The innovation ecosystem of Rio Grande do Sul was celebrated on the evening of Wednesday (4) with the awarding of the Medal of the 56th Legislature of the Assembleia Legislativa do Rio Grande do Sul to Gramado Summit. The honor was presented to the CEO and founder of the event, Marcus Rossi, during a ceremony held in the Salão Júlio de Castilhos at the headquarters of the state parliament in Porto Alegre.

The initiative was proposed by state deputy Felipe Camozzato, who highlighted the importance of Gramado Summit for economic development and the strengthening of entrepreneurial culture in the state. The medal is one of the main distinctions granted by the Rio Grande do Sul Legislature to individuals and institutions that make significant contributions to society.

Founded in the city of Gramado, in the Serra Gaúcha region, Gramado Summit began as a local event, gathering around 600 participants in its first edition. Today, it has become one of the largest innovation and entrepreneurship gatherings in Latin America, bringing together more than 21,000 people—including startups, investors, large companies, and industry leaders—and projecting Rio Grande do Sul onto the national and international stage of technology and the creative economy.

Upon receiving the honor, Marcus Rossi emphasized the symbolism of the recognition:
“When we started, there were 600 people in a small city in the Serra. Today there are over 21,000, with people from all over Brazil coming to Gramado to talk about innovation and entrepreneurship. But what truly moves me about this honor is not the size—it’s what it represents,” he said.

The founder also highlighted the institutional significance of the distinction:
“There are things we build without knowing exactly how far they will go. Until one day, recognition comes from a place that carries weight and history. Gramado Summit continues to do what it has always done: believing that Rio Grande do Sul can be a reference in innovation,” he declared.

Felipe Camozzato, the proposer of the honor, emphasized the event’s impact on the state: “They truly deserve it. Congratulations for your work and for making our Rio Grande a stage for innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative disruption. Long live Gramado Summit,” the legislator said.