Meet Brazil's Most Innovative Startup

The healthtech Protecting Brains & Saving Futures (PBSF) is the winner of the national stage of the Global Tech Innovator 2024, a worldwide award by KPMG consultancy.

Led by KPMG, the initiative aims to recognize innovative and entrepreneurial technology startups ready to take their businesses to new heights. Brazilian startups that participated in previous editions of the award, such as Krilltech, Techtrials, and Pix Force, have shown significant fundraising journeys, connecting with major corporations and clients in Brazil and abroad, with support from KPMG experts.

WHAT PBSF DOES

PBSF develops artificial intelligence tools for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of brain injuries in newborns. Additionally, it has the mission to eliminate preventable disabilities in children worldwide using the innovative Digital Neonatal Neurological ICU (UTI Neon). The results are achieved through the combined use of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and continuous monitoring.

The startup operates in 50 hospitals in Brazil and five international hospitals in the United States, United Kingdom, and India. The company has already monitored over 12,000 newborns, accumulating more than 720,000 hours of continuous brain monitoring data.

"We have already had the opportunity to see a Brazilian startup win the global final. Our goal is to achieve victory again," says Diogo Garcia, managing partner and leader of the Emerging Giants program and KPMG's award in Brazil.

"The event will be a great opportunity for the national stage winner to foster strategic connections with the world's most innovative entrepreneurs. It is also the best way for the chosen startup to gain even more market recognition, attract new investments, and further expand its global reach."

WHAT WERE THE CRITERIA

The ten startups competing in this stage presented their businesses on September 12 to a group of KPMG judges. After this stage, five were selected and pitched to a select group of external judges on September 18.

Each presentation was judged and scored based on the following criteria:

• disruption and innovation;
• market potential;
• customer adoption;
• traction and market positioning;
• long-term potential;
• pitch quality.

"We evaluate early-stage companies capable of solving real societal problems and positioning Brazil in the global innovation ecosystem," says Carolina de Oliveira, partner leader of Private Enterprise at KPMG in Brazil and South America.

"The Brazilian winner has been transforming the healthcare market with intensive use of technology. We are very pleased to have PBSF representing us in the global final."

Only one startup will win the global competition. Additionally, the winning companies from each country will be featured in KPMG's "Winners Report" and will have the opportunity to connect with renowned figures, industry experts, and global influencers in this market.