Brazil's MCTI and Finep Announce R$100 Million Fund to Maintain Scientific Research Equipment
Brazil's MCTI and Finep unveil a R$100 million fund to maintain key research equipment, ensuring continuity of scientific infrastructure nationwide.
- • MCTI and Finep announced R$100 million for maintenance of research equipment.
- • Funds come from the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT).
- • Eligibility targets research units linked to MCTI and qualified social organizations.
- • Funding covers maintenance—not new purchases—of equipment valued at R$100,000 or more.
- • Proinfra program supports the sustainability of Brazil's research infrastructure.
Key details
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and the Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (Finep) have launched a public call to allocate R$100 million for the preventive and corrective maintenance of scientific research equipment linked to the ministry. This funding is provided through the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) and forms part of the Proinfra 2026 program, which focuses on the sustainability and enhancement of research infrastructure across Brazil.
The initiative targets laboratories, research centers, and strategic institutions vital for national development, aiming to ensure uninterrupted operations. Eligible applicants include research units connected to MCTI and qualified social organizations under management contracts with the ministry. Proposals must be submitted exclusively via Finep's Support and Financing Platform.
Projects can request funding to cover maintenance costs for up to 20 existing pieces of research equipment, each originally valued at R$100,000 or more. The funds are strictly for maintenance activities—such as recovering equipment, acquiring replacement parts, contracting specialized services, updating software, and other related expenses—and cannot be used for purchasing new equipment.
Evaluation criteria include the significance of the research activities, the potential impact of equipment downtime, availability (or lack) of alternative equipment, and the technical merit of the submission. Luciana Santos, the MCTI minister, underscored the importance of maintaining laboratory operations to protect previous public investments and to guarantee continuous knowledge production in Brazil.
Proinfra, funded by the FNDCT and administered by Finep, plays a critical role in strengthening the country's scientific infrastructure by supporting recovery, modernization, and expansion efforts. This initiative demonstrates the Brazilian government's commitment to fostering research and innovation capabilities in strategic economic and social sectors.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
