Brazil Invests Over R$1 Billion to Boost Science and Technology Infrastructure, Maranhão Among Top State Investors
Brazil announces R$1 billion federal investment in science infrastructure alongside Maranhão's rapid growth in state science and technology funding.
- • MCTI and Finep announced R$1 billion investment for scientific infrastructure under Pró-Infra program.
- • Pró-Infra Expansão 2025 and Centros Temáticos calls offer R$500 million each for research and infrastructure projects.
- • Maranhão ranks third in Brazil for science and technology investments, increasing Fapema's budget from R$38 million to R$62 million.
- • New Maranhão initiatives include Tecnova III, Centelha III, and MarainTEC programs targeting innovation and youth qualification.
Key details
Brazil is advancing its commitment to science and technology with major investment initiatives at both the federal and state levels. On October 10, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) alongside Finep announced a R$1 billion funding package under the Pró-Infra program aimed at modernizing the country's scientific infrastructure. This investment is split between two calls for projects: Pró-Infra Expansão 2025 allocates R$500 million to public or private community science and technology institutes to enhance research facilities, acquire equipment, and develop engineering projects. The second call also offers R$500 million targeting six priority thematic areas such as sustainable agroindustrial chains, health, urban infrastructure, digital transformation, bioeconomy, and national sovereignty technologies.
MCTI Minister Luciana Santos highlighted that these unprecedented investments mark a significant step toward Brazil’s technological sovereignty and emphasized the crucial role of universities and research institutes in fostering competitiveness, inclusion, and modernization across all regions.
Meanwhile, Maranhão stands out as a leader at the state level, ranking third nationally in science and technology investment. Nordman Wall, president of the Maranhão Research Support Foundation (Fapema), revealed during the Education Commission meeting that Fapema’s budget jumped from R$38 million in 2023 to R$62 million in 2024. This funding surge supports ambitious programs under "Maranhão 2050," including Tecnova III (R$9.6 million), Centelha III (R$6 million), and MarainTEC (R$7 million), which focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth qualification. Fapema’s director, Cristiano Capovilla, also highlighted efforts to fund scholarships and research projects that engage youth and indigenous communities.
Legislators commended Fapema's impactful initiatives and the importance of collaboration between Maranhão’s Executive and Legislative branches to strengthen regional science and technology investments. Together, these coordinated efforts from federal and state levels reflect Brazil’s strategic drive to solidify its scientific infrastructure and foster sustained innovation and economic development nationwide.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.