Brazil Advances Science and Innovation with New Decrees and State Council Formation
Brazil boosts science and innovation funding with new decrees increasing Finep capital and structuring FNDCT resources, while Tocantins establishes a new State Council for Science and Technology to enhance governance.
- • Brazil issues decrees increasing Finep capital by R$ 3.5 billion to fund long-term projects.
- • Resources from FNDCT organized to expand credit for innovation financing.
- • An interministerial council and annual plan will align investments with national priorities.
- • Tocantins establishes State Council of Science and Technology to improve regional science governance.
Key details
The Brazilian government has issued two significant decrees designed to enhance public financing and governance structures supporting science and innovation. On April 1, 2026, the decrees formalized an expansion in funding mechanisms, as well as measures to improve the strategic direction and impact of investments in research and technological development.
Decree nº 12.912/2026 authorizes an increase of R$ 3.5 billion in the capital of the Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (Finep), Brazil's key agency for funding long-term research and technological innovation projects. This increase is expected to promote advancements across critical sectors such as health, energy, and digital transformation. Additionally, Decree nº 12.913/2026 earmarks resources from the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) for credit operations, expanding financing access for companies and scientific institutions.
To ensure these funds align with national priorities—covering productivity improvements and reducing regional inequalities—a new annual application plan will be overseen by an interministerial council. Updated FNDCT legislation could mobilize an additional R$ 30 billion in investments by 2028, supplementing the projected budget of R$ 14.7 billion in 2025. These efforts aim to foster new drug development, modernize production chains, advance sustainable technologies, and develop digital solutions for the population.
Meanwhile, at the state level, Tocantins has made notable progress by establishing its State Council of Science and Technology (Cect). Appointed members convened for the first time on October 31, 2025, under the framework of Law No. 4,504, linking the council to the Foundation for Research Support of Tocantins (Fapt). The Cect includes representatives from government, universities such as the Federal University of Tocantins, the Federal Institute of Tocantins, and the productive sector, including Fieto and Sebrae.
During their inaugural meeting, the council approved internal regulations and took on responsibilities such as approving the annual budget of the State Fund for Science and Technology (Fect). Adriano de Moraes, president of Fapt, stressed the importance of collaborative governance among government bodies, academia, and industry to ensure science and innovation policies meet regional needs effectively.
Minister Luciana Santos emphasized that these measures will strengthen Brazil’s capacity to translate scientific knowledge into socio-economic development opportunities, ultimately connecting science to everyday life across the country.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
