Espírito Santo and Campos Strengthen Innovation Ecosystems with New State Plans and Startup Initiatives
Espírito Santo unveils a pioneering state innovation plan with substantial funding, while Campos showcases startups advancing local entrepreneurship at a major event.
- • Espírito Santo launched its first State Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation with over R$ 50 million in investments.
- • Governor Renato Casagrande highlighted the plan’s role in job creation and positioning the state as an innovation hub.
- • The Startup Campos program participated in Mostre-se, presenting innovative startups and promoting entrepreneurship.
- • Collaborations between education and technology secretariats in both regions aim to strengthen public policies fostering innovation.
Key details
In recent developments in Brazil’s state-level innovation and economic growth efforts, Espírito Santo and Campos have taken significant strides toward fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
On March 19, 2026, Espírito Santo launched its first-ever State Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (PCTI-ES), marking a milestone as the country’s pioneer in such comprehensive state planning. Developed collaboratively by government bodies including the Secretary of Science, Technology, Innovation and Professional Education (Secti), Fapes, and CGEE, this plan aims to position Espírito Santo as an innovation hub. Governor Renato Casagrande emphasized the initiative’s potential to attract startups and create jobs, underscoring innovation's critical role in economic development. The plan allocates over R$ 40 million for local innovation projects under "Nova Economia Capixaba 2026," alongside R$ 10.6 million dedicated to the "Dr. Empreendedor" program that supports PhD holders in commercializing scientific research. The launch event also celebrated 30 startups graduating from the Seedes program, further highlighting a vibrant startup ecosystem. The event concluded with actress Denise Fraga’s lecture on the importance of human relationships amid technological growth, adding a reflective dimension to the initiative.
Meanwhile, in Campos, the Startup Campos program participated in the 11th edition of the Mostre-se event at the Instituto Federal Fluminense’s Campos Centro campus. This event emphasized entrepreneurship and professional training while facilitating dynamic connections between students, businesses, and institutions. TEC Campos showcased innovative startups such as Zé Empresta, Neuropassos, Colpo Scanner, and ChoqueVivo, offering solutions ranging from fintech services to AI-based healthcare and agricultural safety monitoring. Adriana Crespo from the Subsecretariat of Science and Technology highlighted how demonstrating projects at Mostre-se bridges the gap between innovation and the public, illustrating the transformation of ideas into viable businesses. Advisor Túlio Baita noted the fair provided a platform to highlight innovative business models and technologies. This collaboration with the municipal education and technology secretariat strengthens public policies aiming to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and technology in Campos.
Together, these initiatives from Espírito Santo and Campos exemplify Brazil’s growing commitment at state and municipal levels to stimulate innovation-driven economic development, creating pathways for startups, research commercialization, and inclusive growth in science and technology sectors.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
