Ancar Recognized by MIT as One of Brazil’s 20 Most Innovative Companies

Ancar has been recognized as one of Brazil’s 20 Most Innovative Companies by Innovative Workplaces, an award promoted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that assesses the maturity of corporate innovation ecosystems across the country. Ancar is the first shopping center company to receive this recognition, reinforcing its position as a benchmark for digital transformation and ESG in Brazil’s retail real estate sector.

The evaluation process included a comprehensive assessment of the company’s innovation culture, featuring employee surveys, case study submissions, and an analysis of initiatives across multiple business areas. Companies were evaluated on criteria such as ESG maturity, experimentation capabilities, process and product innovation, and the ability to explore new business opportunities.

To earn the certification, Ancar presented four initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to innovation: the Innovation Portal, the Retailer Dashboard, the Energy Efficiency Operations project, and the QOP App (Inventory Management at Your Fingertips).

Among these, the Energy Efficiency Operations project stood out as a flagship initiative. The program introduced a real-time smart monitoring system for water and energy consumption across Ancar’s shopping centers. By leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology, building automation, and advanced data analytics, the project reduced the specific energy consumption of HVAC systems by 15% (kW/TR) through optimized operating schedules and proactive anomaly detection. This initiative is part of Ancar’s R$40 million investment plan focused on innovation, operational efficiency, and ESG.

Another award-winning initiative was the QOP App, a no-code application developed by employees at one of Ancar’s shopping centers. The solution digitized inventory management by replacing paper-based processes with a simple and sustainable digital platform. As a result, the initiative reduced material consumption by 17%, eliminating the equivalent of 4.32 million meters of paper annually while generating approximately R$500,000 in annual savings in condominium operating costs.

According to Cecília Ligiéro, Ancar’s Marketing, Sales and Innovation Director, the recognition reinforces the company’s commitment to making innovation a strategic pillar.

Innovation is at the core of our strategy and embedded in our daily operations. More than implementing new technologies, we continuously rethink processes, encourage creativity across our teams, and develop solutions that create value for our retailers, customers, and society. Being recognized among Brazil’s most innovative companies is both a source of pride and a motivation to continue transforming the shopping center industry.

With the Innovative Workplaces certification, Ancar further reinforces its leadership and pioneering role in the sector, driving sustainable, collaborative, and innovation-led practices that are redefining the future of physical retail in Brazil.