Brazil Advances Science and Technology Development with Government Initiatives and Regional Innovation Plans

Brazil is making significant strides in strengthening its science and technology ecosystem through focused government-led initiatives and regional strategic planning. Luciana Santos, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted national efforts to reverse the brain drain among Brazilian scientists and foster technological sovereignty. Over 2,500 scientists from 56 countries have expressed interest in returning or collaborating with Brazil, reflecting rising international engagement. Central to these efforts is the 'Conhecimento Brasil' program, managed by the CNPq, which has approved hundreds of projects aimed at attracting talent and encouraging international cooperation.

From 2023 to 2026, a notable public investment of R$ 53 billion, overseen through the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development, has been critical in maintaining continuous research funding and enhancing university and research institute capacities. The government seeks to reduce dependence on technology imports, pursuing sovereignty particularly in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. A R$ 5 billion initiative with BNDES plans to boost the domestic processing of strategic minerals, while the development of a Brazilian AI platform, SoberanIA, and a new supercomputer in Macaíba are underway, supported by an estimated R$ 25 billion investment over five years. Efforts to produce essential medical isotopes domestically also aim to achieve self-sufficiency and export capacity within seven years. To consolidate these advances, a comprehensive five-year plan is being prepared.

In parallel, the southern state of Santa Catarina is engaging in regional discussions to identify the challenges and priorities of its science, technology, and innovation (CTI) ecosystem. The 8th State Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (CECTI) is facilitating collaboration between education leaders, local governments, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Regional events across Santa Catarina’s six mesoregions are gathering insights to shape the State Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation for 2026-2028. The conference emphasizes a long-term vision focused on sustainable energy transitions and leveraging CTI to foster regional socioeconomic development.

Such coordinated efforts at both national and regional levels illustrate Brazil’s commitment to revitalizing its scientific community, bolstering innovation capacity, and securing technological independence across key industries.