ExpoT&C 2026 in Niterói Sets Record with 110,000 Visitors, Showcasing Brazil’s Scientific Innovation

The 78th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science (SBPC), held from July 26 to August 1, 2026, in Niterói, RJ, culminated in the ExpoT&C 2026 fair attracting a record 110,000 visitors. This attendance far exceeded expectations, with an average of 16,000 visitors daily, marking it as one of Brazil’s most significant national science events to date.

Organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) alongside key academic and business partners, ExpoT&C 2026 featured more than 1,100 exhibitors from 70 institutions. Showcasing cutting-edge scientific projects and technological innovations, the event underscored Brazil’s commitment to integrating research with socioeconomic development.

With the central theme "Science for All: Sovereignty, Development, and Inclusion," the event focused on democratizing knowledge and strengthening the ties between academic research, market demands, and public policy. Over the course of the week, more than 220 activities were hosted, including 60 conferences, 88 roundtables, and 60 professional training mini-courses. Key topics tackled included energy transition, technological sovereignty, artificial intelligence in industry, and long-term funding of disruptive innovations.

ExpoT&C 2026 also emphasized diversity and inclusion through dedicated spaces like SBPC Youth and SBPC Gender, promoting the inclusion of young talents and the popularization of traditional knowledge.

The significant engagement from exhibitors reflects a notable shift toward closer collaboration between public research and private business, facilitating technology transfer, partnerships, and investment opportunities. Leaders highlighted Brazil’s advancements in biotechnology and clean energy technologies while recognizing challenges in commercial scalability. They stressed the importance of continuous funding and decentralized innovation infrastructure to enhance Brazil’s global competitiveness.

The record attendance at ExpoT&C 2026 signals growing public enthusiasm for science and a maturing innovation ecosystem in Brazil. This event demonstrated that investment in research and development is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset essential for economic growth, job creation, and the country’s technological sovereignty moving forward.