NextAge’s CEO, Marcelo Ferri, traveled to Germany in September as part of a trip organized in partnership with NTI (Information Technology Center) of Pato Branco, with support from Sebrae. The focus of the visit was to explore technological innovations, with an agenda that included meetings with world-class companies, innovation hubs, and institutions that support the internationalization of businesses. Beyond observing global trends, the goal was to bring back strategic insights to be applied to NextAge’s future.
Diving into the German tech ecosystem
The group went to Frankfurt and Stuttgart, two cities that concentrate some of Europe’s main technology and industry hubs. Throughout the journey, there were moments of connection with market leaders and government representatives, providing a broad perspective on the German business environment.
It was possible to understand the overview of German software development and its applications in contexts such as manufacturing. At BMW’s plant in Stuttgart, for example, the focus was on how innovation permeates the automotive industry. In addition, within the industrial sector, the team saw practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in two areas: autonomous cleaning robots and optimization of internal processes.
According to a McKinsey study, companies that apply AI in internal operations can achieve up to 20% higher efficiency. This reinforces that the path NextAge has been following is aligned with international trends.
Connections that grow into opportunities
The trip also provided space to better understand how the institutional support network for foreign companies operates. At the Brazilian Consulate and the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce, discussions covered bureaucratic, legal, and cultural aspects of Brazilian companies entering the German market.
Another highlight was the immersion in the startup ecosystem. At local events, the central role of Artificial Intelligence in the European market became clear: more than 60% of startups in the region already use AI as the foundation of their products, according to Startup Genome (2024).
Next steps
The visit of our CEO to Germany showed that NextAge is ready to further strengthen its operations on a global stage. More than simply absorbing trends, the trip confirmed that the company’s use of Artificial Intelligence is already in sync with what major international players are implementing.
“We return with the certainty that we are on the right track. Our solutions already keep pace with market evolution, and we now have the chance to accelerate even further, taking advantage of the connections and opportunities we built on this trip,” said Marcelo, CEO of NextAge.
