Centelha 3 Launches in Rio de Janeiro with R$8.1 Million Funding to Boost Innovation
Rio de Janeiro's Centelha 3 program opens applications offering R$8.1 million to fuel innovation, fostering startups across emerging tech sectors with national-scale support.
- • Centelha 3 invests R$8.1 million in up to 47 innovative projects in Rio de Janeiro.
- • Applicants can receive R$128,000 plus R$45,500 in scholarships, with applications open until July 15, 2026.
- • The program supports individuals and micro/small businesses focusing on technologies like AI, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
- • Brazil will deploy one of the top ten AI supercomputers globally by 2027, enhancing the national innovation ecosystem.
Key details
The Centelha 3 program, spearheaded by Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and managed locally by Faperj, has officially launched its third phase in Rio de Janeiro, offering R$8.1 million to support innovative ideas and startups. Applications for the program are open until July 15, 2026, targeting individuals and micro or small businesses in Rio de Janeiro that have been operating for no longer than 12 months.
Up to 47 projects will be selected for funding, with each receiving R$128,000 plus an additional R$45,500 in scholarships provided by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). Projects will have a 12-month execution period to develop and implement their innovations. This initiative encourages early-stage entrepreneurship by offering both financial support and training, including a Pre-Centelha program in partnership with the Wadhwani Foundation.
Daniela Longobucco, Technology Director at Faperj, highlighted the successful impact of prior editions, noting that the previous phase attracted nearly 700 submissions from 52 municipalities, many focusing on cutting-edge fields such as Social Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Biotechnology, Genetics, and Nanotechnology. Importantly, 11 municipalities outside the Metropolitan Region participated, reflecting Centelha's commitment to decentralizing innovation and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems across different regions.
Daniel Almeida, Secretary of Technological Development and Innovation at MCTI, emphasized that Centelha 3 completes a national cycle of support that began in 2025, marking the first time the program has covered all states and the Federal District. He described this as a significant advancement in public policy designed to reduce regional inequalities and expand access to innovation resources, training, and networks throughout Brazil.
Complementing this innovation push, Brazil is set to host one of the world's top ten AI supercomputers by 2027, with an investment of approximately R$2 billion. Announced by Minister Luciana Santos, this supercomputer will bolster AI research and applications in sectors like agriculture, health, and climate, further strengthening Brazil's technological infrastructure and autonomy.
Through initiatives like Centelha 3 and investments in AI capabilities, Brazil continues to cultivate a robust innovation ecosystem aimed at empowering startups, reducing disparities, and positioning the country as a leader in emerging technologies.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
