Brazil Advances Innovation Through Strengthened Academia-Industry Collaboration and Startup Support

Brazil is increasingly fostering innovation by bridging the gap between academia and the productive sector, bolstered by government initiatives and strategic partnerships. The outdated criticism that Brazilian universities work in isolation from industry is being challenged, as collaboration grows notably. According to a recent analysis, Brazil excels with over 70% of scientific articles from research institutions co-authored alongside industry, especially in sectors like aerospace, agribusiness, and energy. This significantly exceeds the 2% collaboration rate typical of low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).

This progress is supported by legislative frameworks such as the Law of Good (Lei nº 11.196/2005) and the New Legal Framework for Science and Technology (Lei nº 13.243/2016), which reduce financial risks for businesses investing in research and development. Further institutional support comes from Embrapii, established in 2013, and investments from the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT). The forthcoming National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation (Encti) aims to enhance technological sovereignty and reinforce interactions between scientific institutions and industry to elevate Brazil’s innovation ranking beyond 52nd, despite it being 13th in scientific production globally.

Complementing these efforts, the State government of Rio Grande do Sul has launched a public call for startups to participate in the GovTech Summit 2026, scheduled for June at PUCRS in Porto Alegre. The event seeks to showcase 20 innovative startups from the region, particularly those in the govtech sector, providing them a valuable platform to engage with public sector leaders and technology experts. This initiative exemplifies how regional governments are also driving innovation by creating opportunities for startups to scale and contribute solutions benefiting public interests.

These combined efforts highlight Brazil's dynamic push to translate academic knowledge into technological advancements that promote sustainable development and social justice.