Brazil Accelerates Technological Innovation and Education with R$3.3 Billion Investment and Teacher Training Programs

Brazil is witnessing a robust push towards technological advancement and education, marked by significant governmental investments and innovative educational programs. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), in partnership with Finep, announced the second round of the Mais Inovação program, committing R$3.3 billion to projects aligned with the New Industry Brazil (NIB) priorities. This initiative supports Brazilian companies of all sizes to develop technological solutions in six strategic sectors: agro-industrial chains, health, infrastructure, digital transformation, energy transition, and national defense. The program aims to foster technological autonomy, sustainability, and job creation, requiring proposals to be partnered with scientific and technological institutions to enhance innovation and technology transfer.

The previous cycle of Mais Inovação saw R$2.5 billion invested in over 200 projects involving 400 companies and 2,800 researchers, demonstrating a strong impact on national innovation ecosystems. Additionally, the Conhecimento Brasil program was launched with R$500 million to attract and retain top researchers, reinforcing Brazil's commitment to human capital and scientific development.

Parallel to these investments, educational initiatives are strengthening technological literacy in public education. At Sesi Casarão in São Luís, Maranhão, managers and facilitators from Estações Tech engaged in training programs focused on technological education and computational thinking for teachers. Aligned with the Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC), the training emphasizes practical and interdisciplinary approaches, offering introductory to advanced levels tailored to municipal education networks. The program incorporates themes such as maker culture, educational robotics, and active methodologies, aiming to enhance teaching competencies using accessible resources even in areas with limited infrastructure.

The training is supported by the Secretaria de Estado da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Secti) and maintains a cooperative effort with Sesi-MA and TEC stations to broaden pedagogical possibilities within municipal networks. Educators highlighted the program's personalized approach, focusing on valuing local realities and fostering more innovative, inclusive education.

Minister Luciana Santos underscored the government’s dedication to generating high-risk, high-innovation projects that address critical challenges including AI, batteries, and energy transition, essential for reducing Brazil's external dependency and supporting national development. Finep President Luiz Antônio Elias emphasized the goal of fostering innovation and mitigating regional disparities. These combined efforts mark a comprehensive strategy to advance Brazil’s technological and educational capacity in 2026.