Brazil Advances Innovation with Programa Centelha 3 Launch in Mato Grosso do Sul and Major Investment in Paraíba's Ciquanta Project
Brazil bolsters innovation with the launch of Programa Centelha 3 in Mato Grosso do Sul and a major R$150 million investment in Paraíba's quantum-focused Ciquanta project.
- • Programa Centelha 3 launched in Mato Grosso do Sul with R$ 6.5 million investment to fund up to 47 innovative proposals.
- • The program aims to receive 1,000 proposals to bridge academic research and market commercialization.
- • Minister Luciana Santos visited Paraíba’s Ciquanta project, attracting nearly R$ 150 million investment for quantum computing research.
- • Paraíba’s technology ecosystem strengthened through projects like Ciquanta, Centelha, and Technova, supported by federal and state governments.
Key details
On March 27, 2026, Brazil saw significant developments in its regional innovation landscape with the launch of Programa Centelha 3 in Mato Grosso do Sul and a high-profile visit to the Paraíba state's cutting-edge Ciquanta project. The Programa Centelha 3 aims to ignite entrepreneurship by encouraging the submission of 1,000 innovative proposals, supported by an investment of R$ 6.5 million. Up to 47 proposals will receive funding, including economic subventions of up to R$ 89,600 and extension scholarships of R$ 50,000. Authorities highlighted the program’s role in bridging academic research and commercial markets, fostering a robust technological ecosystem.
In Paraíba, Minister of Science and Technology Luciana Santos visited the Ciquanta project, which is set to receive nearly R$ 150 million from both state and federal governments. This initiative focuses on advanced quantum computing research and aims to generate technological solutions across sectors such as health, industry, security, and defense. Santos emphasized that Ciquanta aligns with President Lula's vision to reduce regional inequalities through technology. The visit also included exploration of Paraíba’s Parque Tecnológico Horizontes de Inovação, showcasing coworking spaces, labs, and startup incubators.
Officials including Claudio Furtado, Secretary of Science and Technology in Paraíba, and Amilcar Queiroz, president of the state's research foundation, praised the federal partnership and ongoing programs such as Centelha and Technova for their impact in nurturing innovation. These efforts collectively reflect Brazil’s strategic investment in transforming ideas into businesses and expanding technological capabilities regionally.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
