Centelha 3 Program in Alagoas to Accelerate Up to 47 Startups with Hub SENAI Support

The third edition of the Centelha program in Alagoas aims to transform innovative ideas into viable technology-based businesses. Applications for the first phase are open until July 17, inviting entrepreneurs with innovative concepts and startups less than a year old to participate. The program will provide both technical and financial support to up to 47 selected startups, injecting more than R$ 6 million in total funding, with approximately R$ 3.76 million allocated as economic subsidies.

Hub SENAI in Maceió has been designated as the acceleration center for the selected startups, offering crucial technical assistance throughout the program. This initiative is backed by Fapeal, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and other local industry bodies. The selection process comprises two eliminatory phases; initially, up to 200 ideas will advance, with detailed business modeling required in the second phase before final project selection.

According to João Vicente Lima, president of Fapeal, the collaboration between the supporting institutions is pivotal for driving innovation across various sectors in Alagoas. The state has made notable progress in Science, Technology, and Innovation (CT&I), investing R$ 335 million from 2015 to 2026 and launching 180 calls for proposals during this time, positioning it among the top-ranked regions nationally for graduate scholarships and innovation support.

The Centelha 3 program represents a significant opportunity to boost entrepreneurial innovation specifically tailored to the strategic economic sectors of Alagoas, with the combined efforts of governmental and industrial organizations fostering a supportive ecosystem for emerging startups.