The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) and the Financier of Studies and Projects (Finep) have launched "Finep pelo Brasil," a nationwide initiative in partnership with organizations like the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan). This program is designed to democratize and simplify access to non-reimbursable investments and credit for companies of all sizes and research institutions. It aims to foster innovation projects that reduce Brazil's technological dependency and strengthen its sovereignty in the global geopolitical landscape by offering resources at more competitive rates than the market.
Program Objectives and Vision
• To democratize access to non-reimbursable funds (economic subsidies) and credit for innovation.
• To unite industry, scientific institutions, and the federal government around a national development and technological sovereignty project.
• To bring MCTI and Finep closer to entrepreneurs and researchers on the front lines.
• To expand the participation of companies of different sizes in funding instruments and reduce the regional concentration of innovation credit.
• To promote national reindustrialization with a focus on sustainability, technological autonomy, and reduced external dependence.
• To generate employment, income, and tangible results that impact people's lives and increase productivity.
Program Structure and Itinerary
• The initiative consists of a series of over 100 itinerant, in-person meetings.
• The tour will cover major capitals and inland cities across all regions of Brazil.
• The events are designed to provide information, guidance, and dialogue, clarifying doubts for companies and ICTs on how to apply for resources.
• The schedule for upcoming editions of "Finep pelo Brasil" will be made available on the Finep website as dates are confirmed.
Funding Opportunities and Calls for Proposals
• The program features the launch of 13 public calls for proposals, totaling R$ 3.3 billion in non-reimbursable resources.
• These funds, which do not need to be repaid, are aligned with the New Industry Brazil (NIB) policy and are available to companies of all sizes.
• A key requirement is that projects must be developed by companies in mandatory partnership with Scientific, Technological, and Innovation Institutions (ICTs).
• Proposals can be submitted through the Finep website until August 31, 2026.
• The initiative is supported by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT), which is expected to provide an additional R$ 30 billion for innovation projects by 2028 from its financial surplus.
Strategic Sectors and Financed Items
• **Strategic Sectors:** The calls for proposals target key areas including agro-industrial chains, health, infrastructure, digital transformation, energy transition, and national defense.
• **Financed Items:** Eligible expenses for funding include personnel costs, consulting services, equipment, and consumable materials, among others.
This strategic initiative represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between public funding mechanisms and the productive sector. By taking information and resources directly to innovators across the country, "Finep pelo Brasil" aims to transform knowledge into concrete solutions, fostering a more competitive and technologically independent industrial landscape that contributes to Brazil's sustainable economic growth.