The Brazilian government today launched the second round of public calls for projects under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s (MCTI) Structuring and Mobilizing Programs, managed by the Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (Finep) as part of the “Mais Inovação” initiative. A total of R$ 3.3 billion in non-repayable grants will be allocated through 13 public notices, aimed at advancing national reindustrialization with an emphasis on sustainability, technological autonomy, and reducing external dependencies, while generating jobs and income across the country.
The funding targets Brazilian companies of all sizes that propose technological development projects aligned with the six strategic sectors of the “Nova Indústria Brasil” (New Brazil Industry, or NIB) plan: agro-industrial chains, health, infrastructure, digital transformation, energy transition, and national defense. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, consulting services, equipment, consumables, and more.
Sector-specific allocations include R$ 300 million each for Agro-industrial Chains, Health, Digital Technologies, National Defense Industrial Base, and a Regional Call; R$ 200 million for Mineral Transformation; R$ 150 million for Circular Economy and Sustainable Cities; R$ 120 million for Sustainable Mobility; R$ 100 million for Semiconductors; and R$ 210 million for Technological Challenges, which includes R$ 60 million for the development of a tractor for family farming and R$ 150 million for a national electrolyzer project. The Energy Transition sector will receive the largest share, with R$ 500 million.
Minister Luciana Santos of Science, Technology, and Innovation emphasized the government’s commitment:
“This administration has an unwavering commitment to innovation, to equal opportunity across Brazil’s diverse regions, to strengthening our national industry, and to achieving sovereignty that elevates our country’s standing on the world stage.”
The calls are designed to support high-impact, innovative projects with significant technological risk and socio-economic relevance, focusing on priority challenges such as pharmaceutical inputs, fertilizers, artificial intelligence, batteries, energy transition, and critical minerals.
In addition, Finep will launch a new round of its “Conhecimento Brasil” (Knowledge Brazil) program in the first quarter of 2026, offering R$ 500 million to attract, repatriate, and retain top researchers in Brazil, further strengthening the nation’s scientific and technological base.
To qualify for funding, companies must partner with Scientific and Technological Institutions (ICTs). Proposals submitted as collaborative networks—linking at least two companies with an ICT—will receive preferential terms, encouraging the mobilization of Brazil’s innovation ecosystem, technology transfer, and regional development.
Finep President Luiz Antônio Elias noted, “This round of economic subsidies is designed to foster innovation, reduce regional disparities, promote technology transfer, and enhance national competitiveness, ensuring the NIB policy delivers on its promise.”
In the previous cycle (2024–2025), MCTI and Finep issued 13 calls totaling R$ 2.5 billion in non-repayable funds, supporting over 200 projects nationwide. These initiatives have engaged more than 400 companies, nearly 2,800 researchers (including over 900 with master’s or doctoral degrees), and more than 140 scientific and technological institutions, accelerating Brazil’s technological transformation and strengthening its industrial base.
Source: Agencia Gov
