Espírito Santo Unveils Record R$300 Million Investment in Science and Innovation for 2026
The Espírito Santo government commits over R$300 million in science and innovation funding for 2026, launching 34 public calls and new programs supporting research, entrepreneurship, and regional development.
- • Espírito Santo to invest over R$300 million in Science, Technology, Innovation, and Extension in 2026.
- • 34 public calls announced, including 12 new initiatives targeting students, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
- • Key programs include Sandwich Doctorate Scholarships and Dr. Empreendedor Capixaba, with significant funding allocations.
- • Successful funded projects include SymbiosTech startup and an environmental analysis platform for the ornamental rock industry.
Key details
Espírito Santo's government has announced an unprecedented investment exceeding R$300 million in Science, Technology, Innovation, and Extension initiatives for 2026. The announcement came during an event hosted by the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) in Vitória, drawing scientists, entrepreneurs, and government officials.
This robust funding will launch 34 public calls throughout the year, including 12 new programs designed to benefit students, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Among these are innovative initiatives such as the Sandwich Doctorate Scholarships, with R$3 million for international exchanges; the Dr. Empreendedor Capixaba program, allocating R$10.6 million to support doctors transforming scientific knowledge into local businesses; the Genesis program, which invests R$4.5 million to encourage startups outside urban centers; and the Technological Extension initiative, backed with R$3 million to promote productive inclusion and regional development.
Rodrigo Varejão, Fapes' director-general, stressed that these investments will strengthen Espírito Santo's science and innovation ecosystem, supporting talent development and increasing the state's research visibility internationally. Jales Cardoso, state secretary for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Professional Education, highlighted the commitment to convert public resources into practical opportunities and socio-economic benefits for the population.
The event also showcased successful projects funded by Fapes, including SymbiosTech—a startup developing sustainable biological fertilizers—and a technological platform from Ifes for environmental analysis in the state's important ornamental rock sector, both gaining national and international recognition. This comprehensive funding package reflects Espírito Santo's strategic push to foster scientific careers, entrepreneurship, and regional advancement through empowered innovation.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
