Brazil Boosts Science and Technology with Major Investments Across Northeast States

Brazil is witnessing a substantial surge in public investments directed at science, technology, and innovation, particularly focusing on reducing regional disparities in the Northeast. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) announced a significant allocation of R$ 150 million through the Programa Mais Inovação aimed at research and innovation development in the Northeast region. During a visit to Recife, Pernambuco, Minister Luciana Santos signed agreements with institutions such as Finep and Sebrae to expand public financing access for local businesses. This period marks a dramatic increase in MCTI investments in Pernambuco from R$ 320 million during 2019-2022 to R$ 1.1 billion projected for 2023-2025. Additionally, the 7th edition of the Mulheres Inovadoras program was launched to support female entrepreneurship in technology startups, offering R$ 3.6 million in prizes, an uplift from R$ 3.08 million previously.

In Bahia, the federal investment in research institutions has reached R$ 38 million, benefiting three universities (UFBA, UFRB, UEFS) and the Federal Institute of Bahia. These funds are geared towards strengthening local research capabilities, fostering innovation, and reducing Brazil's dependence on foreign entities. Furthermore, new public calls have been announced with a cumulative value of R$ 3.3 billion, targeting strategic sectors including biotechnology, digital industrial transformation, and energy transition. This push is also part of a broader strategy to counter anti-science movements and bridge longstanding funding inequalities especially for northeastern, northern, and central-west regions.

Meanwhile, the state government of Alagoas unveiled a dedicated R$ 105 million investment package to advance science and technology. The funding includes R$ 82 million from state resources and R$ 23 million from federal bodies such as Capes, CNPq, and FNDCT. This package encompasses scholarships worth R$ 67.6 million for master’s and doctoral programs over 2026-2030, plans to expand scientific initiation programs for high school and undergraduate students, and investments to bolster academic and research activities. State leaders and university officials acclaimed the initiative as vital for advancing knowledge production, fostering innovation, and boosting the state’s economic competitiveness.

These coordinated efforts across multiple states demonstrate Brazil’s commitment to enhancing scientific infrastructure, promoting innovation-led inclusive growth, and reducing regional inequalities in science and technology funding.