Brazil Launches Multiple Startup Support Programs to Boost Innovation in Early 2026
Brazilian innovation hubs and universities have launched several startup support programs in early 2026 to promote entrepreneurship and international growth.
- • Porto Digital launched public calls selecting 120 startups for Pre-Incubation, Incubation, Pre-Acceleration, and Internationalization programs.
- • The Internationalization program targets companies with at least R$ 1 million annual revenue and includes a business round in Portugal.
- • Empreende UFC accepts innovation project proposals from university members until March 20, 2026, offering scholarships and support.
- • Programs aim to foster startup growth, innovation culture, and global market integration in Brazil.
Key details
In early 2026, Brazil is witnessing significant initiatives aimed at fostering innovative startups and entrepreneurial growth through university and governmental programs. Notably, Porto Digital in Pernambuco and the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) have launched comprehensive support schemes targeting startups at various development stages.
Porto Digital, a leading innovation hub in Recife hosting over 475 companies and generating annual revenues of R$ 6.2 billion, announced public calls to select 120 startups for a suite of programs including Pre-Incubation, Incubation, Pre-Acceleration, and Internationalization. These hybrid-format programs support enterprises from idea validation to international expansion. The Pre-Incubation program offers 50 spots over 14 weeks for early-stage projects without requiring formal registration. Incubation and Pre-Acceleration programs, lasting 14 and 12 weeks respectively, target tech companies with active CNPJ registrations and functional minimum viable products. The ten-month Internationalization program selects up to 10 companies with at least R$ 1 million annual recurring revenue for global market entry, culminating in a business round in Aveiro, Portugal. Significantly, Porto Digital provides a 50% subsidy for minority and low-income entrepreneurs, underscoring inclusiveness.
Simultaneously, the Programa Empreende UFC is accepting applications until March 20, 2026, inviting faculty, administrative staff, and students at UFC to submit proposals for innovative projects and startups. The program facilitates the granting of up to three scholarships over nine months for selected projects aiming to blend theoretical knowledge and practical entrepreneurial culture. Evaluation covers problem and market identification, solution and innovation, sustainability, and team structure. Proposals are segmented by undergraduate and graduate/faculty leaders, demanding teams of three to six members connected to UFC.
These programs represent proactive efforts by Brazilian institutions to nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems, linking innovation with market readiness and international ambitions. Pierre Lucena, president of Porto Digital, highlighted the strategic importance of enhancing Pernambuco’s innovation footprint worldwide through these initiatives.
With deadlines extending primarily to March 20, 2026, these offerings present timely opportunities for startups and innovators across Brazil to access mentorship, infrastructure, financial support, and global networks, aiming to propel Brazil's status as a thriving hub for technology and business development.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
