of new ventures, the research discusses the factors that contribute to the rise of startups in collaborative and high-intensity environments, such as short-term events. In the context of Chapecó/SC, the Startup Weekend has stood out as a relevant initiative within the local ecosystem, promoting interaction between institutional actors, entrepreneurs, and support agencies. Using a qualitative approach based on interviews with founders, document analysis, and secondary data, the study analyzed the trajectory of two regional startups — Inova.ai and Meu Bom Velhinho — that originated in editions of the Startup Weekend Chapecó. The results show that events like the Startup Weekend, combined with an active support ecosystem (Sebrae, Pollen, INNE, ACIC, INCTECh), foster the creation of sustainable businesses, contributing to regional development. This research directly contributes to strengthening Chapecó's innovation ecosystem by demonstrating that the Startup Weekend plays an effective role in creating startups that generate jobs, boost the local economy, and expand connections between entrepreneurs and support institutions.