What do comics, video games, anime, films and series have to do with entrepreneurship? The answer is on the tip of Miguel Braga's tongue, founder of Matsuri Produções, who is leading the lecture "Geekonomy: the influence of geek culture on the economy and society” at the 2026 Entrepreneur Fair. With a relaxed approach, Miguel proposes a journey through the evolution of geek culture, showing how it stopped being a niche to become an economic force present in consumption, entertainment, technology and the creation of new businesses. The attraction is part of Mobiliza São Luís' special program within the Entrepreneur's Fair, which takes place from August 14th to 16th, at Multicenter Negócios e Eventos, in the capital. "We invite people to travel in this gigantic universe that is geek culture. We show how it stopped being a niche culture to become an influential culture, very strong in terms of marketing. Today we consume geek culture without even realizing it", he explains. For him, participating in Mobiliza São Luís represents an opportunity to strengthen an ecosystem that brings together producers, creators and entrepreneurs from different areas of the creative economy. "Here in São Luís there are many incredible productions happening at the same time, but they are often spread out. Mobiliza São Luís creates this umbrella to bring together these initiatives, generate connections and show that Maranhão also produces innovation, entertainment and new businesses throughout the year." Geek culture and its impact on the economy will be the subject of a talk by Miguel Braga, founder of Matsuri Produções, in the Mobiliza São Luís program Disclosure From the camp to the creation bench While the talk shows how ideas can move markets, one of the workshops in the program proves that they can also take shape in the hands of visitors. In the Saber Fazer Lounges, spaces dedicated to demonstrating creative economy activities at the Entrepreneur Fair, designer João Santos, from Éguas Paper Toy, will teach the public how to assemble a mini Bumba Meu Boi out of paper. During the workshop, participants will follow the entire process of creating a paper toy inspired by one of the greatest symbols of Maranhão culture. The pieces will already be printed, cut and illustrated so that each person can assemble their own doll and take the experience home. The activity is recommended for participants aged eight and over, with younger children accompanied by an adult. At the Éguas Paper Toy workshop, visitors will be able to assemble a mini Bumba Meu Boi in paper and learn how Maranhão culture can be transformed into a creative product. Disclosure In addition to the workshop, João will also present other characters from the collection, such as the Enchanted Serpent, with a three-dimensional optical illusion effect, and Ana Jansen with her carriage, showing how stories and legends from Maranhão can be transformed into design products. "Many people don't imagine that it is possible to transform a cultural symbol, like Bumba Meu Boi, into a creative product. When people follow this process, they realize that there is research, design, production and entrepreneurship behind each piece." According to the designer, the fair brings together those who create and those who consume and helps to broaden the perspective on the possibilities of the creative economy. "It is an opportunity to present Maranhão culture in a different way. Visitors learn about the process, understand the story behind each character and can even take this product home. It's the creative economy happening in front of the public." The Saber Fazer Lounges will function as living showcases of the creative economy throughout the program. In addition to the paper toy workshop, visitors will be able to watch demonstrations by trancistas, turban tying, caricatures, children's face painting, crafts, creative customizations and other activities that reveal the talent of those who transform knowledge, identity and creativity into business opportunities. "Our challenge was to make the creative economy move throughout the fair. We want to show that it is part of everyone's life: from the clothes we wear to the music we listen to, the events we attend and the crafts we consume. All of this is a creative economy generating work, income and development", concludes Danielle Abreu, coordinator of Digital Transformation at Sebrae in Maranhão. Creative economy In the Innovation and Education Space, Mobiliza São Luís also has its own environment to connect visitors and entrepreneurs. In addition to an Instagrammable space, the community promotes four activities led by participants who have already gone through the program's actions and today develop creative businesses in Maranhão. The program also brings together three lectures and a panel that discuss different perspectives of the creative economy. Among the highlights are the debate on the potential of communities and peripheral areas as engines of development and a conversation about the strength of geek culture in the economy and society. In addition to the Mobiliza São Luís program, the creative economy will be spread throughout the Entrepreneur Fair. One of the new features is the Creative Parade, which transforms the breaks between lectures into small shows, poetry, dance, music and other cultural events. bringing art into the program spontaneously. Do you want to experience this experience up close? Registration for visitors is free and is now open on the event website.