Rio de Janeiro, 15-18 April: ERIA’s Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) joined Startup20, the G20 engagement group on innovation, startups and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Startups are the engine of digital transformation and innovation, and building thriving startup ecosystems is one of E-DISC's core activities.

Dr Giulia Ajmone Marsan, E-DISC Head of Startup and Inclusion represented ERIA at these high-level meetings. Dr Ajmone Marsan was also invited to join Startup20 Brazil's environmental, social and governance (ESG) task force, where she will contribute to foster the global agenda of inclusive and green innovation.

The meetings were hosted by the Brazilian Association of Startups (Abstartups) and opened by Ingrid Barth, President of Abstartups and general Chair of Startup20 Brazil. Marcio Franca, Brazil’s Minister of Entrepreneurship and MSMEs, gave an introductory speech on how entrepreneurship and innovation are at the core of Brazil’s G20 Presidency, especially in relation to innovations for inclusive economic development and green transition.

Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, also delivered remarks during the opening session and highlighted the role of innovation in urban ecosystems. These opening speeches all emphasised the transformational impact of innovation and startups in high-growth emerging markets.

During the meetings, Dr Ajmone Marsan met and discussed collaboration opportunities with several Startup20 delegations, including the Brazilian Startup Association, the US Department of Commerce, the German Association of Startups, and the Indian delegation.

After active engagement with G20 Indonesia and Startup20 India, E-DISC will continue to support G20 processes related to entrepreneurship and innovation to connect startup ecosystems from Asia and East-Asia to the rest of the world.