Mato Grosso do Sul Launches Centelha 3 and MS Inova Mais to Boost Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Mato Grosso do Sul is advancing its commitment to entrepreneurship through science and innovation with the concurrent launch of two major programs: Centelha 3 and MS Inova Mais. These initiatives aim to strengthen the state's ecosystem by connecting research to market opportunities and fostering a sustainable development model.

Centelha 3, officially launched in Campo Grande on March 27, 2026, targets innovative entrepreneurs and startups under one year old, with the goal of attracting 1,000 participants statewide. The program offers economic subsidies of up to R$ 89.6 thousand per selected proposal, allocating a total of R$ 6.5 million to support up to 47 innovative projects. Cristiano Carvalho, president of Fundect, emphasized the importance of a broad submission pool to maximize impact. Ricardo Senna, executive secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation at Semadesc, highlighted how Centelha 3 aims to bridge the gap between academic research and market needs, turning university projects into viable businesses. The program is backed by partnerships with Sebrae MS, CRIE-MS, and educational institutions, illustrating a collaborative approach bolstering innovation throughout the state.

Simultaneously, the Mato Grosso do Sul government formalized the MS Inova Mais innovation program through Resolution Semadesc nº 160, setting a strategic agenda for 2024-2027 to position the state as inclusive, prosperous, green, and digital. The plan targets critical sectors such as agribusiness, biotechnology, renewable energy, health, biodiversity, and social technologies, aiming to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. Jaime Verruck, Secretary of Semadesc, described the program as a "significant institutional advancement" designed to integrate innovation with economic development. The program promotes a "triple helix" collaboration model, engaging government, universities, and the private sector, and reflects a remarkable over 700% increase in recent investments in science and technology.

Together, these programs represent a strategic push by Mato Grosso do Sul to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, emphasizing the conversion of scientific knowledge into economic value and sharing positive outcomes from previous Centelha editions. Both initiatives are poised to catalyze the state's innovation ecosystem by offering structured governance, funding instruments, and enhanced innovation environments such as incubators and technology parks.

Applications for Centelha 3 are open until May 11, 2026, inviting individuals with innovative ideas and young startups to apply. The MS Inova Mais program will coordinate integrated policies that accelerate regional development and competitiveness, positioning Mato Grosso do Sul as a pioneering hub in Brazil’s evolving economy.